Spent a couple of nights in Vermont and had to leave the car outside - temperature was below zero and never exceeded 17F. Started the car and there was a funky smell and strange sounds, then crazy static over the sound system. Shut everything down, restarted and had a "Faulty Four Wheel Drive message" but all systems seemed normal except that the light on the differential system is now out. Changing the diff selector did seem to work but the indicator light on the switch isn't lit . FWIW, it was so cold I also had low tire pressure. Into the dealer we go but curious if anyone else experienced this.

 

I get the faulty 4 wheel drive message when my battery voltage is low. Like you it's usually on a restart after a short run. My battery voltage drops fairly quickly when the outside temperatures drop........I can't say I've had any funky smells, but noises are normal for my Cayenne!! Lot's of creaking and groaning when it's really cold!!

And before anyone suggests it, Yes my battery is brand new!!!

Bob

 

Russnyc: So did it go away when the car was warm? I'm taking my 06 to Vermont tonight and will be 0 degrees for a few days, just like you! Anyone else have weird issues in extreme cold?

 

Hey Hal, when it happened, I turned the car off and turned it back on and the faults went away. The car drove fine, though I was on edge for a bit. When I brought it to the dealer they couldn't find anything. I'm expecting to speak to the service manager so I can try to get some more info about the situation ... he's called a few times when I've been away.

 

I can't put a trickle charger on because it is valet here in Stowe (!) I can only drive it tonight to top off the battery before it is 6 degrees tonight. Will report back

 

never had any issues with with cold and going on winter #4 - although can`t really count this year

 

I don't think it is the cold either. Ours sits outside year round and we generally see single digits every night in the winter.

 

Started up just fine at 6 degrees. Only thing was one high beam went out, but is now back working. Guess the connection was just cold.