“Thermal System Fault Detected” - safe to drive?

[montgb]

I’m wrapping up a great vacation down in OBX and got a “Thermal System Fault detected” when I went to move the truck this afternoon. This is super inconvenient, especially since I’m supposed to drive 270 miles home tomorrow.

Anyone run into this? More importantly, can I safely drive with this error showing?

Because that is what Rivian support recommended that I do. The tech had me do the hard reset and allowed the R1T to go to “sleep” - no luck. Rivian can’t get a tow truck down to my location for 48 hours (due to the distance of the tow to the Gaithersburg service center). That won’t fly, so they recommended I try to drive and call if things escalate.

The truck did fine up until this point, too. Drove in conserve mode down to OBX and it felt great. Did some driving in the sand in Sand Mode and no problems at all.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

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[MountainBikeDude]

Both rivian and the truck seem to think it's fine to drive for the time being. If it was a more immediate issue the truck wouldn't allow you to drive.

Unfortunately the downside of EV's is they mostly aren't user serviceable, but then again, most vehicles these days aren't.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

Sorry to hear about this. On the positive side OBX is awesome so I'm sure your having an enjoyable vacay.

Given the advice from service and the fact that the error says "service if the problem persists" it's probably safe to drive it. The more serious errors use very strong language like "service immediately". It's still a concerning error though for sure.

Please let us know what service does to resolve it.

 

[The Beast]

Mine R1T did the same thing last winter. After I arrived at my destination which was several hundred miles away, the hard reset and allowing the truck to go to sleep worked. I never saw the warning again. I am not sure if your issue is identical to what happened to mine so please don't risk your truck based on what I am saying, but mine worked out OK.

 

[eskudo12791]

Why wouldnt you get it taken to Richmond vice MD?

 

[montgb]

Update: I was able to complete the drive from OBX to northern VA (270 miles) without much drama. The “thermal” error intermittently went on and off the entire trip, which was a little nerve-wracking.

Drive train performed normally. Switched between conserve, standard, and sport at various times with no issues. Also fast charged halfway through.

Pretty sure the error is HVAC related (as others have mentioned) since my AC was a non-factor for much of the drive. I also thought I smelled burning plastic at one point, but can’t be certain if it was just something outside. To be safe, I kept the AC off for the 2nd half of the trip.

I was pleased that Rivian support gave me a call later in the afternoon to make sure I arrived home okay. They’re working on a timetable when I can drop off the truck.

Hopefully I’ll be able to share the root cause soon!

 

[HaveBlue]

That's cool that they called you back!

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

Rivian service is good with CS. Please keep us abreast. Hopeful for a quick resolution for you.

 

[BeekStreet]

Update: I was able to complete the drive from OBX to northern VA (270 miles) without much drama. The “thermal” error intermittently went on and off the entire trip, which was a little nerve-wracking.

Drive train performed normally. Switched between conserve, standard, and sport at various times with no issues. Also fast charged halfway through.

Pretty sure the error is HVAC related (as others have mentioned) since my AC was a non-factor for much of the drive. I also thought I smelled burning plastic at one point, but can’t be certain if it was just something outside. To be safe, I kept the AC off for the 2nd half of the trip.

I was pleased that Rivian support gave me a call later in the afternoon to make sure I arrived home okay. They’re working on a timetable when I can drop off the truck.

Hopefully I’ll be able to share the root cause soon!

I got this same error earlier today in my 2023 R1S. I was able to get home, but after a reset it is now telling me there’s a critical battery issue and the plan is for it to be towed to the SC.

Any clarity on what the cause was in your case? How long did it take to repair?

Thanks!

 

[montgb]

Here’s the latest: After the OBX trip, I made an appointment with the Gaithersburg MD Service center - the date was about a week out. I drove the R1T for the entire week without using AC and the error light didn’t come back on. No other issues with the truck during this time, which was a relief.

As part of the check-in process at the service center, the service rep tried to recreate the error message by putting the AC on full blast. No error message and the AC blew cold! However, the SC still wanted to keep the truck to perform a diagnostic and ensure that everything was in proper working order.

That was about 8 days ago. I haven’t heard from the SC since. I know that Rivian service is slow, but I got a decent rental SUV so I’m not in a huge rush. But I hope they won’t take too much longer.

 

[R2D2]

I got this same error earlier today in my 2023 R1S. I was able to get home, but after a reset it is now telling me there’s a critical battery issue and the plan is for it to be towed to the SC.

Any clarity on what the cause was in your case? How long did it take to repair?

Thanks!

Exactly the same scenario here and they broke the rear window glass during the towing and they want me to pay for it.

 

[BeekStreet]

That’s outrageous. That’s between Rivian and towing company. With mine, the towing guy had a hell of a time getting mine out of garage, but he did it with no apparent damage to the R1S. The floor of garage/driveway are a different matter. My 12V battery died as part of/result of the initial problem, which added to the complexity.

I’m now having to wait until 8/28 just to get a diagnostic.

 

[montgb]

Final update: Got my R1T back after almost 3 weeks. They replaced the AC Condenser, did a health check of the vehicle (top off fluids, etc), and gave it a bath. No issues after pick-up - drives smooth, no errors, and surprisingly some of the suspension “clicking” is gone.

I’m glad to be back in the Rivian, which actually seems small after driving the Ford Expedition they gave me as a rental. The only thing that stunk was the long wait and lack of communication. The SC said that my service advisor was on PTO and the backlog of repairs resulted in the delay. I don’t doubt that - the Gaithersburg SC was packed.

Fingers-crossed for no more issues!

 

[Superstealthguy]

Final update: Got my R1T back after almost 3 weeks. They replaced the AC Condenser, did a health check of the vehicle (top of fluids, etc), and gave it a bath. No issues after pick-up - drives smooth, no errors, and surprisingly some of the suspension “clicking” is gone.

I’m glad to be back in the Rivian, which actually seems small after driving the Ford Expedition they gave me as a rental. The only thing that stunk was the long wait and lack of communication. The SC said that my service advisor was on PTO and the backlog of repairs resulted in the delay. I don’t doubt that - the Gaithersburg SC was packed.

Fingers-crossed for no more issues!

Thank you for this. I literally just got into my truck with this notice. I found a wet carpet under the driver side carpet the other day and made an appointment and this kind of gives away what the issue is. Soonest they can see me in Gaithersburg is 11 September… I already smell mildew. Yuck.

 

[R2D2]

Update here, the thermal system fault followed by the critical battery fault notification was caused by the HVAC failure, they also replaced the two 12v batteries. The broken back rear window was also replaced at Rivian‘s expense as the towing company refused to take responsibility. No fuss no fighting they just did it. Cost for the glass replacement was $3200 because they also had to replace the roof spoiler!!!

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