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Polestar 2 12V Battery Dying - Strange Electrical Issues

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 22, 7:53 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2022 Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor

Hey everyone, I'm having some really weird electrical problems with my 2022 Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor. Lately, the infotainment screen has been glitching out, sometimes not booting up at all, and the car occasionally takes a few tries to "wake up" when I try to start it. I've also noticed the key fob sometimes doesn't unlock the doors on the first press.

I know it's an EV, but could this be related to the 12V battery? I thought those were only for ICE cars, but I've heard EVs have them too for auxiliary systems. The main traction battery seems fine, range is normal.

Has anyone else experienced this with their Polestar 2? What's the typical lifespan of the 12V battery in these cars, and is it something I can replace myself, or do I need to take it to a service center? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 7:53 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer: You're absolutely right to suspect the 12V battery, Sarah. Despite being an electric vehicle, your 2022 Polestar 2, like most EVs, relies on a conventional 12V lead-acid battery to power all its auxiliary systems. This includes the infotainment, door locks, lights, and even the relays that "wake up" the high-voltage system. When this battery starts to fail, it can indeed cause a wide range of seemingly unrelated electrical gremlins.

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

  1. Symptoms of a Failing 12V Battery: The issues you're describing—infotainment glitches, delayed startup, and key fob unresponsiveness—are classic signs of a weak or failing 12V battery. Low voltage can cause various electronic control units (ECUs) to malfunction or report errors, sometimes even triggering seemingly unrelated diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) like P0A0D (High Voltage System Interlock Circuit Low) or U0100 (Lost Communication with ECM/PCM A) if the low voltage affects critical module communication.
  2. Lifespan: The lifespan of a 12V battery in an EV is similar to that in an ICE vehicle, typically 3-5 years, depending on climate and usage. Your 2022 model is approaching the lower end of that range, making it a prime suspect.
  3. Testing the Battery: You can test the 12V battery's voltage with a multimeter. A healthy battery should read around 12.6-12.8 volts when the car is off. If it's consistently below 12.4V, it's likely weak. Many auto parts stores also offer free battery testing.
  4. Replacement: Replacing the 12V battery in a Polestar 2 is a DIY-friendly task for those comfortable with basic car maintenance. The battery is typically located in the front trunk (frunk) under a cover. You'll need a few basic tools (wrenches for terminals, possibly a trim removal tool). Ensure you follow proper safety procedures, disconnecting the negative terminal first and reconnecting it last.
  5. When to See a Shop: If you're uncomfortable performing the replacement yourself, or if replacing the battery doesn't resolve the issues, it's best to take your Polestar 2 to a certified Polestar service center. There could be an underlying issue with the DC-DC converter (which charges the 12V battery from the high-voltage system) or another electrical fault that requires specialized diagnostics.

Addressing this promptly will prevent further inconvenience and potential damage to sensitive electronic components due to unstable voltage.

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