Recall AMB5 – Re-Programming Power Electronics (Stop Delivery/Recall Campaign) – 2020-2021 Porsche Taycan

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June 29, 2021 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V486000

Software Error Can Cause Loss of Motive Power

A loss of motive power increases the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V486

Manufacturer PorscheeBay Cars North America, Inc.

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Potential Number of Units Affected 10,373

 

Summary

PorscheeBay Cars North America, Inc. (PorscheeBay) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Taycan Turbo, Taycan Turbo S, Taycan 4S, 2021 Taycan, Taycan Cross Turismo, Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo, Taycan 4S Cross Turismo, and Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo vehicles. The monitoring software can incorrectly detect a fault and shutdown the power train, causing a loss of motive power.

 

Remedy

Dealers will reprogram the power electronics and the engine control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2021. Owners may contact PorscheeBay customer service at 1-800-767-7243. PorscheeBay’s number for this recall is AMB5.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

 

Check if your Porsche has a Recall

 


Overview

Due to a software issue that has since been corrected, the software designed to continuously monitor endto-end communication between the safety-related ECUs in the vehicle can, in certain instances, incorrectly and sporadically detect a potentially faulty communication, set an error memory entry and trigger a shutdown of the power train, resulting in loss of motive power. To help prevent this from occurring, high-voltage power electronics must be reprogrammed with updated software.

Please arrange for this measure to be carried out on the affected vehicles immediately.

Please note that all existing vehicles on Stop Delivery AMB5 have been moved to Safety Recall AMB5 and must still be remedied prior to delivery by law.

All working scopes (1-5) are now available and can be completed.

A VIN list generated at Recall launch is attached for your reference, with campaign status listed (done vs. not done) and with customer vehicles added. The most up to date campaign completion status of AMB5 can be found in PCSS and by checking vehicle history for the VIN within PCSS.

 


AMB5 – Re-Programming Power Electronics (Stop Delivery/Recall Campaign)

Revision:

This bulletin replaces bulletin Group 9 106/21 AMB5 (Y1A), dated July 14, 2021.

 

Model Year:

2020

 

Important:

CRITICAL WARNING -This campaign includes steps where control unit(s) in the vehicle will be programmed with the PIWIS Tester. The vehicle voltage must be maintained between 13.5 volts and 14.5 volts during this programming. Failure to maintain this voltage could result in damaged control unit(s). Damage caused by inadequate voltage during programming is not a warrantable defect. The technician must verify the actual vehicle voltage in the PIWIS Tester before starting the campaign and also document the actual voltage on the repair order.

 

Model Line:

Taycan (Y1A)

 

Concerns:

Power electronics and engine electronics (DME)

 

Information:

Due to an internal software error in the high-voltage power electronics, there is a possibility that the warning message “Drive system control fault. Park vehicle safety” will be displayed in the instrument cluster on the affected vehicles.

If this is the case, the possibility of the drive system switching off sporadically while driving cannot be ruled out and it may be necessary to park the vehicle safely. The customer can start the vehicle again after switching the ignition off and on again.

 

Action required:

  • Re-program the power electronics and engine electronics (DME control unit) using the PIWIS Tester with software version 40.550.040 (or higher) installed.
  • Depending on the software version of the individual control units installed in the vehicle, other control units must also be re-programmed or coded.
  • Replace Owner’s Manual in the on-board folder in the vehicle with an updated version.

 

Information

Each vehicle affected by this measure has been assigned exactly one scope, which includes the measures required for updating the software.

For details of the exact scope of this campaign that is assigned to each vehicle, see PCSS Vehicle Information.

 


AMB5 – Re-Programming Power Electronics (Stop Delivery/Recall Campaign)

 

Revision:

This bulletin replaces bulletin Group 9 106/21 AMB5 (Y1A, Y1B), dated July 14, 2021.

 

Model Year:

2021

 

Important:

CRITICAL WARNING -This campaign includes steps where control unit(s) in the vehicle will be programmed with the PIWIS Tester. The vehicle voltage must be maintained between 13.5 volts and 14.5 volts during this programming. Failure to maintain this voltage could result in damaged control unit(s). Damage caused by inadequate voltage during programming is not a warrantable defect. The technician must verify the actual vehicle voltage in the PIWIS Tester before starting the campaign and also document the actual voltage on the repair order.

