Matrix Headlights Alignment

[J400]

The technology around the matrix headlights is pretty amazing but the alignment of the LED headlights seems to be off.

The headlights have a distinct set of LEDs that illuminate in the direction you’re steering but they don’t seem to illuminate equally to the left or right. When you turn left, they don’t illuminate all the way like they do when you turn right. The set of LEDs also appear to be brighter on the left side of the beam vs the right side. When the high beam engages, the road also seems brighter on the left than the right.

I took a photo with my truck lined up with the garage and added a rectangle in the middle to show the alignment. The left beam seems to be inward and both beams taper to the right.

Anyone else with a Gen 2 notice this?

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[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Like gen1 design and what was Euro code standard (then became global standard), it’s intentional: so during most situations (not turning) the driver headlight does not blind oncoming traffic, while passenger beam—having higher spread—can light up road signs and anything near edge of road. There are no laws saying light beams must be symmetrical. That is a false belief. This isn’t a Rivian exclusive design “flaw”. It’s regulation all manufacturers must abide by.

 

[mpshizzle]

This is very much on purpose, as designed. As @UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan said, it's to illuminate more towards the shoulder so as to not blind oncoming drivers with even the low beams. Lots of cars do this, the matrix lights just make it more obvious. Thoughtful design, but the assymetry is enough to drive my OCD crazy sometimes lol

 

[J400]

The left side being lower to not blind opposing traffic is normal but if it’s lower then there shouldn’t be an issue with the LEDs illuminating in that direction.

What about the inward offset of the left headlight? Why would that be necessary if the left headlight is already lower. I don’t believe there is a regulation that says the left headlight needs to be inward as well.

 

[mpshizzle]

The left side being lower to not blind opposing traffic is normal but if it’s lower then there shouldn’t be an issue with the LEDs illuminating in that direction.

What about the inward offset of the left headlight? Why would that be necessary if the left headlight is already lower. I don’t believe there is a regulation that says the left headlight needs to be inward as well.

Maybe I can't see it in your photo, but are you saying the left headlight is lower than the right? Mine are perfectly vertically level with each other vertically, but the illumination they produce is biased towards the right.

 

[captainjp]

1st world problems…

 

[J400]

Nice witty comment. I haven’t heard that one before. You spend all your time looking through random Rivian threads just to post that?

I’ve owned 4 trucks, including the Gen 1 and this is the first where the left headlight is pointed inwards. Both headlights on the Gen 1 are pointed straight with the left being lower. I get all the regulations and the logic why but seems strange for the right headlight to point straight and the left headlight to point inwards when it’s already lowered to prevent blinding opposite traffic.

Every Rivian owner knows Rivian Service is not the great. I’ve reached out and they really don’t have any explanation but to say they come out of the factory “aligned” which I find difficult to believe because both my Rivians needed wheel alignments straight from factory.

 

[captainjp]

You spend all your time looking through random Rivian threads just to post that?

Occasionally. Your question has been answered in numerous replies and even service stating that what you’re experiencing is normal. This is clearly not the answer you are looking for.

See, It’s complaints like this and the subsequent demand that Rivian resolve it are what tie up service centers and cause backlogs, etc.

 

[J400]

I have higher standards. When you spend $100k on a vehicle, you should expect better explanations. We should all expect more from Rivian because if they continue to have build quality issues, or fail to explain their product technology, this won't end well for them and ultimately us as customers.

If you really don't have anything to contribute here, please go troll someone else's thread.

Back to topic, is anyone else experiencing offset beams or LED illumination that is inconsistent?

 

[madhat]

Area you sure you're perfectly straight on with the door? Is there not a smoother surface to park in front of?
Are you sure you're on a perfectly level surface and the truck suspension is perfectly leveled?
Did you measure it to confirm?

Looking at your pic, it seems like it's hitting the door in such a way it could cause a misperception if things aren't verified. Not trying to be contrary, just seeing some sources of error not accounts for in your post.

 

[J400]

I measured distances from the garage to both headlights and used the front and back fenders to visually align fender to fender to garage on both sides to specific equal lateral points on the garage. Not perfect and not perfectly leveled but close enough.

The only reason why I took this photo was because when I drove at night, I noticed something was off with the headlight beams. I googled this issue and nothing really came up which leads me to believe this could (A) be a headlight alignment issue on my truck, (B) an issue that is not common but will eventually make its way into this forum or (C) I'm completely OCD about this which is a fair possibility.

As I mentioned above, this is my 4th truck, my second R1T and I'm a relatively mechanically inclined person who can tool around on a car, truck and campervan more than your average Joe. In short, I ain't no dummy.

If Rivian Service specifically said, "Yes the LED beams tapper towards the right for a reason and Yes the left headlight is aligned inwards unlike the right which is aligned straight ahead", then I would accept that it is what it is. Instead, they gave me the CYA nondescript response which was, "They are aligned to manufacturer tolerances straight from the factory". Any semi-intelligent person who has been to two rodeos knows what that means.

 

[vordo]

The day I got my R1T I noted the same thing and put in a ticket and when it came time to discuss this I sent a very similar photo to Rivian CS. And… they told me what has been posted above, that it is their standard and the that this is how it is designed.

Honestly I thought it was a misalignment defect (mine more crooked than yours even) but over time I stopped seeing it even though I live in a semi rural area with few street lights.

this is literally the old joke about bugs and features and an engineer redesigning a standard.

Of course once explained, it makes sense this crooked snaggletoothed light line and I got over it and my love of the truck was not diminished and has only increased over time.

funny to see this post and be like, oh yeah, I remembered when that annoyed me as well. LOL.

 

[J400]

Glad to see that I’m not the only one but also little disappointed that it is what it is. I’m actually ok with that as long as it really is what it is.

Too bad the Rivian service manual isn’t available publicly.

 

[leohu444]

Why do we have to follow eu code standard!!! I have the same issue.. I can’t see left side.

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