My Lectron Vortex NHTSA recall replacement adapter is very hard to disconnect!

[@Crazypostman]

I finally got them separated by using both of my thumbs to press down on the release and someone else pulling. (literally took all afternoon of trying) now it's starting to loosen up a little and I can get it on and off by myself but it still definitely too tight. There has to be something wrong with my NACS latch This can't be this hard on purpose. Other people have messaged me and said their replacements are working so maybe this is just a one-off fluke hopefully.

[@robertl2655]

Got mine yesterday, have the same issue. It worked okay at a supercharger, then it got stuck. Not as stuck as yours, (It only took several tries to free it) but enough to make me give up on it. I cannot be dealing with that sort of unreliability outside in the elements at a Supercharger.

[@Crazypostman]

@@robertl2655 It's easiest if you try to remove the supercharger handle first, That gives you more leverage. (You may have done it that way I don't know) seems like they may have overcompensated and made these a bit too tight.

[@williamelkington5430]

Thanks very much for this important video! Sorry you're having so much trouble getting an adapter that works safely and effectively. Update: I took delivery of my Lectron adapter last week and just tried it out this morning (June 8th) at a Tesla supercharger. The adapter wouldn't let the Tesla nozzle go. I and two other men tried to pry it loose, following the Lectron instructions. We worked on it together for about 20 minutes. We tried dozens of times. The two guys that tried to help are much younger and stronger than I am. Nothing we did worked. I left the adapter attached to the Tesla nozzle and drove away. I emailed Lectron about the problem, and of course they asked me to follow the directions: 1. leave the adapter plugged into the car; 2. terminate the charging session; 3. leave the adapter plugged into the car; 4. push the Tesla nozzle into the adapter; 5. press the nozzle unlatching trigger on the adapter; 6. remove the Tesla nozzle; 7. then remove the adapter from the car. I told them I did push the nozzle in and pressed the unlatching trigger, many times. They told me again to follow the instructions. I told them I did, many times. I asked them to send me an adapter that works. I also asked them to send a technician to the Tesla supercharger where I left the adapter to remove it, observing that there was surveillance video of me leaving their adapter there. This, I further said, is disabling one of the dispensers and thereby reducing the number of usable (revenue generating) dispensers by one (at least for Tesla vehicles)--not a good thing. Lectron replied by saying that they are sending me a new adapter. They didn't say they are sending a technician.

[@debanderson8210]

Same thing happened to me yesterday. Adapter got stuck. Luckily, my husband was with me. I don’t know what I would have done without his help. We could not remove the Tesla portion from the adapter at all. I panicked because I spent over $200 for this adapter and I couldn’t remove it from the Tesla supercharger. Eventually, I called Tesla support to let them know that my adapter was stuck at one of their charging ports. In the meantime, while my husband was trying to wrangle the adapter off of the charger, I called Tesla support and the guy was terrific and helped me try many things to get it off, but it just didn’t work. Eventually, he called roadside service, but he was in the act. My husband was able to free our adapter from the charger and we didn’t have to have roadside service come. This was , a real eye-opener and I was very worried and disappointed. I want to take some road trips but now I’m afraid I won’t be able to remove it, therefore I will be reaching out to Lectron and letting them know - hey buddy, this doesn’t work and I need a replacement. I’m afraid to get a replacement because I might get another lemon.

[@Crazypostman]

Certainly contact them and make them get you one that works correctly! You paid $200 for this They need to get it right! I like the Lectron design the best I sure wish they would get the sizing fixed!

[@scottb5733]

Mine would not release either. Used a C-clamp to depress the lower latch pin lever and it finally let go. Silly me, I reinserted the Tesla plug and it stuck again! Using the C-clamp again ultimately allowed the plug to release. Now, when I view the inside of the adapter with the lower lever depressed, the locking pin looks like it all but disappears into its hole. There appears to be no reason why the Tesla plug has trouble releasing. Others have said the unit functions as it should after repeated use. We will see. Until the a c-clamp will be my travel companion.

[@mnbdysl]

Same issue here. Had to leave the adapter at a Tesla SC in Auburn, CA, to continue my trip. I was sweating for over an hour trying to pull it off. Gave up and attached a note, and immediately emailed Lectron about the issue.

