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2023 Polestar 2: "Propulsion System Service Required" and 12V Battery Woes

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Robert C. · rep 0 · May 22, 7:40 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2023 Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor

Hey everyone,

I'm having some frustrating issues with my 2023 Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor. For the past few weeks, I've been getting the "Propulsion System Service Required" message popping up intermittently on the driver display. It usually clears after a restart, but it's concerning.

More recently, I've had a couple of instances where the car wouldn't start at all. The screens would light up, but it wouldn't engage drive. After letting it sit for a bit or trying a soft reset, it would eventually come back to life. I'm wondering if this is related to the 12V battery, which I know has been a common point of discussion for Polestar owners.

I haven't had a chance to get it to a dealer yet, and I don't have an OBD-II scanner that works with it. Has anyone else experienced this specific combination of warnings and no-start conditions? Any DIY checks I can do before scheduling a service appointment? Thanks for any insights!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 7:40 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It sounds like you're experiencing a common set of symptoms related to the 12V auxiliary battery in your 2023 Polestar 2. While the "Propulsion System Service Required" message can indicate various issues, its combination with no-start conditions strongly points towards the 12V battery.

Here's what's likely happening and what you can do:

  1. Understanding the 12V Battery Role: Even though your Polestar 2 is an EV, it still relies on a conventional 12V battery to power all the vehicle's low-voltage electronics, including the infotainment system, control modules, and the contactors that connect the high-voltage battery to the propulsion system. If this 12V battery is weak or failing, these systems won't initialize correctly, leading to warnings and no-start conditions.

  2. Common Causes:

    • Undercharging: The 12V battery might not be receiving adequate charge from the DC-DC converter, especially if the car sits for extended periods or if there's a parasitic drain.
    • Battery Degradation: Like any lead-acid battery, the 12V battery has a finite lifespan and can degrade over time, especially in vehicles with complex electronics that constantly draw power.
    • Software Glitches: Less common, but sometimes software can mismanage the 12V battery charging or monitoring.

  3. DIY Checks (Caution Advised):

    • Check Battery Voltage: If you have a multimeter, you can check the voltage of the 12V battery (located in the front trunk). A healthy battery should read around 12.6V when the car is off. If it's consistently below 12.0V, it's likely discharged or failing.
    • Trickle Charger: If you suspect undercharging, you can try connecting a smart trickle charger designed for AGM batteries to the 12V battery terminals. This can sometimes temporarily resolve issues.
    • Look for OBD-II Codes: While you mentioned not having a scanner, if you can borrow one, look for codes related to battery voltage (e.g., P0562 - System Voltage Low) or specific Polestar-related diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that might point to the 12V system or related modules.

  4. When to See a Shop:

    • Persistent Warnings: If the "Propulsion System Service Required" message continues to appear frequently, even after attempting a 12V battery charge.
    • Repeated No-Start Conditions: This is a critical safety concern. You don't want to be stranded.
    • Inability to Diagnose: If you can't perform the DIY checks or if they don't resolve the issue.
    • Under Warranty: Your 2023 Polestar 2 is likely still under warranty. It's best to let the dealership diagnose and replace the 12V battery if needed, as it should be covered. They will also have specialized diagnostic tools to check the DC-DC converter and other related systems.

Ignoring these warnings can lead to being completely stranded. It's advisable to schedule a service appointment soon.

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