 

Model Line:

Taycan (Y1A)

Taycan Cross Turismo (Y1B)

 

Concerns:

Power electronics and engine electronics (DME)

 

Information:

Due to an internal software error in the high-voltage power electronics, there is a possibility

that the warning message “Drive system control fault Park vehicle safety” will be displayed in the instrument cluster on the affected vehicles.

If this is the case, the possibility of the drive system switching off sporadically while driving cannot be ruled out and it may be necessary to park the vehicle safely. The customer can start the vehicle again after switching the ignition off and on again.

Action required:

  • Re-program the power electronics and engine electronics (DME control unit) using the PIWIS Tester with test version 40.550.040 (or higher) installed.
  • Depending on the software version of the individual control units installed in the vehicle, other control units must also be re-programmed or coded.

 

Information

Each vehicle affected by this measure has been assigned exactly one scope, which includes the measures required for updating the software.

For details of the exact scope of this campaign that is assigned to each vehicle, see PCSS Vehicle Information.

 


BP: Salutation (E-Mail)

PorscheeBay has decided that a defect that relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2020-2021 Model Year PorscheeBay Taycan vehicles. Our records show that you are the current owner of a vehicle affected by this recall.

 

What is the issue?

Due to a software issue, the power electronics in your vehicle can, in certain instances, incorrectly and sporadically detect a fault and trigger a shutdown of the power electronics, resulting in loss of motive power. If this occurs, the affected vehicles display the warning message “Motor control error Stop vehicle in a safe place” in the instrument cluster, and the vehicle can be restarted by pushing the On/Off button. A loss of motive power at higher speed can increase a risk of a crash.

 

What will PorscheeBay do?

To help prevent this from occurring, PorscheeBay is conducting a safety recall to reprogram the power electronics with updated software. In addition to this remedy, the powertrain software will also be updated to the latest specification. The remedy and software update will be performed at no cost to you. The remedy will take from 1 to 6 hours to perform; however depending on the dealer’s work schedule, it may be necessary to make your vehicle available for a longer period of time.

 

What should you do?

Please contact any authorized PorscheeBay dealer to schedule an appointment to have this recall performed as soon as possible and to arrange for PorscheeBay-provided alternate transportation, if necessary. To find your nearest authorized PorscheeBay dealer, visit: www.porsche.com/usa

If your vehicle displays “Motor control error Stop vehicle in a safe place,” please park your vehicle in a safe place and call PorscheeBay roadside assistance at 1-800PORSCHE or a local dealer for immediate support.

 

Schedule Service Appointment

We apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause you. We are taking this action to help ensure your safety and continued satisfaction with your vehicle.

 

Sincerely,

PorscheeBay Cars North America, Inc.

 



2 Affected Products

Vehicle

MAKEMODELYEAR
PORSCHETAYCAN2020-2021

 


13 Associated Documents

Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – AMB5 Stop Delivery/Recall campaign – Reprogramming power electronics

RCMN-21V486-8446.pdf 133.617KB

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-21V486-1814.pdf 462.629KB

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-21V486-6336.pdf 370.505KB

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Recall 573 Report-Amendment 1

RCLRPT-21V486-9519.PDF 220.61KB

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-21V486-2536.pdf 171.935KB

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PCNA AMB5 Taycan Recall EM 202107_EN

RMISC-21V486-1749.pdf 184.153KB

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Porsche AMB5 Amendment

RMISC-21V486-2630.pdf 10.541KB

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-21V486-3851.PDF 220.61KB

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-21V486-5426.pdf 645.594KB

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2021-3

RCLQRT-21V486-2620.PDF 211.154KB

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-21V486-2543.pdf 670.807KB

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-21V486-0387.pdf 954.087KB

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2021-4

RCLQRT-21V486-6467.PDF 211.255KB

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Latest Recalls Documents

 


1 Associated Investigation

Loss of Motive Power
NHTSA ID: PE21013
Dated opened: May 17, 2021

 

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received nine complaints from vehicle owners and a few TREAD (Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation) field reports alleging a loss of motive power while in motion at any speed without warning to the driver. The complaints and reports involve Model Year (MY) 2020 – 2021 Porsche Taycan vehicles. The Taycan is an 800-volt battery electric vehicle with an auxiliary 12V battery. A loss of charge in the 12V battery may deactivate the entire electrical system and prevent the vehicle from operation. All complaints allege that loss of motive power occurred without warning and error messages about a battery fault displayed during or after the vehicle stalled. Six complaints allege an inability to restart the vehicle once they lose motive power.

