Emergency Vehicle Access - Backup Solution

[zsherry]

One of the main gripes I have about these electric vehicles. Any by these I mean Tesla and Rivian specifically, is there is no physical key. Access to the vehicle is entirely dependent on the 12v battery functioning properly, and as we know this seems to be the achilles heel of these vehicles. Why they did not add a simple key access port to physically unlock the driver door like every other car on the planet is beyond me.. Lest I digress..

If I am in a situation where a service tech cannot get to me I needed a way to be able to "jump start" the vehicle or at minimum access the interior, gear tunnel, or tailgate.

If you're wondering why I insisted on this? I came back to the vehicle being completely unresponsive two times in the past 6 months due to a dead main 12v battery. This was replaced in a recent onsite service, but I just don't trust it.

Here's my solution:

There is an emergency frunk release accessible by removing the 6x T20 screws from the inside of the drivers side fender wall. Once in the frunk, I store a jumper battery pack which I can then use to either directly jump the main battery under the panel between the windshield and the frunk space OR at the rear of the vehicle next to the hitch.

Items needed:
1. Jump battery with cables OR spare 12v car battery. (Depending on what I am doing I'll throw a spare 12v full size battery in the frunk if I plan to be really off the grid.)
2. High power magnets: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZGWP8MB
3. T-20 key https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDN3KLN3

I ordered coated magnets and coated T20 key to reduce corrosion as this will be attached on the exterior of the vehicles underside. I also removed the plastic panels on either side of the underside (you can see this in other posts) as I am installing rock sliders.

1. Placement of magnets and T20 key: I placed this under the drivers side on the frame. We'll see how well this holds up. If anyone has better ideas for a secure location let me know!

2. Opening the wheel well - There are 6 T-20 screws that must be removed, once these are out, pull out the panel from the trim just enough to fit your arm into the space.

3. The frunk release - This is a bit tricky. The release is a small cable loop about 2 feet in directly horizontal to the opening that you make. Picture below shows it pretty well. Use your rivian flashlight to spot it then reach waaaaay in with your right arm and pull it. At the same time you need to either reach up with your left arm to push the hood up so that it doesn't re-latch OR have a helper do this.

4. You now have access to the frunk and main 12v battery (On the drivers side) by popping off the panel above the frunk and lifting out the air handler. OR use your jumper at the rear to jump there.

Hope this helps and if anyone has any simpler way of performing these steps I am all ears, but this is the simplest thing I could come up with.

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[Killer95Stang]

Most people come here to complain. You came here with an issue and great solution.. Bravo ?

 

[Kunzene]

A Rivian employee recommended to me attaching a zip tie loop to the cable release loop to make it easier to see/grab when needed. I think others here have suggested stashing the T20 inside the trailer hitch also.

 

[COdogman]

Great idea!

 

[Rividiculous]

Hmmmm…. On one hand, genius.

On the other, are you publishing a “How to Steal Everything I Keep in My Frunk” guide?

 

[zsherry]

A Rivian employee recommended to me attaching a zip tie loop to the cable release loop to make it easier to see/grab when needed. I think others here have suggested stashing the T20 inside the trailer hitch also.

great ideas. Thank you!

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

nice work!

 

[HaveBlue]

I keep the t20 kit in a little bag and stuck it in the 2" hitch. It's made from Chinesium but is fine for the purpose. The hitch pin keeps it there. A jump pack is in the frunk. No way to get the Rivian flashlight though.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D4DZB1T?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

When the battery warranty goes out I'll probably try a Li higher capacity. This one is 30ah vs the stock 18ah lead acid.
https://a.co/d/j6Gz5D5

 

[zsherry]

Hmmmm…. On one hand, genius.

On the other, are you publishing a “How to Steal Everything I Keep in My Frunk” guide?

I keep the t20 kit in a little bag and stuck it in the 2" hitch. It's made from Chinesium but is fine for the purpose. The hitch pin keeps it there. A jump pack is in the frunk. No way to get the Rivian flashlight though.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D4DZB1T?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

When the battery warranty goes out I'll probably try a Li higher capacity. This one is 30ah vs the stock 18ah lead acid.
https://a.co/d/j6Gz5D5

Good point about the flashlight.

I was thinking the same about the lithium option down the road.

 

[SwampNut]

like every other car on the planet is beyond me..

MANY cars now do not have a physical mechanical connection to unlock the doors.

I wonder if the 12v connection in the frunk for the early models has bidirectional power and could be used to jump start?

Is there room under the hitch cover panel to stash a jump pack? A very small one would work, since it doesn't need to run a starter motor. Something motorcycle-sized.

