A plug can be physically connected while the vehicle and charging equipment have not reached the state needed to transfer energy. This is one reason a charging failure should be described as a sequence, rather than simply labelled an on-board charger fault.
What the Control Pilot does
Pico Technology’s Type 1 charging-communication guide describes the Control Pilot, or CP, as the link used to communicate charging state, the available charging current and errors between the vehicle and charging equipment. The guide has a defined scope: Mode 2 equipment with a Type 1 coupling. Read Pico’s guided-test explanation.
The principle is useful background, but a test method must match the actual connector and system. This article is not an instruction to probe a charging cable.
The owner’s evidence is valuable
Note whether the vehicle recognises the cable, whether a session begins briefly, and which message appears first. Save both the vehicle warning and the charge-point error. Include the charge-point type, cable arrangement, battery state of charge and any charging schedule enabled at the time.
If the vehicle has already charged successfully elsewhere, record where and with which type of charging connection. Avoid repeated attempts with damaged equipment or a connector showing signs of overheating.
For a garage referral
Supply the full scan and distinguish an observed communication result from an assumption about the charger. Any electrical measurements need a trained technician, suitable equipment and the applicable safety procedure. A generic code reader may not supply all the information required for the charging system.
Send AXION a charging-fault enquiry. We will confirm the vehicle and assessment scope before arranging a Didcot appointment.
Reviewed September 2026. Use the complete manufacturer-specific fault description and vehicle repair information.