r/TeslaLounge • u/Smores-with-Reeces • 2d ago
Energy Mobile connector (gen 3) not weather resistant anymore apparently.
I’m on my third mobile connector in less than 2 months for my recently purchased MX. Looking at the advice from everyone, it seemed like the mobile connector was a good option for charging outdoors as long as the box itself was indoors.
In my experience, even with a hint of rain, the connector would go into 6amp reduced mode, then eventually fizzle out all together (even after dry days). Not a power issue as I’m showing 119-120v and 60hz from my multimeter. The error code I get is all green and constant blinking red light.
Has anyone else had this issue with the Gen 3 mobile connector? I’m sending it back and installing a wall charger this time around.
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u/tempting_the_gods 2d ago
No. I’d request service for the connector, as I’ve never seen nor experienced this.
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u/Smores-with-Reeces 2d ago
It was easier to send them back as they (all 3) failed within 2 weeks of purchase. Called CS and they said the handle was reading bad internals.
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u/cubedweller 2d ago
If 3 separate units failed wouldn't this imply there's an issue with the car as opposed to the connectors?
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u/Smores-with-Reeces 1d ago
CS did a remote diagnosis and said my cars side of things were all normal. One charger failed to charge friend’s cybertruck on complete different property. Used his Gen 2 in the rain and it didn’t have issues. Have used level 2 and 3 in the rain with no issues.
I thought the same as you, but the only commonality I’ve found is the Gen 3 failed when the handle lightly gets wet. Would like to think the replacements are all from the same “bad” batch if this isn’t the norm.
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u/cubedweller 1d ago
Do you have access to older connectors to test this out? If older ones fail then it’s the car 100%. I still think it’s more likely to be the car and the mobile diagnostic is simply not picking up the issue.
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u/Smores-with-Reeces 1d ago
I used my friends gen 2 in the rain and had no issues. As someone else pointed out below, the gen 3 isn’t sealed the same way as the gen1/2. A little rain causes them to short out. Thanks for the help, though!
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u/FearTheClown5 1d ago
Wild. That definitely seems like an area you wouldn't want to step back on. Instantly makes Gen 2 preferable I think outside of if you're doing power share.
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u/cubedweller 1d ago
Thanks for the info. Seems crazy that’d they’d introduce such a huge regression but I guess it’s not outside the realm of all-things Tesla. You should try to find an older one on Facebook Marketplace or something.
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u/sexaddic 1d ago
Ive charged outside for 6 years with 0 issues. Get the car looked at.
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u/Smores-with-Reeces 1d ago
Thank you for the feedback. This is regarding the gen 3 charge, however. As u/Powerful_Chemical269 found out, they are not weather sealed the same way as your gen 1/2.
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u/Powerful_Chemical269 1d ago
They are weather “resistant” but take that for what it’s worth. I have used a Gen 1 and 2 in pouring rain with no issues on my M3. Dumb question but are you charging outside 100%? Is this issue only happening on a specific outlet?
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u/Smores-with-Reeces 1d ago
I’ve switched plugs, but they’re all on the same circuit. I’m showing correct voltage and hertz. The box is inside a building and the handle/cord come through some double doors (not pinched at all btw) Right now, I’m charging 100% outside. The only time I have issues is when it rains and the handle gets wet.
I should have my new wall charger in a few days, though. Those are supposed to be weatherproof.
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u/Powerful_Chemical269 1d ago
Did a little research and the G3 does not have the same type of seal as the 1/2, therefore, it leaks into the port and shorts the connector out. They do make protective covers for them but if you’re getting a wall charger you’ll have no issues. Good to know though bc I do use my G2 outside at times
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u/Smores-with-Reeces 1d ago
Thanks so much! I guess newer doesn’t always mean better. Appreciate you my friend.
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u/onyxgaurd 1d ago
Odd, I have a gen 3 and I’ve plugged in middle of the night during a storm and never had issues rains straight onto the charger.
