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R1T 12V Battery Draining - Electrical Glitches & No Start

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Angela R. · rep 0 · May 22, 7:23 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2022 Rivian R1T Launch Edition

Hey everyone, I'm having some frustrating issues with my 2022 Rivian R1T Launch Edition. Over the past few weeks, I've noticed some weird electrical glitches – the infotainment screen freezing occasionally, sometimes the doors wouldn't unlock on the first try, and even the gear tunnel light staying on.

Yesterday, after sitting for about 36 hours, the truck was completely dead. No lights, no response from the app, nothing. I managed to get it jump-started, and it seems to be running, but I'm worried this will happen again.

Is this a common problem with the 12V battery on early R1Ts? I've heard some chatter about it. What should I be looking for, or is this something I need to take to a service center immediately? Any advice on troubleshooting or preventative measures would be greatly appreciated.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

The issues you're describing with your 2022 Rivian R1T, particularly the 12V battery drain leading to electrical glitches and a no-start condition, are indeed a known concern for some early Rivian owners. The 12V battery in an EV powers all the auxiliary systems, including the infotainment, door locks, lights, and even the contactors that allow the high-voltage battery to power the drive units.

Here's what's typically happening and what you can do:

  1. Causes of 12V Battery Drain:

    • Software Glitches: Early Rivian software versions sometimes had bugs that prevented the 12V battery from properly charging from the main high-voltage battery, or caused excessive parasitic draw when the vehicle was 'asleep'.
    • Parasitic Draw: Components like the infotainment system, telematics, or even faulty sensors can draw power even when the vehicle is off, slowly draining the 12V battery.
    • Battery Health: Like any 12V battery, it has a finite lifespan. If it's been deeply discharged multiple times, its capacity can be reduced.

  2. Troubleshooting & Solutions:

    • Check Battery Voltage: If you have a multimeter, check the 12V battery's voltage. A healthy battery should read around 12.6V when fully charged and at rest. If it's consistently below 12V, it's likely discharged or failing.
    • Trickle Charger: Consider using a smart trickle charger/maintainer if your vehicle sits for extended periods, especially if you don't have access to a Rivian service center immediately. Connect it to the 12V battery terminals (located under the frunk).
    • Software Updates: Ensure your R1T has the latest software updates. Rivian has released several updates specifically addressing 12V battery management and parasitic drain issues. These updates often improve the charging logic from the high-voltage battery to the 12V system.
    • Service Appointment: This is the most crucial step. Schedule a service appointment with Rivian. They can diagnose the exact cause, check for any related Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), and perform necessary repairs or battery replacements. They have specialized diagnostic tools to identify parasitic draws and ensure the battery management system is functioning correctly.

  3. When to See a Shop:

    • Immediately, if the issue is recurring or if you're experiencing frequent no-start conditions.
    • If your 12V battery is consistently below 12V even after driving.
    • If you've applied all available software updates and the problem persists.

Rivian service centers are well-versed in these issues and can often resolve them with a software update or a 12V battery replacement under warranty.

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