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Polestar 2 Reduced Power Mode / Limp Home - What's going on?

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Brian F. · rep 0 · May 22, 7:43 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2023 Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor

Hey everyone,

I'm having a really concerning issue with my 2023 Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor. Yesterday, while driving on the highway, I suddenly got a warning message about 'Reduced Performance' and the car immediately felt like it lost a significant amount of power. It wasn't a complete shutdown, but acceleration was severely limited, and it felt like I was driving a much weaker car. I managed to limp it home, but it was a stressful experience.

I tried turning it off and on again, letting it sit for a while, but the issue persists. No obvious strange noises or smells, just this persistent reduced power. The car is only a year old, and I've been really happy with it until now. Has anyone else experienced this with their Polestar 2? What could be causing this?

I'm worried about driving it again until I understand what's happening. Any advice or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated before I call the service center.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Experiencing a 'Reduced Performance' or 'Limp Home' mode in your 2023 Polestar 2 can be alarming, but it's a safety feature designed to protect the vehicle's high-voltage components from potential damage. Here’s what you should consider:

  1. Immediate Actions:

    • Safely Pull Over: If you're still driving, find a safe place to pull over immediately.
    • Restart the Vehicle: Turn the car completely off, exit, lock it, wait a few minutes, then unlock and restart. Sometimes, a software glitch can trigger this mode, and a full reboot might clear it.
    • Check Charging: Ensure your charging port is clean and there are no issues with recent charging cycles, as a fault here can sometimes trigger drivetrain warnings.

  2. Potential Causes:

    • Battery Management System (BMS) Fault: The BMS monitors the health, temperature, and charge of the battery pack. A fault here, perhaps due to an imbalance or sensor error, can trigger reduced power to protect the battery.
    • Electric Motor or Inverter Issue: Problems with one of the electric motors or the inverter (which converts DC battery power to AC for the motors) can lead to a loss of power. This could be due to overheating, a sensor fault, or an internal component failure.
    • High Voltage (HV) System Contactor Fault: These contactors connect and disconnect the battery from the rest of the HV system. A fault in one of these can interrupt power delivery.
    • Software Glitch: As mentioned, sometimes a temporary software bug can cause the car to enter limp mode. A restart often resolves this.
    • Thermal Management System: Overheating of the battery or motors can also trigger reduced performance to prevent damage.

  3. Common Diagnostic Codes (if accessible):

    • While Polestar uses proprietary diagnostics, generic OBD-II scanners might show codes like:
      • P0A0F: Engine Disabled (often used generically for EV drivetrain issues).
      • P0AA6: Hybrid Battery Voltage System Isolation Fault (indicates an issue with the high-voltage system's insulation).
      • Codes related to specific motor or inverter performance might also appear.

  4. When to See a Shop:

    • Immediately: If the issue persists after a restart, if any red warning lights are illuminated, or if you hear unusual noises. Driving with a persistent 'Reduced Performance' warning can exacerbate underlying issues.
    • Polestar Service Center: Given the complexity of EV drivetrains, it's crucial to have your Polestar 2 inspected by a certified Polestar service technician. They have the specialized diagnostic tools and training to accurately identify and resolve high-voltage system faults. Do not attempt to diagnose or repair high-voltage components yourself.

It's best to schedule an appointment with your nearest Polestar service center as soon as possible to ensure a thorough diagnosis and safe resolution.

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