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My 2021 Polestar 2 Won't Start - Suspect 12V Battery Issue

0

Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 5:25 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2021 Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor

Hi everyone,

I woke up this morning to find my 2021 Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor completely dead. No lights on the dash, no response from the key fob, nothing. It's like the car has no power at all. I know it's an EV, but I've read that the 12V battery can still cause these issues. I last drove it two days ago without any problems.

Could this really be the 12V battery? If so, how do I jump-start it safely, or is there a specific procedure for Polestar 2? I'm stranded and really need to get it going. Any advice or common fixes would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 5:25 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

Yes, you are absolutely correct. Despite being an electric vehicle, the 12V auxiliary battery in your Polestar 2 is crucial for powering the car's control modules, infotainment system, door locks, and initiating the high-voltage system. A dead 12V battery is a very common reason for an EV to appear 'dead' and not start.

  1. Role of the 12V Battery in EVs:

    • The high-voltage traction battery powers the motors, but the 12V battery powers all the low-voltage electronics.
    • If the 12V battery is too low, the car's computer systems cannot boot up, preventing the contactors for the high-voltage battery from closing, and thus, the car cannot 'start' or engage its drive system.

  2. Common Causes of 12V Battery Failure:

    • Normal Wear and Tear: 12V batteries typically last 3-5 years.
    • Parasitic Drain: Something drawing power while the car is off.
    • Software Glitch: Less common, but sometimes a software issue can prevent the car from properly charging the 12V battery from the high-voltage system.

  3. Safe Jump-Starting Procedure for Polestar 2:

    • Locate Jump Terminals: The 12V battery in the Polestar 2 is in the trunk, but there are dedicated jump-start terminals under the hood. Pop the frunk (front trunk) and look for the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals, usually covered by plastic caps. Consult your owner's manual for exact locations.
    • Connect Jumper Cables:
      • Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal on the dead Polestar 2.
      • Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal on the donor vehicle's 12V battery.
      • Connect the black negative (-) cable to the negative (-) terminal on the donor vehicle's 12V battery.
      • Connect the other end of the black negative (-) cable to a ground point (unpainted metal part of the chassis or engine block) on the dead Polestar 2, away from moving parts.
    • Start Donor Vehicle: Let the donor vehicle run for 5-10 minutes to charge the Polestar's 12V battery.
    • Attempt to Start Polestar 2: Try to 'start' your Polestar 2 (press the brake pedal and shift into drive).
    • Disconnect Cables: Disconnect in reverse order: black negative from Polestar ground, black negative from donor, red positive from donor, red positive from Polestar.

  4. When to See a Shop:

    • If the car doesn't start after a jump, or if it immediately dies again.
    • If the 12V battery repeatedly goes flat, indicating a deeper issue like a parasitic drain or a fault in the DC-DC converter (which charges the 12V battery from the high-voltage system).
    • A Polestar service center can test the 12V battery's health and replace it if necessary. They can also diagnose any underlying electrical issues that might be causing the battery to drain. You might see error codes related to low voltage (e.g., U0100 - Lost Communication With Engine Control Module/Powertrain Control Module) if the car partially powers up but can't fully engage.
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