12V Failure message-plugged in. Switch to Ohmmu Lithium or Stay with Rivian 12v??

[ScoobieSteve]

I recently went on a trip and had the Rivian plugged in at the airport for 7 days. While away, I got an alert that the 12V needed to be replaced and range would be impacted until replacement. The call link was included. I arrived at the car and had the same warning on the display. I was able to drive home (1.5 hours) with no issue. The next day, I called Rivian Service. They do not have appointments for a replacement until November. I have 77K miles on this Gen 1 R1T, and the 12 volts have been replaced once already in 2023. Question: Should I attempt the DIY fix with the Ohmmu Lithium batteries that have more cycle life and can be more deeply discharged, or stick with the Rivian Replacement, which will be on me since I am out of warranty. The only draw back I am unsure of is performance in extreme cold (under -4 degrees Fahrenheit).

I fear that this will come up again as this solution did not last long. Do any of you have experience with the Lithium switch? Looking for recommendations. Waiting until mid-November seems daunting.....

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[GeezFullSleeve]

This isn't answering your question, but in my experience, and a lot of other people who have posted about the 12v battery warning, once I made the appointment (usually weeks out), the service center calls and will get you in sooner, usually same or next day, because it's a simple fix and they understand the consequences of the impending 12v battery failure. So hopefully the same happens with you and won't have to wait until November

 

[Kunzene]

I’m at the same mileage as you and my original 12 volts lasted 2.5 years. I’ve debated switching to the Ohmmu lithiums as well, but for now I purchased 2 pairs of sOONish battery post relocators so that I can swap in less expensive aftermarket lead acid 12v when the time comes. I know a few folks have used the Ohmmus without problems but I’m really waiting to hear more feedback.
I’ve done a 12v disconnect/reconnect cycle to clear a problem once before and it was straightforward with no errors afterwards.

 

[ebellinder2]

The issue in my opinion is not the battery type but more of an issue with the software and how often the 12 volt is being maintained/charged by the HV battery. Honestly don’t see an advantage using a lithium battery and the Rivian system is not designed for a lithium LV battery. If me I I would stick with the OEM deep cycle batteries.

 

[jplblue]

I’m at the same mileage as you and my original 12 volts lasted 2.5 years. I’ve debated switching to the Ohmmu lithiums as well, but for now I purchased 2 pairs of sOONish battery post relocators so that I can swap in less expensive aftermarket lead acid 12v when the time comes. I know a few folks have used the Ohmmus without problems but I’m really waiting to hear more feedback.
I’ve done a 12v disconnect/reconnect cycle to clear a problem once before and it was straightforward with no errors afterwards.

If/when you do perform the switch, it'd be really appreciated if you could document the process so us dummies can follow .

 

[Kunzene]

If/when you do perform the switch, it'd be really appreciated if you could document the process so us dummies can follow .

Will do! The current batteries were replaced last summer so I’m hoping it’ll be a while!

 

[ScoobieSteve]

Here is a very comprehensive video of the process. It takes around 30 minutes, and the largest risks are losing the bolts/parts in the process:

 

[runningdenver]

I've seen several threads on this over the years (search should find them). The points I remember are the possible warranty issues if you switch, and also that on the tesla forums - the ohmmus don't get stellar reviews. Those helped me make the decision to stick with the OEM.

 

[SwampNut]

I’m on my fourth set of batteries (three replacements). There is no way in hell I’d pay for this garbage. I’ll get the Ohmmu if I’m ever out of warranty and still own it.

 

[ScoobieSteve]

I've seen several threads on this over the years (search should find them). The points I remember are the possible warranty issues if you switch, and also that on the tesla forums - the ohmmus don't get stellar reviews. Those helped me make the decision to stick with the OEM.

I am actually out of warranty, but did not know about the mixed reviews and this is exactly why I put this out there. Thanks so much!

 

[SwampNut]

Meanwhile though, I do have a really nice 10mm ratcheting combo wrench and t-shirt from Ohmmu.

 

[HaveBlue]

Ohmmu doesn't quote any Ah specs but does have a 48 month warranty. It's several times more expensive than a comparable 18ah Lithium but has the posts in the correct locations and is half the cost of the OEM.

I'd say if getting a battery replacement from Rivian is months out, I'd buy an aftermarket battery if I was doing any longer trips away from home.

 

[CANCERDOC]

The factory battery (and any replacement) has a 2 year parts warranty. If you've had your battery replaced last year, you can probably get it replaced under warranty again now.

 

[IGR]

The issue in my opinion is not the battery type but more of an issue with the software and how often the 12 volt is being maintained/charged by the HV battery. Honestly don’t see an advantage using a lithium battery and the Rivian system is not designed for a lithium LV battery. If me I I would stick with the OEM deep cycle batteries.

There are actually many advantages of using LFP batteries over lead acid, (and a few disadvantages)
If implemented correctly lithium batteries can have as much as double usable capacity compared to lead acid with the same capacity rating.
However I will refrain from recommending any particular brand because I haven’t tried them myself.

 

[Dark-Fx]

There are actually many advantages of using LFP batteries over lead acid, (and a few disadvantages)

The temperature disadvantage is a huge one for those of us with actual winter climates.

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