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2022 R1T 12V Battery Draining Quickly - Anyone Else Experiencing This?

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Ashley M. · rep 0 · May 22, 7:23 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2022 Rivian R1T Launch Edition

Hey everyone,

I've been having a persistent issue with the 12V battery in my 2022 Rivian R1T Launch Edition. It seems to drain quite rapidly, especially if the truck sits for more than a day or two. I've had a few instances where I get a low 12V battery warning on the screen, and once it was completely dead, requiring a jump start.

I've heard some chatter about this being a known issue with early R1Ts. Has anyone else experienced similar problems? What was the cause, and more importantly, what was the fix? I'm trying to gather some information before I schedule another service appointment.

Is this something that a software update can fix, or is it more likely a hardware issue with the battery itself or a parasitic draw? Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 7:23 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Experiencing a rapidly draining 12V battery in your Rivian R1T can be frustrating, especially given its critical role in an EV. While the high-voltage battery powers the drivetrain, the 12V battery is essential for booting up the vehicle's computers, infotainment, lights, and initiating the contactors for the main battery. Here's a breakdown of common causes and what to do:

Common Causes for 12V Battery Drain in EVs:

  1. Software Glitches: This is a frequent culprit in newer EVs. Software bugs can prevent the vehicle from properly entering a low-power sleep state, leading to continuous draw from the 12V battery. Rivian has released updates addressing parasitic drain issues.
  2. Faulty 12V Battery: Like any battery, the 12V unit can degrade over time or be defective from the factory. Even though it's charged by the DC-DC converter from the main battery, if it can't hold a charge, issues will arise.
  3. Parasitic Draw: An electrical component or accessory (even factory-installed ones) might not be shutting down correctly, continuously drawing power when the vehicle is off.
  4. DC-DC Converter Issues: The DC-DC converter is responsible for charging the 12V battery from the high-voltage pack. If this unit is malfunctioning, the 12V battery won't receive adequate charging.

What to Do and When to See a Shop:

  1. Check for Software Updates: Ensure your R1T's software is up to date. Rivian frequently pushes over-the-air (OTA) updates that can resolve such issues. Check your vehicle's settings or the Rivian app for pending updates.
  2. Monitor Usage: Pay attention to how long the vehicle sits and what accessories might be left on (e.g., dashcams, sentry mode features if applicable, or even persistent app connections).
  3. Contact Rivian Service: If the problem persists after ensuring software is current, it's crucial to schedule a service appointment with Rivian. They have specialized diagnostic tools to:
    • Read internal diagnostic fault codes related to the 12V system, charging, and parasitic draws.
    • Test the health and capacity of the 12V battery.
    • Diagnose the DC-DC converter's functionality.
    • Identify any specific modules causing excessive parasitic drain.

Rivian has been proactive in addressing these types of issues, often replacing the 12V battery or applying specific software patches. Do not attempt to replace the 12V battery yourself, as it's integrated into the vehicle's complex electrical system and requires specific procedures.

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