Tesla CP_a046: Charging Communication Lost - Fix
By the EV Fix Guide editorial team · Updated · How we estimate costs
Quick answer
CP_a046 means charging stopped because the car lost communication with the charger. Tesla says this is usually caused by the charging equipment or its power supply, such as a tripped breaker, a power cut or a faulty station. At a Tesla Service Center this typically costs $0 (Equipment issue; a faulty Wall Connector may be covered by its own warranty). An independent shop charges about $150 - $600 (Electrician: breaker, wiring or Wall Connector repair), and doing it yourself costs $0 — potential savings of Varies. DIY difficulty: easy (10 - 30 Minutes).
Symptoms
- 'Charging equipment communication lost - Check power source and charging equipment' alert
- Charging stops in the middle of a session, often overnight
- Wall Connector or public charger shows no lights, or a fault light
- Car charges fine elsewhere
Repair cost: Tesla vs independent shop vs DIY
| Option | Typical cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tesla Service Center | $0 (Equipment issue; a faulty Wall Connector may be covered by its own warranty) |
| Independent shop | $150 - $600 (Electrician: breaker, wiring or Wall Connector repair) |
| DIY | $0 |
| Potential savings | Varies |
Ranges are US estimates compiled from owner reports and shop quotes; prices vary by region, model year and parts availability. Report your price.
Can an independent shop fix it?
Home cases are an electrician's job: a tripping breaker, an undersized or loose circuit, or a failing Wall Connector. At a public station, contact the operator. Only if the alert follows the car to multiple chargers is the car's charge port or charger worth inspecting.
Get matched with an independent shop →How to fix it yourself (easy, 10 - 30 Minutes)
Check whether the charger has power, reset the breaker if it tripped, and test with different equipment. Leave electrical repairs to a licensed electrician.
Tools you need
- Access to your electrical panel
- A second charger or Supercharger to test with
Steps
- Look at the charger: are its status lights on? No lights means it has no power.
- At home, check the breaker for the charging circuit. If it tripped, reset it once. If it trips again, stop and call an electrician.
- At a public station, try another stall or contact the station operator using the number on the unit.
- If the charger has power, try different equipment. If the car charges, the original charger is at fault.
- If you have a Wall Connector, check its status light pattern in the Wall Connector manual and power-cycle it at the breaker.
- If the alert follows the car to several working chargers, book service.
Had this fixed? Share what you paid
Owner-reported prices keep these ranges honest. We publish only anonymous averages and email you the results.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to fix a CP_a046 charging alert on a Tesla?
Tesla Service Center: $0 (Equipment issue; a faulty Wall Connector may be covered by its own warranty). Independent shop: $150 - $600 (Electrician: breaker, wiring or Wall Connector repair). DIY: $0. Typical savings versus the service center: Varies.
Can I fix a CP_a046 charging alert myself?
Yes. DIY difficulty is easy and it typically takes 10 - 30 Minutes. Check whether the charger has power, reset the breaker if it tripped, and test with different equipment. Leave electrical repairs to a licensed electrician.
Can an independent shop fix a CP_a046 charging alert instead of Tesla?
Yes. Home cases are an electrician's job: a tripping breaker, an undersized or loose circuit, or a failing Wall Connector. At a public station, contact the operator. Only if the alert follows the car to multiple chargers is the car's charge port or charger worth inspecting.
Which Tesla models are affected by a CP_a046 charging alert?
This issue is reported on the Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X and Cybertruck.
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Related guides
- Tesla Phantom Drain: Stop Battery Loss While ParkedIndependent: $0 - $150
- Tesla Not Charging at Home: Melted 14-50 Outlet FixIndependent: $150 - $400
- Tesla Battery Degradation: How to Check Range LossIndependent: $100 - $250
- Tesla PCS_a019 / PCS_a016: AC Charging Limited FixIndependent: $150 - $500
- Tesla CP_a004: Charging Equipment Not Recognized FixIndependent: $250 - $600
- Tesla UMC_a005: Mobile Connector Voltage Too Low FixIndependent: $150 - $400
This guide is for information only. High-voltage components (orange cables) can be lethal — leave them to trained technicians. Not affiliated with Tesla, Inc.