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2022 R1T Adventure 12V Battery Drain - Vehicle Won't Start After Sitting

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Emily N. · rep 0 · May 22, 7:23 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2022 Rivian R1T Adventure

Hey everyone,

I'm having a really frustrating issue with my 2022 Rivian R1T Adventure. A few times now, after letting it sit for just 2-3 days, the vehicle is completely dead. No lights, no infotainment, can't even unlock the doors with the app or key fob. It's like the 12V battery has completely drained.

I've had to jump-start it twice, which gets it going, but this isn't sustainable. It's a huge inconvenience, especially when I need to rely on it. Has anyone else experienced this with their R1T, particularly the 2022 model year?

What was the cause for you, and more importantly, what was the permanent fix? I'm trying to gather some info before I schedule a service appointment.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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

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This is a known concern for some early production Rivian R1T and R1S vehicles, particularly from the 2022 model year. The 12V battery in an EV is crucial for booting up the vehicle's computer systems, unlocking doors, and powering accessories, even though the main high-voltage battery powers the drivetrain.

Here's a breakdown of potential causes and what to do:

  1. Common Causes:

    • Software Glitches: The most frequent culprit. Software bugs can prevent the vehicle from properly entering a low-power sleep state, leading to parasitic drain on the 12V battery. This can also prevent the DC-DC converter from adequately charging the 12V battery from the high-voltage pack.
    • Faulty 12V Battery: While less common in newer vehicles, a defective 12V battery itself can fail to hold a charge.
    • Accessory Drain: Aftermarket accessories or even a persistent issue with a factory component (like a stuck relay) could be drawing power when the vehicle is off.
    • DC-DC Converter Issues: The converter is responsible for charging the 12V battery from the main high-voltage battery. A fault here would prevent proper charging.

  2. Initial Troubleshooting (Temporary):

    • Jump Start: As you've done, a careful jump start (following your owner's manual instructions precisely) can get you going. Ensure you use a reliable jump pack or another vehicle.
    • Check for Updates: Ensure your Rivian's software is fully up to date. Many 12V battery drain issues have been resolved via over-the-air (OTA) software updates.

  3. When to See a Rivian Service Center:

    • Repeated Occurrences: If the issue persists after ensuring software updates are applied, it's time for professional diagnosis.
    • Error Messages: If your dash displays messages like "12V Battery Fault" or similar warnings.
    • No Start After Jump: If the vehicle still won't start even after a successful jump, there's a deeper electrical issue.

A Rivian service technician will have proprietary diagnostic tools to pull specific fault codes (e.g., related to power management, low voltage, or DC-DC converter faults) that are not accessible via standard OBD-II readers. They can also check for any relevant Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) or recalls related to 12V battery management or software updates that might not have been pushed OTA to your specific vehicle.

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