How to test a TeslaTap mini?

[56huck]

I’ve had a TeslaTap mini since I got my R1S in June ‘23. Both of my sons have Teslas so I used it many times at their houses and also several times at Tesla destination chargers at hotels.
This last weekend we used my son’s Tesla charger and everything worked as usual. The next time I tried to use it the charger clicked loudly a couple times then disengaged and the Rivian had a red light next to the charger port.
I don’t know if the problem is with his charger (but it still works with his Tesla), the TeslaTap mini, or my Rivian. My Rivian charged fine with my (non Tesla) charger at home
Is there a way to test the TeslaTap to see if it’s broken? My TeslaTap is now out of its 1-year warranty. If it’s failed, I probably wouldn’t get another one as they are more expensive than most of the other options.

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[Dave Cundiff]

Try your TeslaTap Mini with a different NACS charger and a different vehicle, @56huck. If the TeslaTap Mini works then, it's probably good. If it doesn't work then, it's probably bad.

For troubleshooting, call TeslaTap Customer Service at (805) 886-5213 or via Web site http://www.umc-j1772.com/ . As far as I've seen, these folks always try to make things right for the customer. Both of our TeslaTaps have been consistently flawless, though, so my direct experience with their troubleshooting is zero.

Very best wishes!

 

[Shaggy]

I’ve had a TeslaTap mini since I got my R1S in June ‘23. Both of my sons have Teslas so I used it many times at their houses and also several times at Tesla destination chargers at hotels.
This last weekend we used my son’s Tesla charger and everything worked as usual. The next time I tried to use it the charger clicked loudly a couple times then disengaged and the Rivian had a red light next to the charger port.
I don’t know if the problem is with his charger (but it still works with his Tesla), the TeslaTap mini, or my Rivian. My Rivian charged fine with my (non Tesla) charger at home
Is there a way to test the TeslaTap to see if it’s broken? My TeslaTap is now out of its 1-year warranty. If it’s failed, I probably wouldn’t get another one as they are more expensive than most of the other options.

I have a Tesla Tap mini that just failed recently. Same situation as you. Charger worked fine with the Tesla, but stopped charging the Rivian (red light) with the Tesla Tap mini. The Rivian charged fine elsewhere.

I tried the remedies recommended by Tesla Tap (oven on low heat to remove moisture) to no avail. Mine was still under warranty so they took it back and fixed it with no issue. With that said, I had to pay for shipping (both ways!) which was double what the new adapter that I bought to bridge the gap cost. Like you, given that they cost almost 10x what other ones cost, I have a tough time recommending them.

 

[Scottm]

I have a Tesla Tap mini that just failed recently. Same situation as you. Charger worked fine with the Tesla, but stopped charging the Rivian (red light) with the Tesla Tap mini. The Rivian charged fine elsewhere.

I tried the remedies recommended by Tesla Tap (oven on low heat to remove moisture) to no avail. Mine was still under warranty so they took it back and fixed it with no issue. With that said, I had to pay for shipping (both ways!) which was double what the new adapter that I bought to bridge the gap cost. Like you, given that they cost almost 10x what other ones cost, I have a tough time recommending them.

I had this exact same experience. It has worked since the replacement but if it breaks again i will go with another brand now that there are a lot more options.

 

[56huck]

Update:
Through trial and error, I concluded the problem was with the Tesla Tap. I called them (thanks, Dave for the number) and they said the most common problem is the Tesla Tap get moisture inside. It was raining when I last used it. Their recorded message said to out in an oven between 150 and 175 for 6-hrs. I did this and it still didn’t work. I called their customer service and they suggested to put it in the oven for another 6hrs, and if that didn’t fix it send it to them and they would repair it for an estimated $50, plus shipping. I put it back in the oven for 6 more hours. Now it appears to be working normally. Problem solved.

 

[Kidentist]

Oh crap, I also bought one (just in case) but have not had a chance to use it. Guess I better find a friend with a L2 Tesla wall charger...... ?

 

[56huck]

Oh crap, I also bought one (just in case) but have not had a chance to use it. Guess I better find a friend with a L2 Tesla wall charger...... ?

Just don’t get it wet and you’ll probably be fine. They said moisture isn’t a problem when plugged in, but moisture will get in if the Tesla tap is left plugged into the Tesla charger when not in use.

 

[KBabione]

It's good information - Thank you. I've used my TeslaTap Mini 80 a couple of times, but never in the rain. Of course, you're not going to know if it works or not until you go to use it (and probably need to use it), so the moral of this story is to keep it dry.

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