2023 R1T Intermittent Slow Charging & Charge Port Fault

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Chris P. · rep 0 · May 22, 7:17 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2023 Rivian R1T Launch Edition

My 2023 Rivian R1T, Launch Edition, has been acting up with charging lately. Sometimes it charges super slow, like 10-15 miles per hour on a Level 2 charger that usually gives me 25+. Other times, I get a "Charging Fault" message on the dash and the Rivian app.

I've also noticed the charge port door doesn't always lock securely when I plug in, even with different chargers. It feels like it's not engaging properly.

Is this a known issue for the R1T? What should I check before taking it in? I'm hoping it's something simple.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It sounds like you're experiencing a common set of symptoms that can point to a few different electrical issues. Here's a breakdown of what to check and what might be happening:

  1. Inspect Charging Cable and Source: First, ensure your charging cable is fully seated and undamaged. Try a different Level 2 charger if possible (e.g., at a public station or a friend's house) to rule out your home charging station as the source of the problem.
  2. Examine Rivian's Charge Port: Visually inspect the Rivian's charge port itself. Use a flashlight to look for any debris, bent pins, corrosion, or signs of physical damage. Ensure the locking mechanism appears clear and unobstructed.
  3. Perform a Software Restart: Sometimes, these issues can be software-related. Perform a soft reset of your vehicle's infotainment system (hold both steering wheel scroll wheels down for 15 seconds until the screen goes black and restarts). If that doesn't help, try a full vehicle restart via the settings menu (usually under 'Vehicle' -> 'Service' -> 'Restart Vehicle').
  4. Check Rivian App for Details: The Rivian app often provides more specific error codes or messages related to a charging fault than what appears on the dash. Check the 'Charging' section or notifications for any additional diagnostic information.

Common Causes for These Symptoms:

  • Faulty Charging Cable: The most common culprit for intermittent slow charging or charging faults. Even a slight internal break can cause issues.
  • Charge Port Actuator/Sensor: If the charge port isn't locking, the locking mechanism or its associated sensor might be failing. The vehicle's Battery Management System (BMS) often requires the port to be securely locked before initiating or maintaining optimal charging.
  • Onboard Charger (OBC) Issue: The vehicle's internal charging unit could be malfunctioning, leading to reduced charging rates or complete faults.
  • Battery Management System (BMS) Glitch: Software or hardware issues with the BMS can affect charging rates, report faults, and interfere with communication between the vehicle and the charger.
  • External Charger Fault: While less likely if it happens with multiple chargers, a specific charger could be intermittently failing.

When to See a Shop:

If the issue persists after checking your cables, inspecting the port, and performing software restarts, it's crucial to schedule a service appointment with Rivian. An intermittent "Charging Fault" combined with a non-locking charge port strongly suggests a hardware issue with the charge port assembly or the onboard charging system that requires professional diagnosis. Rivian service technicians can pull specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from the vehicle's system (e.g., P0D2F - Charge Port Lock Actuator Performance, or P0D2A - Onboard Charger Fault) to pinpoint the exact problem. Do not attempt to force the charge port lock or disassemble any components yourself, as this could void your warranty or cause further damage.