[@JoelIvoryJohnson]

I almost left mine the first time I plugged it in. It took 20m to get it unplugged. I emailed electron, and they told me I had to press in on the NACS before pressing the release lever. I tried that, and it worked. While watching TV, I casually went through several cycles of attaching and removing a NACS adapter. Afterward, the resistance was more reasonable. I went back to a super charger and was able to reasonably disconnect it. All the same, I do think they overcorrected.

[@Crazypostman]

Mine slowly loosened up as well. It doesn't get stuck anymore after about the fifth or sixth time. I can get it off without help.

[@JoelIvoryJohnson]

@@Crazypostman - yeah, I couldn't make my video demonstrating how hard it was because when I had unknowingly loosened it. But I won't complain that it got better with time. At this point, I remove it with one hand. There is resistance, but some resistence is good. Death-grip resistence is not. I'm sufficiently content with the adapter now. But I would give a warning to anyone seeking to get one.

[@OlsenAaron]

So had my adventure this morning June 30, 2024. My Vortex plug showed up on Friday June 28 (finally). So went to my local supercharger station to test and everything worked perfect, plug and charge handshake on my Mach E was less than 20 seconds. Had a great fast charge and then went to leave. Could not get the NACS cable out of the adapter, tried for 20 minutes (twice as long as my charge test time where I gained 100KM of range in 10 min) I am not a little guy and this was crazy. Finally called my wife and she brought over a large set of pump plyers, NACS cable came out easy. I then popped over to Princess Auto and purchased a set of welding vice grips got them set up just right and the cable just pops right out. After doing this 3 times with the vice grips it appears I no longer need them as the switch has loosened up enough I can press the switch with one thumb and pull the cable out easy. For piece of mind those vice grips now live in the Mach E.

[@Crazypostman]

I'm glad you got it separated. Some people have just had to abandon their $200 adapter. That's the same thing that happened to me the first time it was stuck stuck, and then subsequent times it became easier every time. Now it comes off pretty much normally every time.

[@Crazypostman]

I finally got them separated by using both of my thumbs to press down on the release and someone else pulling. (literally took all afternoon of trying) now it's starting to loosen up a little and I can get it on and off by myself but it still definitely too tight. There has to be something wrong with my NACS latch This can't be this hard on purpose. Other people have messaged me and said their replacements are working so maybe this is just a one-off fluke hopefully. Also I should say Lectron's official instructions show removing the NACS connection with the adapter in the vehicle. That is supposed to make it easier to get the NACS connection in and out if the adapter is already in the vehicle. So if your adapter is not releasing properly like mine, try removing the supercharger handle first before removing the adapter from your car.

[@BigDaddyInKS]

I went and retested my replacement Lectron NACS to CCS1 adapter again at a 12 stall SC location near where I live to see if my first test was a fluke, as I only tested it on one NACS plug the day I received it in the mail. I tested it on 10 different NACS plugs and they all released without issue. The trigger to release the lock for the NACS plug is more firm to press than the old defective adapter, but nothing like what you went through. I used one thumb to press the unlock trigger, and the other hand to release the NACS plug from the adapter. My replacement Lectron adapter worked like a charm on the 10 different NACS plugs I tested it on. Just wanted to give you an update on my testing today.

[@Crazypostman]

@@BigDaddyInKS Good to hear!

[@SanghoOh]

I have the same issue. If I didn't test it before going to Supercharger, I would have been screwed. Lectron made the charging work extremely secure by making it as a two person job working together to disengage the latch. LoL

[@DP-og2oq]

Saw this after I tested the ‘new’ Lectron adapter yesterday. I had the same issue. I finally got it removed after 15 minutes or so. With no tools, I placed the latch against the curb and pressed the top of the adapter using my foot/leg weight. It released. Went back the next day and tried it again (carried a thin flathead screwdriver, just in case). After 5 minutes or so of struggling, the Tesla plug came out while pressing the under latch hard like it is supposed to. It seems that the first few times one has to squeeze the latch with more force than by hand to break the ‘seal’ on the latch, so to speak. I would recommend that one use a Vice or c-clamp out of the box to make sure the latch fully recedes before using it for real (if that makes any sense). Sending it back for a replacement.

[@Crazypostman]

@@DP-og2oq Mine also seemed to kind of loosen up after 10 to 15 Inserts and Removals. I've also heard from somebody else if you push in on the Tesla plug, pull the trigger, and then pull back. It might be easier. Haven't had a chance to try that one, but mine's pretty loose now.

