FFE "clicking" while parked in garage

[WattsUp]

Some people have noted that their FFE (and/or EVSE?) regularly make "clicking noises" for no apparent reason... to the extent that they get annoyed by it. While it may not explain such all clicking, I think that I have identified one way this can occur...

I realized last night that, whenever I refresh the car status via the MFM app (I use the iPhone version) or MFM website, the car's battery relays click and then, about 30 seconds later, they click again. Presumably, the first click connects the battery so the charge level can be determined and the second click is the disconnect. Depending on your EVSE, perhaps the car "waking up" in this manner also causes some relays in the EVSE to click. With my EVSE, this does not seem to be the case. Just the FFE's relays click.

Anyway, I realized that the phone app, if left running, will refresh the car status periodically, thus causing the car's relays to click at a regular interval. Same goes for the MFM website, I would imagine, if left logged in and active in your browser.

So, next time people notice their FFE and/or EVSE making clicking noises "for no reason", make sure the MFM website and phone app are not running, and see if the clicking stops.

 

[Josephus]

I've noticed that when I let off the brake while it is in the garage, it makes a vibrating noise, probably due to something in the regenerative braking. Probably a little different from your clicks though.

 

[WattsUp]

I've noticed that when I let off the brake while it is in the garage, it makes a vibrating noise, probably due to something in the regenerative braking. Probably a little different from your clicks though.

No, that's not what we're talking about. We're talking about definite click noises, either from the car or EVSE, when the car is just sitting there, turned off.

What you're describing is likely just the brake fluid pump running briefly, which it does periodically to maintain pressure, especially around the times when the mechanical brakes may be used. I hear that noise too (and also sometimes upon startup, or when sitting idle at a light). Perfectly normal (and nothing to do with regenerative braking).