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2020 Polestar 1 parking assist sensors failing intermittently

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 5:23 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Polestar 1

My 2020 Polestar 1 has developed an annoying issue with its parking assist sensors. They work fine sometimes, but often, especially in damp weather, they'll just stop working or give false readings. The system will chime erratically or show obstacles when there's nothing there.

I've tried cleaning the sensors thoroughly, but it doesn't seem to make a difference. The error message "Parking Assist System Service Required" sometimes pops up on the dash. This makes parking in tight spots quite stressful.

Is this a known issue with the Polestar 1? Could it be a wiring problem or a faulty sensor module? Any advice on troubleshooting this before a shop visit?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 5:23 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Intermittent parking assist sensor failures, especially with environmental triggers like damp weather, are common and usually point to a few specific electrical issues. For your 2020 Polestar 1, here's what to consider:

  1. Sensor Cleanliness and Condition: While you've cleaned them, ensure there's no subtle damage (cracks, chips) to the sensor faces themselves. Even a hairline crack can allow moisture ingress. Also, check for any paint overspray if the car has had bodywork, as this can impede sensor function.
  2. Wiring Harness Inspection: The most likely culprit for intermittent, weather-related issues is a compromised wiring harness. Moisture can get into a frayed wire, a corroded connector, or a poorly sealed splice. Inspect the visible wiring leading to the sensors, particularly in areas exposed to road spray (behind bumpers).
  3. Environmental Sensitivity: Ultrasonic sensors can be affected by heavy rain, snow, or thick mud, but intermittent failure in just damp conditions suggests a deeper issue than simple obstruction.
  4. Software Glitch: Less likely for intermittent hardware-like symptoms, but a software bug in the Parking Assist Control Module could cause erratic behavior. Ensure your car's software is up to date.
  5. Faulty Sensor or Module: If wiring is ruled out, one or more individual sensors might be failing, or the main Parking Assist Control Module could be faulty. The error message "Parking Assist System Service Required" strongly indicates a fault code is stored.

When to See a Shop: Given the persistent error message and the intermittent nature, a visit to a Polestar service center is recommended. They can connect to the car's diagnostic system and pull specific OBD-II codes (e.g., U0XXX for network communication faults, or manufacturer-specific codes related to individual sensor failures like P0AXX for sensor circuits) that will pinpoint which sensor or module is reporting the fault. This will save significant troubleshooting time and ensure the correct component is addressed.

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