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2021 Polestar 2 - Sudden Power Loss and "Reduced Performance" Warning

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Robert C. · rep 0 · May 22, 7:43 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2021 Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor

Hey everyone, I'm hoping someone here has experienced something similar. I have a 2021 Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor, and yesterday while driving on the highway, I suddenly got a 'Reduced Performance' warning message on the driver display.

The car immediately lost a significant amount of power, and acceleration became very sluggish. It felt like it went into a severe limp mode. I managed to get it home, but it was a bit unnerving.

I tried turning it off and on again after letting it sit for an hour, but the message reappeared, and the performance was still limited. There were no strange noises or smells, just the sudden power cut.

Has anyone dealt with this specific warning or power reduction issue on their Polestar 2? What was the cause, and what was the fix?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 7:43 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer: A 'Reduced Performance' warning on your 2021 Polestar 2, especially when accompanied by a sudden loss of power, indicates that the vehicle's high-voltage system or drivetrain components have detected a fault and entered a protective mode. This is often referred to as 'limp mode' in traditional ICE vehicles, designed to prevent further damage.

Here are the common causes and steps to take:

  1. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):

    • The first step for any modern vehicle issue is to read the diagnostic trouble codes. For EV drivetrain issues, common codes might include:
      • P0A1F: Drive Motor 'A' Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor Circuit.
      • P0A7A: Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Performance.
      • P0AA6: Hybrid Battery Voltage System Isolation Fault.
    • These codes can point to issues with the electric motor, inverter, or the high-voltage battery management system.

  2. Potential Causes:

    • Inverter Overheating/Malfunction: The inverter converts DC power from the battery to AC power for the motor. Overheating or a fault within this unit can trigger performance reduction.
    • Electric Motor Issues: Problems with the motor itself, such as sensor failures or internal component issues, can lead to this warning.
    • Battery Management System (BMS) Fault: The BMS monitors the battery's health, temperature, and voltage. A fault here could incorrectly report an issue or genuinely detect a problem requiring power reduction.
    • High-Voltage Contactor Issues: These contactors connect and disconnect the high-voltage battery from the rest of the system. A fault can interrupt power flow.
    • Software Glitch: Less common, but sometimes a software bug can trigger erroneous warnings.

  3. When to See a Shop:

    • Immediately: If the 'Reduced Performance' warning is persistent, especially after a vehicle restart, or if it's accompanied by any unusual noises, smells, or other warning lights, you should contact Polestar service or a certified EV technician immediately.
    • High-Voltage Safety: Do not attempt to diagnose or repair high-voltage components yourself. These systems operate at dangerous voltage levels and require specialized training and equipment.
    • Driving Limitations: While in 'Reduced Performance' mode, avoid long trips or high-speed driving. The vehicle is operating with limited capabilities, and pushing it further could exacerbate the problem or leave you stranded.

Your Polestar service center will have specialized diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact cause and perform necessary repairs, which could range from a software update to component replacement.

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