2022 Polestar 2 12V Battery Draining - Reliability Concerns & TSBs?

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Sarah K. · rep 0 · May 22, 8:24 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2022 Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor

Hey everyone,

I'm having a persistent issue with my 2022 Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor and I'm hoping someone here has experienced something similar or knows of a solution. About a month ago, I woke up to a completely dead car – no power, no response, just a 'Service Required' message on the dash when I managed to get some juice into it. Turns out the 12V battery was completely drained.

I had it replaced under warranty, but the problem seems to be recurring. A couple of times since, after leaving the car parked for a day or two, it's been sluggish to start, and I'm worried it's going to die on me again. I've heard some chatter about 12V battery issues in Polestar 2s, but I'm not sure if it's a widespread reliability problem or if there are specific TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) or software updates that address this.

Has anyone else dealt with a rapidly draining 12V battery in their Polestar 2? Is this a known flaw, or could it be a specific component failing? Any advice on what to check or ask the service center to look for would be greatly appreciated. I'm trying to avoid repeated trips to the dealer if there's a common fix.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It's understandable to be concerned about recurring 12V battery issues, especially in a relatively new EV like your 2022 Polestar 2. While the high-voltage battery powers the drivetrain, the 12V battery is crucial for starting the car's auxiliary systems, infotainment, and even enabling the high-voltage system to engage. A persistent drain can indeed be frustrating and points to an underlying issue.

Here's a breakdown of potential causes and steps:

  1. Understanding the 12V System in EVs: Unlike ICE vehicles where the alternator charges the 12V battery, in an EV, a DC-DC converter charges the 12V battery from the high-voltage battery. If this converter isn't functioning correctly or isn't being commanded to charge properly by the car's software, the 12V battery will eventually drain.

  2. Common Causes for 12V Drain in Polestar 2:

    • Software Glitches: This is a significant factor. Early Polestar 2 models, and even later ones, have had software updates specifically addressing 12V battery management. The car might not be entering its 'sleep' state correctly, or the DC-DC converter might not be charging the 12V battery as intended.
    • Parasitic Draw: A module or accessory might not be shutting down completely, continuously drawing power from the 12V battery even when the car is off. This can be challenging to diagnose without specialized tools.
    • Faulty DC-DC Converter: Though less common, the converter itself could be failing, preventing proper charging of the 12V battery.
    • Weak or Faulty Replacement Battery: Even new batteries can sometimes be defective. It's worth having the replacement battery tested for its cold cranking amps (CCA) and overall health.
  3. Diagnostic Steps and What to Ask Your Service Center:

    • Check for Latest Software Updates: Insist that the service center checks for and installs all available software updates, specifically mentioning any related to 12V battery management or power consumption. There have been several updates over time that address these issues.
    • Scan for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): Even if no warning lights are on, a persistent drain might log codes related to power management, the DC-DC converter, or specific modules. Common codes might include P0A0D (DC/DC Converter Status Circuit) or P0A1F (DC/DC Converter Enable Circuit) if the converter is at fault.
    • Perform a Parasitic Draw Test: This involves measuring the current draw from the 12V battery when the car is 'asleep.' If the draw is above specification, they can then systematically pull fuses to isolate the problematic circuit or module.
    • Verify DC-DC Converter Operation: Ensure the converter is actively charging the 12V battery when the car is 'on' or in a charging state.
  4. When to See a Shop: You should schedule an appointment with your Polestar service center immediately. Given that the issue recurred after a battery replacement, it strongly suggests an underlying system fault rather than just a bad battery. Clearly explain the symptoms and mention your concerns about potential software issues or parasitic draw. Emphasize that you're seeking a permanent solution, not just another battery swap.