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2023 R1T 12V Battery Drain - Waking Up to a Dead Truck!

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 24, 4:10 PM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2023 Rivian R1T Launch Edition

Hey everyone,

I woke up this morning to a completely dead 2023 Rivian R1T Launch Edition. No lights, no response from the key fob, nothing on the screen. It was fine when I parked it last night, and it's been charging regularly without issues. This is really frustrating for a relatively new vehicle.

I managed to get it jump-started using the auxiliary battery terminals, but I'm worried this is going to happen again. Has anyone else experienced a sudden 12V battery drain on their R1T? What was the cause, and how did you fix it?

I'm wondering if it's a software glitch keeping a module awake, or perhaps a faulty sensor drawing power. Any insights or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated before I have to take it into service.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 24, 4:10 PM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Experiencing a dead 12V battery in an EV like your 2023 Rivian R1T can be alarming, but it's a known issue that can affect many modern vehicles due to complex electrical systems. Here's a breakdown of potential causes and what to do:

Common Causes of 12V Battery Drain in EVs:

  1. Parasitic Draw: A component or module may not be properly shutting down, continuously drawing power even when the vehicle is off. This can be anything from a faulty infotainment system, a stuck relay, or an aftermarket accessory.
  2. Software Glitches: A software bug can prevent the vehicle's systems from entering a proper 'sleep' state, leading to continuous power consumption.
  3. Faulty 12V Battery: While less common in newer vehicles, the 12V battery itself could be defective or nearing the end of its life, especially if it's been deeply discharged multiple times.
  4. Charging System Issues: Although the main high-voltage battery powers the drive, the 12V battery is charged by a DC-DC converter from the high-voltage pack. A fault in this converter or its control module could prevent the 12V battery from recharging properly.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  1. Check for Aftermarket Accessories: Disconnect any dash cams, USB chargers, or other non-factory accessories to rule them out as a source of parasitic draw.
  2. Monitor Battery Voltage: If you have a multimeter, you can monitor the 12V battery's voltage overnight. A healthy 12V battery should hold around 12.6V when fully charged and not drop significantly overnight.
  3. Check for Recalls/Software Updates: Rivian may have issued software updates specifically addressing 12V battery management or parasitic drain issues. Check your vehicle's software version and Rivian's service advisories.

When to See a Shop:

If the issue reoccurs after a jump start, or if you consistently find your 12V battery drained, it's crucial to schedule service with Rivian. They have specialized diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact source of the drain. They can check for specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that might not illuminate a dashboard light but could indicate an issue. For instance, codes related to power management (e.g., U0100 series for lost communication with a control module) or a failing DC-DC converter could be present. A persistent drain often requires professional diagnosis to identify the specific module or component at fault and prevent further damage or inconvenience.

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