2023 Lucid Air Grand Touring: Sudden Power Loss & "Service Drivetrain" Message

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Dan C. · rep 0 · May 22, 7:28 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2023 Lucid Air Grand Touring

Hey everyone,

I'm experiencing a worrying issue with my 2023 Lucid Air Grand Touring. While driving yesterday, I suddenly felt a significant reduction in power, almost like the car went into a 'limp mode.' Simultaneously, a 'Service Drivetrain' warning appeared on the dashboard.

The car still drives, but it's very sluggish, and I'm hesitant to push it. I tried restarting the vehicle after pulling over safely, but the warning persists, and the reduced power is still noticeable. Has anyone else encountered this with their Lucid Air, especially a Grand Touring model? What was the cause, and what did your service center say?

Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated before I take it in.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It sounds like your 2023 Lucid Air Grand Touring is experiencing a critical drivetrain fault, which is why the vehicle has entered a reduced power mode and displayed the 'Service Drivetrain' warning. This is a safety measure to prevent further damage.

Here are the common causes and what to do:

  1. Initial Steps & Safety:

    • Do Not Ignore: A 'Service Drivetrain' warning indicates a serious issue. Continuing to drive could potentially worsen the problem or leave you stranded.
    • Avoid Hard Driving: Refrain from accelerating quickly or driving at high speeds.
  2. Common Causes for Drivetrain Warnings in EVs:

    • Inverter/Converter Malfunction: The inverter is crucial for converting DC power from the battery into AC power for the electric motors. A fault here can directly lead to power loss.
    • Electric Motor Issue: Problems with one of the electric motors (e.g., sensor failure, internal fault, overheating) can trigger this warning.
    • High Voltage Battery System Fault: While often associated with charging, a fault within a specific battery module or the Battery Management System (BMS) can restrict power output to protect the battery.
    • High Voltage Cabling or Connectors: Loose, corroded, or damaged high-voltage cables connecting the battery, inverter, and motors can interrupt power flow.
    • Software Glitch: Less common for persistent issues, but sometimes a software anomaly can trigger false warnings. However, given the power reduction, it's likely more than just a glitch.
  3. Diagnostics & OBD Codes:

    • Your Lucid Air's onboard diagnostic system has detected a fault. While generic OBD-II scanners might show general powertrain codes (e.g., P0A00 series for EV drive system malfunctions), Lucid vehicles often have proprietary diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that provide much more specific information.
    • A Lucid service center will use specialized diagnostic tools to read these specific DTCs and pinpoint the exact component or system that is failing.
  4. When to See a Shop:

    • Immediately: Given the persistent warning and reduced power, it is imperative to contact Lucid service as soon as possible. This is not a DIY repair due to the complexity and high-voltage components involved.
    • Lucid Service Center: Schedule an appointment with your nearest authorized Lucid service center. They have the trained technicians, specialized equipment, and genuine parts required to safely and effectively diagnose and repair high-voltage EV drivetrain issues.

Driving with a compromised drivetrain can lead to further damage or an unexpected breakdown. It's best to have it professionally inspected.