[@tlong414]

The first time it took me at least 20 minutes to remove the cable. I didn’t keep the adapter plugged in to provide an anchor. After much effort and sweat equity I got it off. It was very discouraging, and the truck wouldn’t charge! Ford hadn’t provided an Tesla OTA update at that time. The second time after the ota update I tried it again. The charge was successful. It took a lot less effort to disconnect. I left the charger attached to my truck, squeezed the locking latch and pulled hard on the cable .

[@Crazypostman]

@@tlong414 That was my experience too. It got stuck really bad the first time and then the successive times I used it, It got easier and easier to remove.

[@BigDaddyInKS]

I'm sorry to see your replament adapter isn't releasing the J3400 plug. My replacement adapter i received in the mail yesterday works great. The J3400 plug locks into the adapter and cannot be removed without deoressing the release switch. When i depress the release switch it pulls out no problem. Tom Malogney from the KZbin channel "State of Charge" is going to have a video of him interviewing the CEO of Lectron about the adapter recall, how QC missed the 1624 faulty adapters that got shipped out, etc. i can't wait to see that video.

[@Crazypostman]

When you compare the j3400 release between the old one and the replacement adapter do they feel the same when you're squeezing the release? My new one is significantly harder to depress. I'm glad yours is working right Maybe mine was just a fluke

[@BigDaddyInKS]

My release button for locking pin on my replacement adapter has more resistance than my original defective adapter.

[@williampieper2980]

I had the exact same problem. Turned unit over and used 2 thumbs to depress and it finally worked. I kept repeating and it got a little easier. Went to Supercharger and it got stuck again! Kept fiddling and using 2 thumbs, got it out. I emailed Lectron and told them my wife would never be able to use it!

[@DennisMiller-m4y]

On my replacement, I just pushed it up until I heard/felt the "CLICK" !!!! Pulled out easy. Pushing up is a little harder than the other one, but that's a good thing.

[@sweethomesweethome]

Were you able to disconnect it? How did you do it? I left it at a supercharger, waiting for Tesla to call me back.

[@Crazypostman]

Leave the CCS connector in your car squeeze as hard as you can with both hands on the NACS latch and have somebody else see if they can pull out the handle while you're giving it all the beans you have on that little latch.

[@M3Wyatt]

Same thing happened to me. Brand new Lectron adapter stuck on Tesla cable. When I could not get help from Lectron ( they have no phone support number that I could find ) I ended up leaving the Vortex adapter and driving away. I ended up emailing them and after 3 days they agreed to send a replacement. The newest one is still difficult to remove but can be done with difficulty. My wife would never be able to get this apart without some help. Poor design.

[@n41gt26]

I finally got mine loose by laying it on the ground and pushing the disconnect switch with a crowbar. Arranged replacement last week, which was supposed to be promptly sent out, but no luck so far. Very disappointing

[@Crazypostman]

Just messaging another person an hour ago that has one stuck today too! WOW this is bad

[@Magicinstalls]

Amazon just delivered mine and it's one of the recalled Versions. I'm wondering if I should just keep it rather than risking having to leave my $200 adapter at one of the superchargers...

[@BigDaddyInKS]

The KZbin channel "Electrified Outdoors" did a Lectron J3400 to CCS1 adapter with his Rivian R1T. In his comments section he replied to a comment asking if his adapter had locking pin issues. He said his did and he contacted Lectron to send it back for a replacement. Lectron told him that there was a logistics issue and some early production adapters were sent to custoners by mistake.

[@Crazypostman]

Yeah, I got the same email

[@vantripping]

I had the same issue; finally released after several minutes of wiggling, jiggling, button pressing, different angels of pull, etc. I sent mine back for a refund. Hard to have confidence in a product and company that twice sends out the product before ready for use.

[@AdventuresInTheSky]

Same problem, had to push on the button really hard and hear a little click then it came undone. It also was easier after doing it a few times.

[@Crazypostman]

Thanks for reporting this! Lectron thinks it was just because I was doing it wrong and they don't believe me ... Mine has since loosened up also. It's kind of weird that it needs a break-in period. But I'm glad is usable now.

[@sweethomesweethome]

Today i couldnt pull it out at a supercharger, i left my adapter at a super charger wnd opened a ticket with tesla. It is just a pain

[@Crazypostman]

Sadly this is not the first or even the second time someone has contacted me letting me know it was stuck on a supercharger. You should contact Lectron and demand they send you another one. They know about this problem.

