P0CFA

What it means

P0CFA means the charge control module saw the control pilot signal, or the charging switch circuit that works with it, reading lower than expected. The control pilot is the signalling line between the charging equipment and the vehicle. It tells the car that a charger is connected, what current is available and when charging may start. The exact switch arrangement and voltage thresholds depend on the make and model.

Symptoms

• Vehicle will not start charging, or charging stops soon after it begins
• Charge port light or dashboard shows a charging fault
• Charging works on one charge point but not on another
• Charging only works intermittently or when the cable is moved
• Charge cable stays locked in the port or will not lock
• Warning lamp on, with reduced or unavailable plug-in charging

Possible causes

• Damaged, dirty, corroded or wet terminals in the charge inlet or charging connectorlikely
• Wiring fault in the control pilot circuit, such as a short to ground, chafing or water ingresslikely
• Faulty or damaged charging cable or charge point supplying a low or incorrect pilot signalpossible
• Poor connection at the charge control module or onboard charger connectorpossible
• Faulty charging switch or charge inlet assemblypossible
• Internal fault in the charge control module or onboard chargerrare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored and pending codes and the freeze frame data, and note whether other charging or high voltage codes are present.
2. Try a different charging cable and charge point to find out whether the fault follows the equipment or the vehicle.
3. Inspect the charge inlet and connector for bent, burnt, corroded or contaminated pins, water, debris and a damaged latch.
4. Check the wiring and connectors between the charge inlet and the charge control module for chafing, water ingress, pushed-out pins and signs of repair.
5. Following the manufacturer's procedure, measure the control pilot signal at the vehicle side with the cable connected and compare it with the specification for that model.
6. Check the circuit for a short to ground and for resistance, with the connectors disconnected and the vehicle in the state the manufacturer specifies.
7. Check the supply, ground and communication to the charge control module, and look for relevant service bulletins or software updates for that model.
8. Any work near high voltage components must follow the manufacturer's isolation procedure and be done by someone trained in it.

How to fix

• Clean or replace a contaminated or damaged charge inlet or its terminals, and dry out and seal against water ingress.
• Repair or replace damaged control pilot wiring and connectors, and secure the loom against chafing.
• Replace a faulty charging cable or have the charge point repaired if it is supplying a faulty signal.
• Reseat or repair loose or pushed-out connector pins at the charge control module and onboard charger.
• Replace the charge inlet assembly or charging switch if testing confirms it is faulty.
• Replace or update the charge control module only if testing confirms a fault and the manufacturer specifies it, then clear the code and confirm a full charge cycle.

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P0CF9GenericControl Pilot Charging Switch A Range/Performance
• P0CFBGenericControl Pilot Charging Switch A Circuit High