MG4 Not Charging: Full Troubleshooting Guide, Causes & Fixes

Understanding Why the MG4 Sometimes Fails To Charge

When our MG4 suddenly refuses to charge, it can feel like the carpet’s been pulled from under our feet. One moment we’re planning a smooth commute, and the next we’re stuck with a stubborn charging cable that simply won’t cooperate. The good news? Most MG4 charging issues can be traced to a handful of predictable causes—many of which we can resolve ourselves long before calling in the cavalry.

In this guide, we unpack every common cause, symptom, and fix for an MG4 that’s not charging. We’ll walk through home charger problems, cable faults, battery management quirks, software issues, public charger misreads, and even MG4-specific charging behaviours that might catch us off guard.

Let’s dive into the real reasons our MG4 says “Nope” when we plug it in.

Common Symptoms When the MG4 Won’t Charge

Sometimes the issue doesn’t show up as a simple “charging failed” message. Instead, we may spot a few subtle cues:

Visual Indicators

• The charge port light stays off
• The charge port light flashes red
• The cable locks but charging doesn’t start
• The cable doesn’t lock at all
• Dashboard notifications appear intermittently

On-Screen Messages

• Charging Interrupted
• Charging Not Available
• AC Charging Fault
• DC Fast Charging Fault
• Control Pilot Signal Error
• High Voltage System Error

Knowing the signs helps us diagnose the problem faster.

Most Common Causes Behind MG4 Not Charging

Home Charger Issues

The majority of charging failures start at home—often with the charger, not the car.

Loose Connections

A surprisingly common culprit. Even a partially loose plug can prevent session initiation.

Tripped Breaker

A spike, overload, or ground fault can cause the home EV circuit to trip.

Underrated Chargers

Older 7kW AC chargers may struggle during cold weather or voltage dips.

Smart Charger Communication Faults

Some chargers use Wi-Fi or RFID. If the charger doesn’t “handshake” properly, the MG4 refuses the session.

Cable-Related Problems

Even the healthiest MG4 won’t charge if the cable itself has issues.

Cable Pin Contamination

Dust, dirt, corrosion, or moisture on the Type 2 or CCS pins can block the control pilot signal.

Damaged Cables

Look for:

• Kinks
• Cuts
• Exposed wiring
• Pin deformation
• Connector melt marks

Wrong Cable Rating

Using a 16A cable on a 32A home unit can cause charge negotiation failures.

The MG4’s Charging Port Issues

The port itself may cause the charging refusal.

Faulty Port Lock

If the car cannot lock the cable, it will not allow charging to begin—this is a safety rule built into the BMS.

Dirt or Debris in the Port

A simple blast of compressed air can sometimes work miracles.

Internal CP/PP Signal Fault

These are the two communication lines between charger and car.

Software & Firmware Bugs

The MG4, like most modern EVs, is software-heavy. Sometimes too heavy.

The Car Needs a Hard Reset

A full power cycle often restores charging functionality.

Outdated Firmware

Certain early MG4 batches had charging-related firmware bugs.

Charging Session Conflicts

The car may “remember” a previous failed charging attempt and refuse a new session until rebooted.

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Battery Management System (BMS) Intervention

The BMS protects the high-voltage battery. When it senses something odd, it blocks charging entirely.

Examples of Protective Lockouts

• Battery overheating
• Battery too cold
• Cell voltage imbalance
• Pack voltage irregularity
• HV relay sticking issues

If the BMS steps in, charging is instantly denied—even if the charger is fine.

DC Rapid Charging Problems

Public rapid chargers bring their own chaos to the table.

CCS Handshake Failure

Rapid chargers rely on split-second digital communication. If anything glitches, the session aborts.

Overheated Charger

Some rapid chargers throttle or shut down when temperatures rise.

Faulty Ground

Many DC chargers incorrectly report a ground fault when the cable is under strain.

Built-In MG4 Charging Curve Safeguards

If the MG4 detects abnormal power delivery, it cancels charging to protect the battery.

Cold Weather Effects

Cold batteries charge like a sloth on a Sunday morning.

Key Cold-Related Charging Problems

• BMS blocks charging under extreme cold
• Charging rate is drastically reduced
• DC rapid charging sometimes disabled
• Preconditioning fails to activate

We can reduce these risks by preheating the cabin and battery before plugging in.

Hot Weather Effects

High heat can also stop charging entirely.

Thermal Safety Triggers

• Battery temp above safe threshold
• Charger overheating
• Onboard charger overheating
• High ambient temperature

The MG4 will shut off charging to prevent battery degradation.

How to Fix MG4 Not Charging: Step-By-Step Guide

Now let’s roll up our sleeves and fix this.