[@dmwho]

Did you plug into your vehicle and release the NACS plug first. Then remove adapter from the vehicle?

[@Crazypostman]

@@dmwho I did try that, Not first, but I tried that. It was stuck stuck.

[@Magicinstalls]

It see it seems like the latch is still catching somehow. I'm wondering if you just took a Dremel and took a little bit off of the latch if it would be perfect. To further the problem, there is no phone number for electron. you have to rely on email

[@Crazypostman]

@@Magicinstalls So the recall is for not latching. The new problem is adapter gets stuck and is hard to remove. It sounds like you have the "new" problem, not the recalled problem.

[@Crazypostman]

@@Magicinstalls I don't think it's the actual latch that's the problem on the new ones. I think the physical opening The whole circumference of the interior needs about a half a millimeter shaved off.

[@Magicinstalls]

@@Crazypostman I was guessing that the new problem has something to do with the latch Overcompensating since you said it moves In and out a tiny bit

[@Crazypostman]

I'm only guessing at the issue. It could be the latch also. Maybe it's both. By now, there's got to be 100s of people with the new one post recall that have also experienced problems. I've been contacted by many of my viewers saying they have this problem. I know another KZbinr had the exact same problem. And a third KZbinr didn't have the stuck problem, but he's been contacted by 50 plus people saying they did have the problem, so it's an issue for sure. And it's really a shame because I like the Lectron design the best and the build quality feels really solid.

[@bigusiak]

Got mine two weeks ago and very hard to pull out Tesla plug

[@davidws5439]

It's too bad you did not keep or buy a new Tesla as the CCS1 to Tesla Adapter works just fine. PS: my friend bought a brand new Ultra Red model Y long range with a tow hitch in April for $38,425.50 and has the CCS1 to Tesla Adapter and LOVES ❤️ IT.

[@Crazypostman]

I liked everything about the Tesla except the minimalism. I want a driver's screen, I want some switches! for goodness sakes at least a turn signal switch. It would take a mighty good deal to get me to come back.

[@davidws5439]

@@Crazypostman You should update your channel and remove Tesla since you are not a fan or like Tesla 😉

[@Crazypostman]

@@davidws5439 who said I didn't like Tesla? I'm just waiting for a more normal interior before I get another one.

[@davidws5439]

@@Crazypostman Normal...we okies are not normal!!! To each their own.

[@mowcowbell]

Yes, no issues using the CCS1 to Tesla adapter at Francis Energy stations with my Tesla. Even though I love the minimalism of my '24 Tesla Model Y, I did buy a S3XY knob for it so I don't have to use the touchscreen for many functions. And I absolutely love the NO dealership experience. Recalls? Tesla sends it over the air to your car, no trip to a service center.

[@unclerichard6729]

I just check and it looks like Oklahoma gained a Supercharger station since last time I looked, which brings us to seven. This still leaves Oklahoma with the fewest stations in the continental U.S., the only places with fewer is Alaska and Hawaii. However, Oklahoma has some major interstates and a huge amount of cross country traffic so I don't understand why we are being ignored by Tesla. There is nothing in the NW or SW regions of the state so I see why you need an adapter. I find it extremely hard to explain why Teslas are so much better than ice cars when there is no place for most people to charge them other than slow, slow charging stations.

[@kelviskelvis7140]

@unclerichard6729 It is just a matter of time before ICE no longer makes sense to buy. I love driving through Oklahoma. I encounter no issues traveling through (It just takes me deeper into the battery), so a larger battery pack does help. I live on the east coast so my charging experience there has much less planing. My last ICE vehicle will be sold off next week (2013 Silverado LT) as I take delivery of the Silverado 4WT also next week. (it's on the dealer lot now). Charging station times are relative to the driver not the car. .

[@Magicinstalls]

Every serial number is going to be different That's no way to tell the new one from the old one.

[@Crazypostman]

@@Magicinstalls How do you know Amazon sold you one that was under the recall? This is very bad if they did.

[@Magicinstalls]

@@Crazypostman Because the NACS connector pulls right out of it. I already returned it trying to figure out what to do next. I'm thinking of getting the new version directly from lectron. Based on what you said about the next connector moving ever so slightly but not releasing Tells me that it's probably the latch. I'm thinking about maybe taking a Dremel to the latch. I would love to stick with this Adapter, because it has a two year warranty and other than the latch seems to be higher quality than the other two. Who knows when Ford's going to deliver My freebie. they're saying September...