Colorado Checking In

[endress14]

I wanted to post back on the 12v replacement issue. A month ago I got the notification in the app, and the vehicle, that I needed to make a service appointment to replace the 12v. I have a Sept 23 R1S QM. The earliest mobile appointment wasn't for 4 weeks, which made me nervous, as I'd seen a lot of horror stories about 'bricked' Rivians on the forums.

I inhaled various threads about what was going on with the batteries. For my simple mind, it sounds like the 12v battery is powering gear guard, and much of the day to day features, and as a result typically gets drained every few days, at which time the big battery wakes up and recharges it, and the cycle continues. Because the default 12v is underpowered, when it's done enough cycles it's not holding the charge as well/long, and so if runs out while the vehicle is sleeping, the car can't wake to re-charge it - and now you have a 'brick'.

Anyway - I followed all best practice. Tried to minimize 12v usage (turned off gear guard for the last month etc), tried to have it plugged in all the time at home, and try not to leave it unattended too long parked away from home. I did manage a trip up to the mountains 2 weeks back, which was fine. I plugged it into a 120v while I was up there to keep the trickle going. This last week the warnings got worse. As well as 'diminished range', I got a 'diminished performance' warning last weekend. That capped my max speed at 50 mph, so no highway trips.

Fortunately I got through the month, it was replaced today very quickly, and for free by mobile service, so hopefully I've got a few years free of 12v battery issues... the engineer told me my 12v battery was in a bad way - but fortunately their proactive notifications and support meant I got it replaced without any major inconvenience.

Another anecdote. It seems like the warnings prevent the R1 installing firmware updates - which makes sense. It would be even worse to brick halfway through an update. The mobile tech confirmed that today. An hour after he left, I got the notification for the latest update. Happy to have this behind me.

I had hoped for a few years without a 12v issue as well since mine was already replaced once. Just got the notification yesterday re: replacing the thing again. Fun.

Sponsored

 

[5280mcs]

I had hoped for a few years without a 12v issue as well since mine was already replaced once. Just got the notification yesterday re: replacing the thing again. Fun.

Mine was picked up new in Sep 23; I was concerned about this 12V lately after hearing so many horror stories. So I mentioned it last month when I took mine in for a minor tail gate adjustment. They said my battery is in good health and "Your vehicle did not have an open containment for the 12v so it doesn't look like you have an affected unit that requires a replacement"
I guess I am good for a little while.

 

[Gurule92]

Got the 12v notification today lol. I just picked up this used R1T like a week ago or something. I wonder if they checked it out before I got it. Noticed the wall charger was kicking on every few hours when plugged in and the tonneau would get stuck if the truck was sitting for a while and then I tried to open it without getting in. Oh well. They're getting me in on Friday for replacement

 

[opnwide]

Who’s the Colorado Rivian owner that just solved a break-in crime in Cherry Hills Village?…..
Suspect arrested after Cherry Hills Village vehicle break-ins Cherry Hills Village Police arrested a suspect believed to be linked to vehicle break-ins that happened in the parking lot of Three Pond Park.
https://www.9news.com/mobile/articl...k-ins/73-e8ac4c8d-2043-4e60-949e-6514032a46c0
https://www.9news.com/mobile/articl...k-ins/73-e8ac4c8d-2043-4e60-949e-6514032a46c0

 

[runningdenver]

Ha, I have no idea, but I ran past Three ponds park this morning. I live close by. Well done Rivian owner !

 

[opnwide]

Oops…

https://www.dailycamera.com/2025/04/30/rivian-suv-driver-crashes-into-boulder-pet-store-wednesday/

 

[TollKeeper]

Oops…

https://www.dailycamera.com/2025/04/30/rivian-suv-driver-crashes-into-boulder-pet-store-wednesday/

It wasnt me!!! That R1S looks identical to mine!

Except I think its a Dual Motor (no yellow on the badges)

 

[runningdenver]

Oops…

https://www.dailycamera.com/2025/04/30/rivian-suv-driver-crashes-into-boulder-pet-store-wednesday/

it's 'funny' how they call out the EV brand. I'm sure they'd have called it a tesla too if it had been. But if it was an ICE vehicle, would they really say a 'Toyota' or 'Honda' ? My hunch no - it would be an SUV or a Truck. Or perhaps not as newsworthy in the first place.

 

[jfoonly]

it's 'funny' how they call out the EV brand. I'm sure they'd have called it a tesla too if it had been. But if it was an ICE vehicle, would they really say a 'Toyota' or 'Honda' ? My hunch no - it would be an SUV or a Truck. Or perhaps not as newsworthy in the first place.

Not defending the DC but they and I think regular news in general do give any confirmed specifics. I recall just before this, a ford fire was reported... found it: Ford truck is fully engulfed in flames in Boulder Monday afternoon and in that article they do say "non-electric Ford F-150"

 

[Sgt Beavis]

I missed out on getting these Gary stickers after last years Pikes Peak race. So I had some made. They came out rather well IMO.

 

[robd]

Was charging last weekend in Cheyenne on the way back to Colorado and encountered some heavy rain. I thought these photos were kinda cool (at least to Rivian owners).

 

[runningdenver]

I don’t suppose anyone has a spare 21 inch tire they’re willing to give up/sell ? Coming down from the mountains this afternoon I got a puncture (hole in the tire wall), fortunately I had one of these kits, but my tires only have about 6000 miles on them so would really rather not buy another set… thanks

 

[usulio]

I don’t suppose anyone has a spare 21 inch tire they’re willing to give up/sell ? Coming down from the mountains this afternoon I got a puncture (hole in the tire wall), fortunately I had one of these kits, but my tires only have about 6000 miles on them so would really rather not buy another set… thanks

Ouch. I don't, but when I had a flat, I had a good experience buying a single replacement tire online, at this forum's advice, I used United Tires and looked for one that matched my current tread depth. https://www.utires.com/t/b/Pirelli/?size=63062

 

[TollKeeper]

Guy over in Broomfield is selling a spare tire with tire, 21" like yours

https://www.facebook.com/share/19EoQ82Hfg/

Or Littleton... Good price

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EPLGQTVwm/

4 Michelin Tires in Dacono (Overpriced IMHO)

https://www.facebook.com/share/1C2caJdwhF/

 

[runningdenver]

thanks all. I had no idea there were so many for sale on the Facebook marketplace. Full sets of wheels and tires out there. I think I'm set now.

Sponsored