 

ODI is opening this preliminary evaluation (PE) to determine the scope and severity of the potential problem as well as fully assess the potential safety-related issues related to a loss of motive power for the MY 2020-2021 Porsche Taycan.

 

The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the following identification numbers:11415110 11414731 11414486 11404336 11386164 11383427 11377898 11377875 11364083

 


 

Reprogramming

For reprogramming and flashing Porsche vehicles without a factory diagnostic device, Porsche recommends the following devices:

Recommended Pass Thru Devices:

 

J2534 Device

Recall AMB5 - Re-Programming Power Electronics (Stop Delivery/Recall Campaign) - 2020-2021 Porsche Taycan | small light CarDAQ-Plus 3 All Makes J2534 Reprogramming Tool
Recall AMB5 - Re-Programming Power Electronics (Stop Delivery/Recall Campaign) - 2020-2021 Porsche Taycan | small light RAP2 OEM J2534 Remote Reprogramming Tool
CarDAQ-Plus 2 Diagnostic Code Reader and J2534 Programming Tool
Recall AMB5 - Re-Programming Power Electronics (Stop Delivery/Recall Campaign) - 2020-2021 Porsche Taycan | small light Drew Technologies (DRWCDPLUSKIT) CarDAQ-Plus J2534 Flash Reprogramming Kit
Recall AMB5 - Re-Programming Power Electronics (Stop Delivery/Recall Campaign) - 2020-2021 Porsche Taycan | small light Bosch Automotive Tools MTECH2 Mastertech II J2534 VCI with Wired/Wireless Capability for OEM Reprogramming and Diagnostics on GM, Ford, FCA, Nissan/Infiniti, Honda/Acura, and Toyota/Lexus Vehicles
Recall AMB5 - Re-Programming Power Electronics (Stop Delivery/Recall Campaign) - 2020-2021 Porsche Taycan | small light Autel MaxiFlash Elite VCI J2534 Pass-Thru ECU Programming Tool
Autel MaxiFlash VCI Vehicle Communication Interface J2534 PassThru ECU Programming Device Bluetooth Connection Internet Update Support CAN FD, 4 CAN Channels, DoIP, D-PDU Works with PC or Autel MS909
Recall AMB5 - Re-Programming Power Electronics (Stop Delivery/Recall Campaign) - 2020-2021 Porsche Taycan | small light VXDIAG VCX Nano Compatible for GM/OPEL with GDS2 and Tech2WIN System Diagnostic Tool
Recall AMB5 - Re-Programming Power Electronics (Stop Delivery/Recall Campaign) - 2020-2021 Porsche Taycan | small light GODIAG J2534

 

Porsche is not responsible for any content on these two external sites

 


Pass Thru - Check ECU

Pass Thru - ECU Check verifies the vehicle compliance with the latest air polution restrictions of the following organisations:

- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- California Air Resources Board (CARB).

 

Pass Thru - Check ECU checks the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) stored in the vehicles Digital Motor Electronic (ECU) against the PAG database.

Pass Thru - Check ECU is free of charge and does not require any login.

 

How to perform a Pass Thru - ECU Check:

  • Enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
  • In case of EPA offical enter the CVN ID.
  • In case of CARB offical enter the Cal ID.
  • Click the "CHECK ECU Version" button.

If the VIN is valid you see:

VIN IS VALID - User has the latest Update

 

How to find the VIN:

The VIN is labeled inside the windscreen at the bottom right side: see sample.

 

How to get the CVN ID / Cal ID:

CVN / Cal IDs can be retrieved with a generic scan tool device.

 

techinfo2.porsche.com

 


 

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