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2021 Polestar 2 12V Battery Keeps Dying - "Service Required" Message

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Heather Y. · rep 0 · May 22, 8:24 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2021 Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor

Hey everyone,

I'm having a really frustrating issue with my 2021 Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor. For the past few weeks, the car occasionally won't 'wake up' when I try to get in. I get a 'Service Required' message on the dashboard, and nothing happens. It's like the car is completely dead.

I've had to jump-start it twice now, and after that, it seems fine for a few days, but then the problem reappears. I'm worried about getting stranded. Is this a known issue with the 12V battery in these cars?

I've heard some EVs have issues with the 12V battery even though the main traction battery is fine. What should I be looking for? Are there any specific TSBs or recalls related to this for the 2021 model year?

Any advice on diagnostics or what to tell the service center would be greatly appreciated.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 8:24 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

The issue you're describing with your 2021 Polestar 2's 12V battery dying and displaying a 'Service Required' message is a known concern for some EV owners, including those with Polestar 2s. While the main high-voltage battery powers the drivetrain, the 12V battery is crucial for powering all the vehicle's auxiliary systems, including the infotainment, lights, door locks, and the main computer that 'wakes up' the car.

Here's a breakdown of potential causes and what to do:

  1. Causes of 12V Battery Drain:

    • Parasitic Draw: A component or software glitch might be preventing the car from fully 'sleeping,' leading to a continuous drain on the 12V battery. This can sometimes be related to infotainment systems or connectivity modules.
    • Weak or Failing 12V Battery: Even relatively new batteries can sometimes be faulty or have a shorter lifespan than expected. EVs put a different kind of strain on 12V batteries compared to ICE vehicles, as they are constantly being charged and discharged by the DC-DC converter.
    • DC-DC Converter Issues: The DC-DC converter is responsible for charging the 12V battery from the high-voltage battery. If this unit is malfunctioning, the 12V battery may not be receiving adequate charge.
    • Software Glitches: Specific software versions have been known to cause excessive 12V battery drain in some EVs. Polestar has released updates addressing various power management issues.

  2. Diagnostic Steps & What to Tell the Shop:

    • Check for TSBs/Recalls: There have been TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) related to 12V battery management and software updates for Polestar 2. Your service center can check your VIN for applicable updates.
    • Battery Health Test: Request a comprehensive test of the 12V battery's health, including its cold cranking amps (CCA) and overall capacity.
    • Parasitic Draw Test: The technician should perform a parasitic draw test to identify any components that are drawing excessive power when the car is off.
    • Software Update: Ensure your vehicle's software is completely up to date. Polestar's over-the-air (OTA) updates often include fixes for power management.

  3. When to See a Shop:

    • You should schedule a service appointment immediately. Repeated jump-starts are not a long-term solution and can potentially stress other electrical components.
    • If the 'Service Required' message persists or the car fails to start again, it's critical to have it professionally diagnosed.
    • Do not attempt to replace the 12V battery yourself without consulting the owner's manual or a certified technician, as there are specific procedures for EV 12V battery replacement.

This issue is typically covered under warranty if your vehicle is still within the warranty period. Be sure to document all instances of the problem, including dates and any messages displayed.

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