Fluid leaking during charging

[FrozenCT]

I have noticed fluid leaking from near the front right wheel well during charging two times so far. No other issues during previous charges. I happen to also be charging at a high speed Electrify America charger in the port on the right side. I was sitting in the car both times for about 20 minutes with air conditioning running during charging. When I got out to unplug the car, I noticed a fluid trail coming from underneath the car (photos attached). I soaked some up on a white napkin to check the color. I first noticed it 1 week ago during my last charge, and again today. I have not noticed the fluid at any other time, even when sitting in the car parked with AC running (condensation?). I saw the brake fluid issue on some forums and that it could be “pale yellow” in color, but I don’t understand why I wouldn’t notice it at any other time except when charging. Does anyone have any ideas?
Thank you!

Sponsored

 

[chun]

Just a guess, but probably coolant from the battery, as it is circulated to cool off battery during charging, it probably leaks somewhere. Take it to service asap, at not high speeds, as to avoid further damaging the battery

Assuming it's this, it should return a fault sooner or later

 

[wmras]

I have noticed fluid leaking from near the front right wheel well during charging two times so far. No other issues during previous charges. I happen to also be charging at a high speed Electrify America charger in the port on the right side. I was sitting in the car both times for about 20 minutes with air conditioning running during charging. When I got out to unplug the car, I noticed a fluid trail coming from underneath the car (photos attached). I soaked some up on a white napkin to check the color. I first noticed it 1 week ago during my last charge, and again today. I have not noticed the fluid at any other time, even when sitting in the car parked with AC running (condensation?). I saw the brake fluid issue on some forums and that it could be “pale yellow” in color, but I don’t understand why I wouldn’t notice it at any other time except when charging. Does anyone have any ideas?
Thank you!

Likely to be condensation (mixed with road dust) from running the air conditioner. Not likely a problem.

 

[tigerbalm]

This ^^^.

One time in France while charging at an IONITY in a shopping centre car park (Metz) – I had a shopper stop me as I was walking away from the car – to say that my car was leaking petrol!

They were being genuinely helpful and concerned!

 

[daveo4EV]

it could be a coolant leak - but the 99% likely hood is this is simply condensation from the battery cooling system - the battery cooling system is run quite hard during fast charging to keep battery termperature's ideal - this is most likely just condensation from the cooling system activity (perfectly normal) - your dealer/service could inspect the battery coolant levels and detect any leaks, but I'd be super surprised if the vehicle didn't have a warning you would see if there was even a slight coolant leak…

if the vehicle isn't notifying you of a service/coolant-level problem it's unlikely to be a fluid leak…

but to be 100% certain you'd have to have the vehicle inspected.

also - a coolant leak would be unlikely to happen just during charging (not impossible but unlikely).

 

[whitex]

your dealer/service could inspect the battery coolant levels and detect any leaks, but I'd be super surprised if the vehicle didn't have a warning you would see if there was even a slight coolant leak…

The car's computers are already monitoring the coolant levels, and a warning should be generated if they are dropping below what's considered normal (which is almost any drop). Personally I wouldn't bother with a dealer appointment unless the coolant warning shows up at least once. But of course, everyone has their own life risk management policy.

Now, if there was a puddle of something under my car in the garage and it was clearly not water (i.e. greasy, will not dry, or weird smell/color), then I'd look into it.

 

[007]

The car just drank too much juice, had to take a leak ?‍

 

[n3ophyte]

Sniff the fluid next time. If it’s odourless then it’s likely to be condensation from the battery cooling system. If there’s a chemical smell then it’s more likely to be leaking coolant?

 

[lcarron]

I have noticed fluid leaking from near the front right wheel well during charging two times so far. No other issues during previous charges. I happen to also be charging at a high speed Electrify America charger in the port on the right side. I was sitting in the car both times for about 20 minutes with air conditioning running during charging. When I got out to unplug the car, I noticed a fluid trail coming from underneath the car (photos attached). I soaked some up on a white napkin to check the color. I first noticed it 1 week ago during my last charge, and again today. I have not noticed the fluid at any other time, even when sitting in the car parked with AC running (condensation?). I saw the brake fluid issue on some forums and that it could be “pale yellow” in color, but I don’t understand why I wouldn’t notice it at any other time except when charging. Does anyone have any ideas?
Thank you!

What was the air humidity during the charge? If high it should be the AC.

 

[007]

Sniff the fluid next time. If it’s odourless then it’s likely to be condensation from the battery cooling system. If there’s a chemical smell then it’s more likely to be leaking coolant?

Taste test may bring more accurate results.

 

[whitex]

Taste test may bring more accurate results.

Not something I would recommend. There are fluids in cars which are quite harmful if ingested.

 

[FlyingPoint]

My $$ is on condensation. I have seen this occur several times over the last 3+ years. If there is a coolant leak, you would smell it when driving.

 

[lcarron]

My $$ is on condensation. I have seen this occur several times over the last 3+ years. If there is a coolant leak, you would smell it when driving.

You should have a good nose the smell coolant leak on a non ice car.

 

[hifi239]

Liquid on the ground on the right side is common because that's where the AC condensate exits. I see that all the time when I charge in humid conditions (which I expect you have in FL) as I sit in the car with the AC on. If it is coolant, I expect Porsche uses ethylene glycol for coolant. Don't taste it, but some people can smell the chemical sweetness. Between your thumb and index finger it will feel slippery.

 

[marc]

I have noticed fluid leaking from near the front right wheel well during charging two times so far. No other issues during previous charges. I happen to also be charging at a high speed Electrify America charger in the port on the right side. I was sitting in the car both times for about 20 minutes with air conditioning running during charging. When I got out to unplug the car, I noticed a fluid trail coming from underneath the car (photos attached). I soaked some up on a white napkin to check the color. I first noticed it 1 week ago during my last charge, and again today. I have not noticed the fluid at any other time, even when sitting in the car parked with AC running (condensation?). I saw the brake fluid issue on some forums and that it could be “pale yellow” in color, but I don’t understand why I wouldn’t notice it at any other time except when charging. Does anyone have any ideas?
Thank you!

When I lived in Texas my AC was in constant use and the condensation thing was quite frequent on my 4s. I understand your concern though, and I recall smelling it and rubbing it between my fingers in a very unscientific analysis. Before Texas, I lived in Miami and never noticed it there--but it was winter so not very hard core AC time.

Sponsored