FOB battery life is disappointing

[PappaBolt]

So… if your fob is dead and you don’t have your card, wrist strap, and your phone is dead…

is there a manual unlock method? Like with an actual key hidden in the fob?

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[emoore]

So… if your fob is dead and you don’t have your card, wrist strap, and your phone is dead…

is there a manual unlock method? Like with an actual key hidden in the fob?

I'd chalk that up to a lesson learned. All my cars have only 1 way to get in/start, key fob and I've never been locked out. The Rivian has 4 different ways.

 

[godfodder0901]

So… if your fob is dead and you don’t have your card, wrist strap, and your phone is dead…

is there a manual unlock method? Like with an actual key hidden in the fob?

No. It does not.

 

[PappaBolt]

No. It does not.

Man that just seems like a huge oversight. What if the vehicle has a completely flat battery. How do you get in?

 

[CommodoreAmiga]

I'd chalk that up to a lesson learned. All my cars have only 1 way to get in/start, key fob and I've never been locked out. The Rivian has 4 different ways.

Most other vehicles with fob-based proximity locking include a physical key within the fob. On my Volvo, taking the battery cover off of the fob reveals a key blade, and pulling the (locked) door handle reveals a key cylinder on the side (hidden when handle is not pulled).

With the R1T fob, I think it's a pretty unfortunate oversight to not include RFID in the fob body... That way if the battery died you could still hold the key to the door handle to unlock.

I had a Kawasaki motorcycle with proximity fob and it did include the RFID functionality. You could hold the fob to a specific spot near the front fork and it would recognize the fob even if the battery was dead. I actually had to use that function while on a day trip and it saved me.

I do carry the Rivian RFID card in my wallet as a backup, but there are times I may choose not to carry my wallet -- such as when running or biking. I eagerly await release of the wristband into the Gear Shop for this reason.

 

[emoore]

Most other vehicles with fob-based proximity locking include a physical key within the fob. On my Volvo, taking the battery cover off of the fob reveals a key blade, and pulling the (locked) door handle reveals a key cylinder on the side (hidden when handle is not pulled).

With the R1T fob, I think it's a pretty unfortunate oversight to not include RFID in the fob body... That way if the battery died you could still hold the key to the door handle to unlock.

I had a Kawasaki motorcycle with proximity fob and it did include the RFID functionality. You could hold the fob to a specific spot near the front fork and it would recognize the fob even if the battery was dead. I actually had to use that function while on a day trip and it saved me.

I do carry the Rivian RFID card in my wallet as a backup, but there are times I may choose not to carry my wallet -- such as when running or biking. I eagerly await release of the wristband into the Gear Shop for this reason.

Interesting that some cars have a hidden key in the FOB. I don't believe either of mine do (VW and Toyota) but I've never checked. I will also be getting a wristband when they are available (and I get my truck).

 

[emoore]

Man that just seems like a huge oversight. What if the vehicle has a completely flat battery. How do you get in?

I don't think that Tesla's even come with a key fob, just PAAK and key card. I haven't heard of thousands of people getting stranded because they can't get into their Teslas.

 

[PappaBolt]

I don't think that Tesla's even come with a key fob, just PAAK and key card. I haven't heard of thousands of people getting stranded because they can't get into their Teslas.

Assuming there are accessible external jumper leads to power the Rivian (or Tesla) in the event everything is completely flat. If I remember correctly aren’t they at the trailer hitch?

Of course this means you need a jump battery to get your vehicle unlocked, which may be locked inside. So a donor battery from a good samaritan.

 

[CommodoreAmiga]

Interesting that some cars have a hidden key in the FOB. I don't believe either of mine do (VW and Toyota) but I've never checked. I will also be getting a wristband when they are available (and I get my truck).

Lexus definitely does -- so I assume Toyota does, as well. A quick google search seems to indicate the VW includes them, as well.

 

[PappaBolt]

What if critical power functions while in sleep (or lock) mode were diverted to an isolated 12v battery that powers the life support without a parasitic drain (and reduced range) on the main battery? ICE vehicles do this and can sit for weeks with zero range loss. Of course there’s the issue of having to recharge the isolated battery, maybe thru regen?

 

[godfodder0901]

Man that just seems like a huge oversight. What if the vehicle has a completely flat battery. How do you get in?

1-855-RIVIAN5

 

[Gsxr150]

Not surprised. This forum is plump full of disappointment. Why not the key fob battery too...

 

[SANZC02]

It would be great if Rivian offered an upgraded fob with a rechargeable battery so the fob can be placed on the built-in charging pad or any other Qi-compatible charger to top off the battery. Our Land Rover’s fob has a rechargeable battery which gets charged when the key is in the ignition (I feel like a Luddite typing that) and the vehicle is on.

I would buy one of those.

 

[Craigins]

What if critical power functions while in sleep (or lock) mode were diverted to an isolated 12v battery that powers the life support without a parasitic drain (and reduced range) on the main battery? ICE vehicles do this and can sit for weeks with zero range loss. Of course there’s the issue of having to recharge the isolated battery, maybe thru regen?

Even though it isn't a full ICE, my prius would destroy 12v batteries if I did not drive it every other week.

After I got my Ram, I'd drive the prius in the summer and Ram in the winter. Was an unpleasant surprise when i needed to get an emissions test in December to renew my registration and the prius was dead.

Happened twice before i got one of those trickle chargers to maintain the 12v.

 

[vinypat]

Our keyfob battery is showing low on console, barely 5+ weeks delivery of r1s. Hopefully in our Oct SC appointment will take care of this for good and also provide spare battery.

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