Key fob is crap

[jwanderson88]

You might want to keep it with you in the vehicle for a few days to see if it gets an update. They sent an update to the fob a few months ago that helps with battery life.

I didn't know the key fob itself gets updates. Was I supposed to know this?

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[Dark-Fx]

I didn't know the key fob itself gets updates. Was I supposed to know this?

It'll tell you if there is an update in the truck under your keys menu.

 

[SANZC02]

I didn't know the key fob itself gets updates. Was I supposed to know this?

There was a message about it, I think it was an email but cannot find it now.

When you go to the update screen in the vehicle, it will show if it has a pending FOB update and recommend you have the key card before starting the update just in case there is an issue.

Edit:

This was the update with the key fob update included.

Key Fob Software Update
The new key fob firmware improves connection reliability and latency for faster locking and unlocking. It also improves battery life performance compared to very early versions of the firmware. If your key fob has an update available, your vehicle will notify you on the center display. You can also go to Settings > Vehicle > Updates.

IMPORTANT: When updating your key fob software, we recommend that you have your phone set up as a key or have a spare key, such as a near-field communication (NFC) card as a backup.

 

[rivs505]

Same here, I just so frustrated

 

[R1TS]

Vehicle is asleep and won't unlock until specific things are out of sleep. Architectural issue. Rivian has been working on reducing vampire drain which has the side effect of making sleep take longer to come out of.

Maybe their gen2 R1 vehicles won't have this same problem.

My Tesla goes to deep sleep every time at home but it still is very aware of the fob being near by.

Rivian needs to improve their software.

 

[docwhiz]

You think this is bad...
Just read about the new Land Rover Defender which turns on all the computers, etc. when you open the door. If you're camping, etc. and leave a door open, it drains the 12v battery very fast.
The worst part is that it bricks the car. You can't jump start it. It needs to be towed to the dealer to revive it.

 

[NineElectrics]

Regarding the "can there be a two stage wake up" question, probably not. Depends a lot on the architecture of the computer systems in the car, how they're powered, what needs to start drawing power in what order to enable vehicle functions, etc.

I don’t know what Rivian’s architecture is, but other automakers have definitely solved this problem (the right way) by adopting two-stage hardware, where a dedicated, very low power module is always on listening for the key.

If Rivian does everything through a monolithic system which draws a ton of power when it’s on… well, what can I say: that was a mistake.

 

[s4wrxttcs]

I think you're being vastly unfair to the FOB.

I think the real culprit here is the vehicle itself and the antenna positions. From some approach angles the FOB proximity unlocking doesn't work well.

In fact there are times where the vehicle will lock and unlock if I just stand a few feet away from it. It also doesn't seem to have any kind of programming that requires a FOB to be much closer for it to unlock versus locking.

The responsiveness of the buttons is also disappointing because even when I push the unlock button on the fob it can take a bit of time for the vehicle to respond. It doesn't always do this, but at least 1 out of 10 times.

 

[mzdds]

I had not used my Key FOB until a few minutes ago. It did not work at all under any circumstances. I opened it up and checked the 3 volt battery. I tested the battery and it was putting out 1.6 volts. I just ordered a new Energizer VR2450 battery. I will test the FOB again with a good battery.

Just be ready to change the battery every 2 months. I'm on my third battery and it's not even 6 months since I've had the car.

 

[moosetags]

Just be ready to change the battery every 2 months. I'm on my third battery and it's not even 6 months since I've had the car.

Thanks, good to know. I ordered only one battery. I guess I will need to order the ten pack.

Brian

 

[NY_Rob]

How about just waking the vehicle up enough to unlock the doors? Then while you walk to the car, pull the handle, open the door, and sit down, the car could be turning on the radio and the heater and all the other stuff. Could there be a two-stage wake up? Because I don't want to have to stand next to my car and push the unlock button over and over. It may seem like a little thing, but the key fob is our first interaction with the car every day. So whatever it is, the key fob or the car, it is a big problem.

I've found that once you're next to the R1T if you press the Gear Tunnel door unlock button.. that will wake the R1T quickly.. then you should press the fob unlock button and it will unlock very quickly.

 

[jwanderson88]

I've found that once you're next to the R1T if you press the Gear Tunnel door unlock button.. that will wake the R1T quickly.. then you should press the fob unlock button and it will unlock very quickly.

Are you sure it's pressing the button or is it just standing in that spot? I'll give it a try. I didn't think pressing the button did anything unless the car was unlocked. I could be wrong. I'm new to this.

 

[HaveBlue]

Does the NFC card work reliably?

 

[lefkonj]

Honestly wouldn't know. Unless the vehicle is in for service the key fob sits in a drawer at home. Phone key or card is all we ever use.

 

[tk21]

Wireless devices like key fobs have a certain number of failures for various reasons. Range is a big one. If you're too far away they don't work. Then there is objects which are in the way, like walls, that block the signal. So I make allowances for my Rivian key fob. But there is a line where the failure rate just isn't acceptable and my Rivian key fob has been over the line for a long time. Maybe always. I can be standing ten feet away and I push the lock or unlock button and nothing happens. Then I face the truck and "point" the key fob at the truck (what is the front or back of it?) and it might open on the second or third try. I know that sometimes the truck takes a few seconds to "wake up" and then it will lock or unlock the doors. I have a Chevy Volt and Honda Ridgeline. I imagine all Chevy/GM and all Honda key fobs l have the same mechanism and they always respond to the key fob almost instantly. So what is going on with the Rivian key fob (I just put a new battery in it)? It seems one of the updates was supposed to improve the response of the key fob, but it still isn't good enough for a top-of-the-line truck. Is there any Rivian owner who feels like their key fob works like it's supposed to?

I’m not a fan of mine. Slow as shit, inconsistent in response, have to be close for buttons to work, have to use the push buttons bc it doesn’t proximity unlock until I get to the door and do the “hingle mcringleberry” three pelvic thrusts towards the door handle.

My 2019 ram key fob was better for sure.

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