They are limping over the line and it looked as though they would suffer a second successive defeat until two goals in the last eight minutes earned them the draw.
However, for Charlton it was deja vu, as for the second time in four days they blew a two-goal lead late in the game and they have now won only seven matches this season in 44 games.
Charlton were indebted to their goalkeeper Rob Elliot, who made two great saves in the first half to deny first Michael Chopra and then Joe Ledley, but it was Charlton who took a shock lead after 35 minutes.
Seventeen-year-old Jonjo Shelvey ghosting in at the far post to slide home Lloyd Sam's accurate cross.
The home side could have increased their lead when China skipper Zhi Zheng hit the post and then former Charlton player Jay Bothroyd had a goal disallowed for a foul.
With only ten minutes remaining, the Addicks looked to have sealed a rare win when midfielder Nicky Bailey fired home his 12th goal of the season when the Bluebirds failed to clear a corner.
But, as in so many matches this season, panic set in the Charlton defence and substitute Chris Burke reduced the arrears as he raced through the middle.
Then, with two minutes left, the home defence was again found wanting as Gabor Gyepes scored from close range following a left-wing cross, ensuring that the game ended all-square.