Bloody phone, I did type voltec

 

From memory flashing red is earth fault so I'd be checking my socket for loose connections after making it all safe of course.

 

Try another socket.
My granny charger stopped working some time ago and eventually I decided to cut the bugger open to take a look.
They are fully welded so the blade is the only way in.
It all looked OK inside so I plugged it in and typically, worked straight away and has done since.
All back together now with the marvelous gorilla glue.

 

It appears that somehow the box is flooded. We pulled the seals at one end and water did seep out. It's currently sat in the airing cupboard drying out. I think I might need a spare, just in case this one is dead...

 

It may dry out OK. I had a totally flooded control box under the passenger seat in previous car, it contained various circuits for the central locking, electric windows, alarm etc. Once I'd cleaned all the PCBs and dried the lot in an airing cupboard for 24 hours it all went back together and worked perfectly. If you could open it that would help, but from Russ's comment above it doesn't sound easy.

The first 10 days or so I had my Ampera I charged with the Voltec charger, which was sat outside on concrete so the lead would reach. I propped it up on 2 small wooden blocks and covered it with a plastic storage box, weighted down with a brick, which kept it nice and dry when it rained.

Hope it works again soon!

 

Success!!! After a day and a half basking in the warmth of the airing cupboard we have a car charging slowly.

Many thanks to you all.

 

@Fatbloke does your granny charger have orange or black cables?

I had the orange cabled one originally and the 13A plug cable had pulled out leaving a way in for water and the connections will get strained. Vauxhall replaced it for a black leaded one which is far better designed.
If yours is orange cabled, I would expect the moisture to have got in via the poor cable seals.

 

Mine's black but that's most probably the way in for the water.

You might want to consider a proper wall charger while the grants are available. IMO most "granny" chargers aren't a great solution for long term, outdoor charging. Also at 10A max are slow to top up if you get home flat and want to go out again.

I might just look into that. I wasn't aware the Ampera could charge much quicker. It'd be good to have a proper box, although the front wall is much thicker than usual and granite, so drilling that will be entertaining. What are the charging times from a wall box?

 

You might want to consider a proper wall charger while the grants are available. IMO most "granny" chargers aren't a great solution for long term, outdoor charging. Also at 10A max are slow to top up if you get home flat and want to go out again.

 

Sounds good, although I haven't worked out how to pre-condition yet. Mostly because of posts saying it's not effective off the granny block. I can definitely see benefits of the investment.

 

Sounds good, although I haven't worked out how to pre-condition yet

As we don't have OnStar on Ampera you have to use key. Useful video at this link

 

ChargedEV have one of the lowest prices if your install is simple. They often do £50 off offers too. 32A is probably worth extra for future proof.

Electric Vehicle Chargers At Home Nationwide | EV Chargepoints from £99

 

Just remember to put the climate up if you have been trying to eke out the leccy range. On one or two occasions I have gone out to find the car nicely warmed up to 16c.

 

It'd be good to have a proper box, although the front wall is much thicker than usual and granite, so drilling that will be entertaining.

My Rolec is fitted on the front wall, which is brick. He only drilled there to mount the box, the cable goes through the side wall near the fusebox then runs along outside the house, low down on the wall. The fitter had a very hefty drill which went through my outer brick and inner cinder block wall with ease, I'm sure they'd get through the granite but it will take longer and ear-defenders would be recommended!

I also had a 32 amp unit fitted and bought a 32 amp charging lead for a bit of future-proofing.

 

Only really future proof if your next car is type 2 to type 1.. Unless you mean another lead

Also @Fatbloke. Go for an Untethered unit - this just has a socket and not a hard wired cable. If you need a cheap 16A type 2 to type 1 cable ( they are around £125 new) then PM me. When my Ampera goes back i'll be passing it on.

 

Having tried preconditioning for a few mornings, I can see why it's said once you've done it you'll not turn back.

I'm looking into charging options and checking the install requirements. Hopefully the voltec will 'retire' into the boot soon.

Thanks all for advice and offers.

@Pcoventry, you may well get a pm.

 

excellent!