Step 1: Inspect the Cable & Port

What to check

• Cable connected fully
• Cable locked properly
• Pins clean
• No visible damage
• No moisture
• Correct Type 2 or CCS cable rating

Quick fix

Wipe the pins, reseat the connector, and reconnect firmly until the port lock clicks.

Step 2: Check Home Charger

Try these:

• Reset the charger
• Check breaker box
• Turn smart features off temporarily
• Try another cable
• Try another vehicle (if available)

If another EV charges fine, the issue lies with the MG4.

Step 3: Try a Public AC Charger

Switching locations instantly helps identify whether the home charger is at fault.

Step 4: Try a DC Rapid Charger

If AC fails but DC works, the onboard AC charger in the MG4 may be the issue.

Step 5: Restart the MG4

A full reboot is often shockingly effective.

Hard reset method

1. Turn the car off
2. Lock the vehicle
3. Walk away for 5 minutes
4. Return and try again

Let the computers take a breather.

Step 6: Enable or Disable Scheduled Charging

Sometimes the schedule gets stuck.

Try toggling

• Scheduled charging ON → OFF
• Off-peak mode ON → OFF

Then plug in again.

Step 7: Check State of Charge (SoC)

If the battery is already near 100%, the MG4 limits or blocks charging.

Step 8: Precondition the Battery

Especially helpful in cold weather.

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Step 9: Look for Error Codes

If possible, note any codes and messages. They often point directly to root causes.

Step 10: Contact MG Assistance

If:

• Charging fails on all chargers
• Rapid charging also fails
• The car displays persistent warnings
• BMS or high-voltage system errors appear

A workshop visit is unavoidable.

MG4-Specific Charging Quirks We Should Know

Mandatory Port Lock

The MG4 must lock the cable before charging begins. Even a tiny obstruction can stop the lock mechanism.

Smart Charger Compatibility Oddities

Some MG4 units do not play nicely with certain smart chargers unless smart features are disabled.

The MG4’s Conservative Charging Curve

When temps or voltage swing, the MG4 prefers to shut down charging instead of risking the battery.

Preventing MG4 Charging Issues Long-Term

Practical steps

• Clean the charging port monthly
• Avoid cheap third-party cables
• Keep software updated
• Precondition in cold conditions
• Avoid charging immediately after aggressive driving
• Use reliable networks (Pod Point, Ionity, Gridserve, etc.)
• Keep the charger under shade in hot climates

Good habits = fewer surprises.

When Charging Fails on Public Rapid Networks

We’ve all been there, staring at a charger that’s clearly doing its best impression of a brick wall.

Try these:

• Switch to another charger
• Use another CCS stall
• Reset the charger (if allowed)
• Initiate charging from the charger’s screen first
• Ensure the connector is pushed fully in

Rapid chargers are infamously temperamental.

Could It Be a High-Voltage Battery Fault?

Rare, but possible.

Signs include:

• Repeated high-voltage warnings
• Inability to charge at any charger
• Sudden cut-off during driving
• Contact dealer messages

These scenarios require expert diagnostics.

When the MG4 Charges Slowly Instead of Not Charging

Sometimes the car does charge—just painfully slowly.

Slow charging causes

• Battery too cold
• Grid voltage dips
• Cable amperage limits
• Charger throttling
• Car restricting input due to battery temps

Understanding speed vs. failure helps us diagnose more accurately.

Charging Safety Features That Might Be Mistaken for Faults

The MG4 stops charging automatically if it detects:

• Ground faults
• Short circuits
• Overheating
• Overvoltage
• Under-voltage
• Stuck relays
• Communication mismatch
• Connector resistance instability

These are protective, not “errors.”

The Bottom Line: Getting Your MG4 Charging Again

When the MG4 refuses to charge, the solution usually lies in one of a few predictable culprits—cable issues, charger faults, environmental conditions, or software hiccups. By following the step-by-step guide above, we can nearly always pinpoint the root cause without panic. And even when the issue is more technical, recognising the symptoms early keeps us in control.

Charging is the heart of EV ownership, and with a little knowledge, we can keep that heart beating reliably every day.

FAQs

Why does my MG4 say “Charging Interrupted”?

Usually due to handshake failures, charger faults, or BMS intervention.

Can cold weather stop the MG4 from charging?

Yes, extremely cold batteries can block or slow charging until warmed.

Why won’t my MG4 charge at home but charges fine at a public charger?

Your home charger or cable is likely the issue.

Is it normal for rapid charging to stop early?

Yes, the MG4 tapers charging aggressively to protect the battery, especially when warm.

Should I update my MG4 software to fix charging problems?

Yes, MG often releases firmware updates that improve charging stability.

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