Help! My Volkswagen won't disconnect!

With some of the VW ID.4 models (and maybe others), we've seen an issue at the end of a charge session where the plug cannot be pulled from the car. There is a mechanical pin that slides one way to engage the lock (for safety) and the other way to release the lock. The safety sensor tells the pin when to slide either way, based on the signals and power from the charger. Since the pin itself is mechanical, it can be prone to getting dirty and sticking.

Some users have had luck with these tricks to "fake out" the sensor in the car, or at least have the sensor send an extra unlock command to the mechanical pin:

- with your key fob, unlock your car and then relock it

- slightly lift the cable where it connects to the charger plug that connects to your car

- check your favorite VW forums for other tricks, including canned spray air to clean the pin

- wait 20-30 minutes

NOTE: although it seems we are "faking out" the safety sensor in your car, the charger also has safety sensors. If the charger is telling you the session is done, it has also stopped electricity to the plug, so "faking out" your sensor or lock pin is not putting you at risk.

For future reference, a trip to the dealer or a couple shots of spray air may clean up or free up the mechanism.