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2023 R1T Drivetrain Malfunction & Reduced Power

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Kim L. · rep 0 · May 22, 7:11 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2023 Rivian R1T Adventure

Hey everyone,

I'm running into a concerning issue with my 2023 Rivian R1T Adventure. Lately, I've been getting a "Drivetrain Malfunction" warning light on the dash, often accompanied by a noticeable reduction in power. It seems to happen more frequently after a longer drive or when I've used a DC fast charger.

The truck still drives, but it feels sluggish, almost like it's in a limp mode. I've tried restarting the vehicle, and sometimes the warning clears, but it inevitably comes back. Has anyone else experienced this with their R1T? What was the fix?

It's a bit frustrating, especially with a relatively new vehicle. Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated before I schedule a service appointment.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 7:11 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

A "Drivetrain Malfunction" warning combined with reduced power in your 2023 Rivian R1T Adventure is a serious issue that requires prompt attention. This indicates a problem within the electric motor, inverter, battery management system, or related power delivery components.

Here's what you should know and do:

  1. Initial Steps:

    • Safely Pull Over: If you're driving and this occurs, find a safe place to pull over.
    • Vehicle Reboot: Try a full vehicle reboot (refer to your owner's manual for the exact procedure). Sometimes, a software glitch can trigger these warnings, and a reboot might temporarily clear it.
    • Monitor Behavior: Note when the warning appears (e.g., after fast charging, heavy acceleration, specific temperatures). This information is valuable for diagnostics.

  2. Potential Causes:

    • Software Glitch: As mentioned, sometimes a temporary software error can cause false warnings.
    • Motor or Inverter Issue: Problems with one of the electric motors or the power inverter (which converts DC battery power to AC for the motors) can trigger this. This could range from a sensor fault to an internal component failure.
    • Battery Management System (BMS) Fault: The BMS monitors battery health, temperature, and power flow. A fault here could incorrectly limit power or trigger a drivetrain warning.
    • High Voltage System Fault: Issues within the high-voltage cabling or contactors can also lead to power delivery problems.
    • Thermal Management: Overheating of motors or inverters can cause the system to reduce power to prevent damage.

  3. When to See a Shop:

    • Immediately: A "Drivetrain Malfunction" warning, especially with reduced power, should not be ignored. Continuing to drive with this warning could potentially cause further damage or leave you stranded.
    • Professional Diagnosis: Rivian vehicles use sophisticated diagnostic systems. A Rivian service center will connect to your vehicle's internal diagnostics to pull specific fault codes (e.g., internal Rivian codes like HV_DRIVETRAIN_FAULT or similar system-specific alerts). They will perform a thorough inspection of the electric motors, inverters, high-voltage battery system, and associated wiring.
    • Do Not Attempt DIY Repairs: Due to the high-voltage nature of EV drivetrains, attempting to diagnose or repair these issues yourself is extremely dangerous and should only be done by trained professionals.

Schedule a service appointment with Rivian as soon as possible. Provide them with all the details you've observed regarding when and how the warning appears.

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