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Tesla CHG_u005

Unable to charge - Charge station not powered Check power source or try a different station

Common search variants: CHGu005 · CHG-u005 · CHG u005 · Search ignores case and common separators.

DriveNot yet established by verified evidence.
ChargeThe verified evidence states that charging cannot begin at the affected charging station. Whether charging is possible at another station is not guaranteed, although Tesla instructs the driver to try a different station.
ServiceNot yet established by verified evidence.
Confidence95%

Quick answer

CHG_u005 means charging cannot begin because the charging equipment is not ready. The vehicle detects a charge handle, but the charging station is not communicating with the vehicle. Tesla’s alert instructs the driver to check the power source or try a different station.

This page separates verified manufacturer/regulator evidence from supporting material. Unsupported causes, repairs or safety conclusions are not guessed.

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1. What does CHG_u005 mean?

CHG_u005 means charging cannot begin because the charging equipment is not ready. The vehicle detects a charge handle, but the charging station is not communicating with the vehicle. Tesla’s alert instructs the driver to check the power source or try a different station.

2. Technical explanation

Verified Tesla documentation submitted to NHTSA states that this alert occurs when a charge handle is detected but the charging station is not communicating with the vehicle. The alert is titled: “Unable to charge - Charge station not powered Check power source or try a different station.”

3. What system is affected?

External charging equipment and its communication with the vehicle. A vehicle-system fault is not established by the verified evidence.

4. How serious is this code?

Unknown. Severity is not provided in the verified diagnostic record.

5. Symptoms you may notice

  • Charging cannot begin.
  • A charge handle is detected.
  • The charging station is not communicating with the vehicle.

6. Possible causes

  • The charging station is not powered.
  • The charging equipment is not ready.

7. Can I still drive the vehicle?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

8. Can I charge the vehicle?

The verified evidence states that charging cannot begin at the affected charging station. Whether charging is possible at another station is not guaranteed, although Tesla instructs the driver to try a different station.

9. What you can safely do

  • Check the charging station’s power source.
  • Try a different charging station.
  • For Mobile Connector or Wall Connector status-light troubleshooting, refer to the applicable product Owner’s Manual at Tesla Charging & Adapter Product Guides.

10. Step-by-step troubleshooting

  1. Confirm whether the charging station has power.
  2. Try charging at a different station.
  3. Consult the applicable Tesla Mobile Connector or Wall Connector Owner’s Manual for status-light troubleshooting.

11. When to contact service

Not yet established by verified evidence.

12. What the service center may check

  • Not yet established by verified evidence.

13. Possible repair or resolution

  • Not yet established by verified evidence.

14. Affected vehicles

15. Related TSBs / service bulletins

  • NHTSA Manufacturer Communication PDF 10253660: Index381, published March 26, 2024. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2024/MC-10253660-9999.pdf
  • NHTSA Manufacturer Communication PDF 10253658: Index373, published March 26, 2024. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2024/MC-10253658-9999.pdf
  • NHTSA Manufacturer Communication PDF 10250483: ManualC, published December 1, 2023. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2023/MC-10250483-9999.pdf
  • NHTSA Manufacturer Communication PDF 10250482: ManualB, published December 1, 2023. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2023/MC-10250482-9999.pdf

16. Recall information

  • Not yet established by verified evidence.

17. Official manufacturer information

Verified applicability is for US Tesla Model 3 model years 2017–2023; Model S model years 2012–2023; and Model X model years 2016–2023. Verified source material is Tesla manufacturer communication filed with NHTSA. The diagnostic record was last verified September 23, 2026.

19. Frequently asked questions

What does Tesla alert CHG_u005 mean?

It means charging cannot begin because the charging equipment is not ready. A charge handle is detected, but the charging station is not communicating with the vehicle.

What should I do when CHG_u005 appears?

Tesla’s verified instruction is to check the power source or try a different station. For Mobile Connector or Wall Connector status lights, consult the applicable product Owner’s Manual.

Does CHG_u005 confirm that the vehicle is faulty?

No. The verified evidence identifies the charging equipment and its communication with the vehicle; it does not establish a vehicle-system fault.

Is it safe to drive with CHG_u005?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

20. Sources & verification

Verified
Show all 24 verified sources
Tesla CHG_u005: Unable to charge - Charge station not powered Check… | EV Diagnostics