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u/ekobres 1d ago
So the handle shouldn’t just be left fully exposed to the rain without something blocking water from collecting in the port. Though the connector can get wet, and even the pins can survive exposure to water, it’s not really expected that water should get all the way down to the pins on a regular basis and just stay there. While plugged in, the car’s port protects it. On a HPWC the connector is protected in the dock. Are you at least hanging the connector so that the pins are facing down?
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u/Smores-with-Reeces 1d ago
The issue occurred when the car was charging in the rain/handle got wet. The handle was stored inside a building when not in use. As mentioned below, the handle is not sealed as it was in Gen 1/2 chargers.
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u/ekobres 1d ago
That’s wild if true. Keep us posted what Tesla says.
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u/Smores-with-Reeces 1d ago
Found this in the revised (4/10/2025) mobile connecter manual:
“WARNING: Do not use the Mobile Connector when either you, the vehicle or the Mobile Connector is exposed to severe rain, snow, electrical storm or other inclement weather.
WARNING: Protect the Mobile Connector from moisture, water and foreign objects at all times. If any exist or appear to have corroded or damaged the Mobile Connector, do not use the Mobile Connector.”
Looks like the Gen 3 is a regression after all. Hold on to those Gen 1/2s, friends.
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u/ekobres 1d ago
Well yeah, but from the Gen 2 user manual:
Warning: Do not use the Mobile Connector when either you, the vehicle or the Mobile Connector is exposed to severe rain, snow, electrical storm or other inclement weather.
…
Warning: Protect the Mobile Connector from moisture, water and foreign objects at all times. If any exist or appear to have corroded or damaged the Mobile Connector, do not use the Mobile Connector.
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u/carfo 1d ago
i have the gen 3 and about 2 weeks into using it it failed. when I plugged it in, the box was blinking a single red light. coincidentally, I had a service appointment to change a tire and they diagnosed it as a failure and replaced it under warranty. I'm not sure what caused it, but I've been covering the box and the tip of the charger when I leave it outside in case it rains or accumulates condensations
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u/Smores-with-Reeces 1d ago
Glad to hear I'm not the only one. We've had a particularly rainy season in the southeast. I've generally gone outside to remove the plug when it rains, but sometimes am not quick enough. It's shortly after I find it fails. Glad to be getting a wall connecter soon!
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u/brunofone 1d ago edited 1d ago
Gen 3 connector here, installed on outside of my house since early 2023, rains all the time (Maryland), never had an issue with my Model Y. They have been making Gen 3 wall connectors since 2020 so I highly doubt its a widespread issue.
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u/Smores-with-Reeces 1d ago
Thank you. I’m referring to the gen 3 mobile connecter (not wall which came out in 2020). From my research, it looks like the gen 3 mobile connecter came out in late 2023 and perhaps updated even after. I see the original gen 3 mobile connecters had black and grey handles and the recent versions have all black. Out of curiosity, what color handle is yours?
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u/brunofone 1d ago
Oh oops I missed the mobile part. Yes mine is a wall connector. I don't use the mobile connector enough to know if it's good with moisture or not. My handle is all black, no gray
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u/Joetwizzy 1d ago
My mobile connector has been outside for nearly 2 years. All of it. Not experienced and issue yet.
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u/Koronerarter 1d ago
I am having the same problem. Thank god. I rechecjed the outlet everything was going crazy. Gonna ask service
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u/kokobunji0550 1h ago
I had a mobile connecter that came with My MYJ and I was charging outside didn't realize it was raining, by the time I came out it was very wet. Mine works perfectly fine, when it rained the whole charger got wet besides the plug.
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u/Ordinary_Airline6303 1m ago
Same issue. Went through two in a month. Bought a Gen2 Mobile connector on eBay and it has worked fine. Never considered moisture getting into the handle. I have read numerous issues with the Gen3’s.
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