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

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Nicole W. · 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 felt a significant loss of power. The car wouldn't accelerate past about 40 mph, and a 'Reduced Performance' message popped up on the driver display, along with a generic 'Check Drivetrain' warning light.

I managed to safely pull over and restart the car, and the warning cleared initially. However, after driving for about 10 minutes, it came back, and the power reduction was noticeable again. It feels like the car is in some kind of limp mode. There were no strange noises or smells before this happened.

Has anyone else encountered this with their Polestar 2? What was the cause, and how was it resolved? I'm planning to call Polestar service first thing tomorrow, but I'm curious if this is a known issue. Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Experiencing a sudden loss of power and a 'Reduced Performance' warning in your Polestar 2 is a critical issue that requires immediate attention. This typically indicates a fault within the electric drivetrain system, which can range from sensor malfunctions to more significant component failures. Here's what you should know and do:

  1. Safely Pull Over and Restart: You did the right thing by safely pulling over and attempting a restart. Sometimes, a temporary software glitch can trigger these warnings, and a power cycle can clear it. However, since it recurred, it suggests a more persistent problem.
  2. Do Not Ignore Persistent Warnings: If the 'Reduced Performance' or 'Check Drivetrain' warning reappears, it's crucial not to continue driving the vehicle extensively. Operating the car in a reduced power state could potentially exacerbate the underlying issue or lead to further damage.
  3. Common Causes for Drivetrain Warnings in EVs:
    • Motor Inverter Issues: The inverter converts DC power from the battery to AC power for the motor. Faults here can directly impact motor performance.
    • High Voltage Battery Management System (BMS) Faults: The BMS monitors the battery's health, temperature, and charge. A fault can limit power output to protect the battery.
    • Electric Motor Sensor Failures: Sensors monitoring motor temperature, speed, or position can fail, causing the system to incorrectly detect an issue and limit power. A common diagnostic trouble code (DTC) related to this could be P0A1F (Drive Motor 'A' Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance).
    • Cooling System Problems: The electric motor and inverter require proper cooling. Overheating due to a cooling system fault can trigger performance limitations.
    • Software Glitches: While less common for recurring issues, software bugs can sometimes misinterpret sensor readings.

When to See a Shop:

You should contact Polestar service or roadside assistance immediately. Given the recurrence of the warning and the significant power loss, it's not advisable to drive the vehicle until it has been properly diagnosed by a qualified Polestar technician. They have specialized diagnostic tools to read specific EV fault codes and pinpoint the exact cause of the drivetrain issue. Do not attempt to diagnose or repair high-voltage EV components yourself, as it can be extremely dangerous.

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