2023 R1T Adventure 12V Battery Draining Overnight - Help!

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Dan C. · rep 0 · May 22, 7:13 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2023 Rivian R1T Adventure

Hey everyone, I'm having a really frustrating issue with my 2023 Rivian R1T Adventure. For the past week, I've woken up to a completely dead 12V battery. The main high-voltage battery shows plenty of charge, but I can't even open the doors with the app or key fob because the 12V system is completely flat.

I've had to jump-start it twice now, and it seems to charge up fine after that, but then it's dead again overnight. It's really inconvenient and I'm worried about long-term damage.

Has anyone else experienced this with their R1T? Any ideas on what could be causing such a rapid drain? I haven't installed any aftermarket accessories or anything unusual. Just looking for some troubleshooting tips before I have to schedule a service appointment.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

A rapidly draining 12V battery in an EV like your 2023 Rivian R1T Adventure, especially when the main high-voltage battery is charged, points to a parasitic draw or a fault within the 12V charging system itself. This is a common concern for many EV owners.

Here are potential causes and steps to consider:

  1. Parasitic Draw:

    • Cause: A component or module is staying active and drawing power even when the vehicle is "off." Common culprits include infotainment systems, telematics units, keyless entry modules, or even a faulty door switch.
    • Diagnostics: You can try to isolate the draw by using a multimeter to measure current draw from the 12V battery. Then, systematically pull fuses one by one (after the vehicle has been fully shut down and "asleep" for a while) to see when the draw drops. This can help pinpoint the circuit.
  2. Software Glitches:

    • Cause: Sometimes, software bugs can prevent modules from properly entering a low-power sleep state, leading to continuous power consumption.
    • Action: Ensure your Rivian's software is fully up to date. Over-the-air (OTA) updates often address these kinds of issues. A hard reset of the infotainment system might also temporarily alleviate the problem.
  3. Faulty 12V Charging System:

    • Cause: The DC-DC converter, which charges the 12V battery from the high-voltage battery, might not be functioning correctly. This means the 12V battery isn't being topped up as it should be.
    • Diagnostics: A service center can test the output of the DC-DC converter.
  4. Failing 12V Battery:

    • Cause: While less likely if it charges fine after a jump, an aging or faulty 12V battery might not be holding a charge effectively, especially if it's been deeply discharged multiple times.
    • Diagnostics: A battery load test can determine its health.

When to See a Shop: Given the consistent overnight drain, it's highly recommended to schedule a service appointment with Rivian. Diagnosing parasitic draws can be complex and requires specialized tools and knowledge, especially in an EV where high-voltage systems are present. They can perform a thorough diagnostic scan for any relevant fault codes (e.g., P0562 - System Voltage Low if the 12V battery drops below a critical threshold) and pinpoint the exact cause safely and efficiently. Continuing to jump-start the vehicle repeatedly can also put stress on the electrical system.