Unlocking the Undead Rivian: How to Jump-Start a Totally Dead Electric Truck

TL;DR: Got a completely dead Rivian R1T or R1S and can't even open the doors? Fear not! We're diving into the slightly complicated, but totally doable, process of jump-starting these electric beasts, especially when that crucial 12-volt battery decides to take a permanent nap.

Meta: Learn the tricky art of jump-starting a completely dead Rivian R1T or R1S, especially when electronic door handles and a manual hood release are out of commission.

Alright, alright, settle down now, because I got a story about a situation nobody wants to be in: you walk up to your fancy electric Rivian, all ready to hit the road, and... nothing. Doors won't pop, screens are black, it's as dead as my old comedy career before I hit it big. This ain't your daddy's car where you just open the hood and slap some cables on. Modern EVs, especially those with electronic pop-out door handles, can leave you locked out and scratching your head if the low-voltage (12-volt) battery dies. It’s like having a secret password to your own house, and you forgot it!

Now, a couple of smart fellas from Out Of Spec, Kyle and Scot, showed us the ropes with a completely dead 2026 Rivian R1S. We're talking both the low- and high-voltage batteries are kaput, worst-case scenario. See, the 12-volt battery is like the doorman; if he's asleep, nothing else gets in, not even the high-voltage charging system. So, waking up that 12-volt is step one, like telling a joke to warm up a tough crowd.

The Secret Handshake (and Wires!)

For some Gen 2 Rivians, there's no manual way into the cabin or hood. So, where do you connect? The magic is in the trailer wiring harness! There are a pair of wires in there that you can use as jump leads. Connect a jump box or another vehicle's battery to these, and you can power up the Rivian's low-voltage system enough to get those doors to pop and engage the high-voltage charging. It’s like finding a secret back door into a speakeasy!

Now, this isn't always smooth sailing. Kyle and Scot found out that some portable jump boxes don't pack enough consistent punch. The Rivian demands a steady 12-volt signal, and even a big lead-acid jump box might not cut it. The video showed they needed the good old-fashioned method: a pair of jumper cables hooked up to a gas car. You could even hear the Ford Crown Victoria's engine revving up, working hard to get that Rivian going! Once it gets that initial jolt, the DC-to-DC converter takes over for the 12-volt, and then you can plug in the wall charger to juice up the main traction battery. It's a whole process, like putting together a masterpiece, one little step at a time.

Keepin' Your EV Alive

For most EVs, it might not be this dramatic. Many are designed to keep the 12-volt battery topped up, and they're usually easier to jump. But the lesson here, folks, is clear: don't sleep on that 12-volt battery! It's the unsung hero of your EV. Always replace it every three to five years, or at least get it tested regularly. You don't want to walk up to your beautiful electric machine, ready for an adventure, only to find those sleek door handles tucked away and unresponsive. That's a joke no one wants to hear!

What's Next

As EVs become more common, expect automakers to refine these emergency access and jump-starting procedures, perhaps making them more intuitive for owners. There might also be new, more powerful portable jump boxes designed specifically for the unique demands of EVs. In the meantime, knowing your vehicle's specific emergency procedures and keeping that 12-volt healthy is paramount. Because nothing ruins a good drive like a dead battery, am I right?

So, learn your Rivian's secrets, keep that 12-volt happy, and you'll be rolling smooth. Now, if you'll excuse me, I gotta go charge my phone. You never know when you'll need it!