 

[Tahoeblue]

One of the main gripes I have about these electric vehicles. Any by these I mean Tesla and Rivian specifically, is there is no physical key. Access to the vehicle is entirely dependent on the 12v battery functioning properly, and as we know this seems to be the achilles heel of these vehicles. Why they did not add a simple key access port to physically unlock the driver door like every other car on the planet is beyond me.. Lest I digress..

If I am in a situation where a service tech cannot get to me I needed a way to be able to "jump start" the vehicle or at minimum access the interior, gear tunnel, or tailgate.

If you're wondering why I insisted on this? I came back to the vehicle being completely unresponsive two times in the past 6 months due to a dead main 12v battery. This was replaced in a recent onsite service, but I just don't trust it.

Here's my solution:

There is an emergency frunk release accessible by removing the 6x T20 screws from the inside of the drivers side fender wall. Once in the frunk, I store a jumper battery pack which I can then use to either directly jump the main battery under the panel between the windshield and the frunk space OR at the rear of the vehicle next to the hitch.

Items needed:
1. Jump battery with cables OR spare 12v car battery. (Depending on what I am doing I'll throw a spare 12v full size battery in the frunk if I plan to be really off the grid.)
2. High power magnets: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZGWP8MB
3. T-20 key https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDN3KLN3

I ordered coated magnets and coated T20 key to reduce corrosion as this will be attached on the exterior of the vehicles underside. I also removed the plastic panels on either side of the underside (you can see this in other posts) as I am installing rock sliders.

1. Placement of magnets and T20 key: I placed this under the drivers side on the frame. We'll see how well this holds up. If anyone has better ideas for a secure location let me know!

2. Opening the wheel well - There are 6 T-20 screws that must be removed, once these are out, pull out the panel from the trim just enough to fit your arm into the space.

3. The frunk release - This is a bit tricky. The release is a small cable loop about 2 feet in directly horizontal to the opening that you make. Picture below shows it pretty well. Use your rivian flashlight to spot it then reach waaaaay in with your right arm and pull it. At the same time you need to either reach up with your left arm to push the hood up so that it doesn't re-latch OR have a helper do this.

4. You now have access to the frunk and main 12v battery (On the drivers side) by popping off the panel above the frunk and lifting out the air handler. OR use your jumper at the rear to jump there.

Hope this helps and if anyone has any simpler way of performing these steps I am all ears, but this is the simplest thing I could come up with.

Great post and information. Thank you for sharing.

Question - What jump starter unit do you use? There is a lot of crap out there on Amazon.

 

[Killer95Stang]

Great post and information. Thank you for sharing.

Question - What jump starter unit do you use? There is a lot of crap out there on Amazon.

The Noco brand units go on a sale a few times a year. I've used their jumper boxes and the chargers with great results. Also, the warranty is fairly solid.

 

[SwampNut]

Great post and information. Thank you for sharing.

Question - What jump starter unit do you use? There is a lot of crap out there on Amazon.

Noco and Anker for me. The Anker in my Smart is over four years old, has started hard things like a forklift and a diesel. I use some power from it and recharge it around once a year.

 

[zsherry]

MANY cars now do not have a physical mechanical connection to unlock the doors.

I wonder if the 12v connection in the frunk for the early models has bidirectional power and could be used to jump start?

Is there room under the hitch cover panel to stash a jump pack? A very small one would work, since it doesn't need to run a starter motor. Something motorcycle-sized.

I had to look more into this. I can’t find any other examples of cars made today other than Tesla and Rivian that don’t have an emergency key hidden in the key fob for entry. I’m curious which others have gone down this route?

Interesting idea so basically attempt to push back power thru the accessory plug? I guess it would need to be tried but it may just be easier to jump from the rear.

I tested a couple of portable 12v jumpers and settled on a relatively cheap 3000 amp model. I also have a larger 100 amp hour LIFEPO4E battery I can throw into the frunk if I’ll be farther off the grid. There isn’t much room behind the hitch cover. I also keep a shackle in the hitch so if you use this then storing something large there isn’t an option.

MANY cars now do not have a physical mechanical connection to unlock the doors.

I wonder if the 12v connection in the frunk for the early models has bidirectional power and could be used to jump start?

Is there room under the hitch cover panel to stash a jump pack? A very small one would work, since it doesn't need to run a starter motor. Something motorcycle-sized.

Yes, ignitions have been replaced with keyless systems by many most manufacturers on modern vehicles.

I’m curious which cars don’t have an emergency entry key hidden in the FOB other than Tesla and Rivian?

 

[SwampNut]

emergency key hidden in the key fob for entry.

You are assuming that they ALSO have a mechanical direct connection between the thing that looks like a lock, and the actual locking mechanism. Some do not, it's just a switch. I didn't say they don't have a key, I said they don't have a mechanical system that works without a battery.

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