Every Rivian

Category: How To

  • How to run Over-The-Air update on Rivian vehicles

    Rivian vehicles are designed with future-proofing in mind, leveraging Over-The-Air (OTA) updates to continuously improve and enhance the vehicle’s software capabilities. This innovative feature allows Rivian to remotely update the vehicle’s software, adding new features, enhancing existing functionalities, and even improving vehicle performance without the need for the owner to visit a dealership or service center.

    OTA updates work similarly to how your smartphone receives updates, ensuring that your vehicle is always equipped with the latest software. These updates can range from minor bug fixes and user interface improvements to significant upgrades that enhance vehicle performance, battery efficiency, and introduce new features to the infotainment system, autonomous driving capabilities, and more.

    For Rivian owners, this means your vehicle can get better over time. The process is designed to be seamless and convenient, with updates typically downloaded and installed overnight or at a scheduled time that suits the owner. Most updates are applied without any action required from the owner, although for some updates, the owner might need to approve the update and agree to terms and conditions.

    To start an Over-The-Air (OTA) update on your Rivian vehicle, follow these steps:

    Notification: Your vehicle will notify you when a software update is available. This can be through a message on the center display.

    Preparation: Before starting the update, make sure to:

    Park the vehicle in a safe location.
    Ensure the vehicle’s battery is sufficiently charged.
    Confirm that the vehicle is not connected to a DC fast charger.
    Make sure all passengers have exited the vehicle.

    Starting the Update:

    On the center display, go to Settings.
    Select Vehicle and then Updates.
    Here, you can view available updates along with details such as the version number and estimated update time.
    If there’s an update available, you can select See What’s New to read about the update details or choose Update Now to start the software update.

    During the Update:

    Do not touch the pedals or buttons during the update process, as this may interrupt the update and could potentially disable the vehicle.
    The vehicle will not update the software if the Vehicle Shipping or Tire Change mode is activated, or if the vehicle is leveled.
    Be aware that storage access, locking, and security features will be unavailable while the software is updating.

    Completion:

    If the update does not complete for any reason, check the center display for additional information and instructions.
    By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and successful OTA software update for your Rivian vehicle​​​​.

  • How to drive Rivian RT1 on snow and ice

    This article summarizes the known info related to driving in 4-motor Rivian vehicle during extreme snowy and icy conditions. Although it is based on RT1 experiences, it is expected that RS1 should behave similarly.

    Warning: Until you get fully familiar with driving electric truck on snow and ice, exercise extreme caution. Having such a capable drive system might give you a false sense of security. Always remember that laws of physics still apply.

    Being one of the most versatile vehicles on the planet, the RT1 will get you where most other vehicles cannot. However, there are always things to keep in mind when driving in winter conditions. The points and advice outlined below are not in any way a critique of Rivian’s drive system, just a reminder that even the best trucks on the planet have their limitations in severe winter conditions.

    Driving in a deep show:

    While Snow Mode is designed for driving on roads and highways, Rivian recommends using the Off-Road All-Terrain drive mode for snowy off-road adventures.

    Since it is an electric truck, the Rivian is unusually quiet. In addition, snow tends to muffle all sound. When driving through a delicate patch of the snowed-in road, you might want to turn off the radio and roll down the windows a bit (half an inch is enough, as you don’t want to get hit by any debris spinning wheels might throw) and listen to any noise your wheels make in interaction with the surface below. This should give you valuable clues while navigating a tricky terrain covered with snow.

    If the wheels are slipping or vehicle is sliding, try to safely steer the wheels to any patch of dry land, flat rock or grass. Make sure the RT1 is in the rock-crawl mode.
    You can experiment with allowing some wheels slippage, just to keep chewing the snow in front of the truck. Driving in deep snow always requires some momentum otherwise the wheels will start spinning and the vehicle will get stuck.

    If you get stuck, try backing up and passing the same spot with a bit of momentum. If the surface below has gotten icy from your previous attempts or from the cars before you, try a slightly different, less icy, path.

    Sometimes it helps to send one of your passengers, preferably an experienced driver, to stand at the safe distance in front of the truck and help you steer through tight spots. They should be located at the higher ground and off the path you are trying to traverse. Use a cellphone if you have a signal to keep communication clear and your navigator at a safe distance.

    Do not drive too close to the trees and edge of the road, especially when loaded with additional cargo. Do not speed downhill because it is not easy to slow down with increased mass, regardless of superior traction control and regen on all 4 wheels.

    If your Rivian is equipped with 275/55 R21 or 275/50 R22 tires, carry low-profile snow chains. This might get you out of getting stuck in really deep snow. Rivian doesn’t recommend cables or chains for 275/65 R20 tire size – any damage will not be covered by the warranty.

    Driving on an icy road:

    Like with any other truck, if the truck bed is loaded with heavy stuff, the vehicle will almost certainly slide sideways on even slightly tilted roads. This is where a heavy battery on the bottom will likely prevent it from flipping, but you still need to practice extreme caution. On the steep and narrow parts of the road, if safe, get out of the vehicle and inspect the terrain in front of the truck. Lay small branches in front of the wheels, pour sand and small rocks to create more friction and prevent the truck from dangerously slipping off the road.

    At over 7000 pounds, Rivian is a heavy vehicle. Its weight and low center of gravity helps maintain a firm grip on the road, but being about 2000 pounds heavier than a conventional truck of a similar size might cause it to slide a bit further than you expected when stopping in icy conditions.

    Driving at maximum height can prove useful in off-road conditions, but you might want to try a bit lower settings on a more flat, icy surface. This will give you a better sense of control and improve stability.

    Exercise caution when passing other cars on a snowy or icy road. Your truck has superior handling compared to most vehicles, so they might be surprised by your speed and make a sudden move, which can cause their vehicle to slip uncontrollably.

    Conclusion:

    Driving any truck in snowy or icy conditions can be challenging, but also rewarding. You need to be aware of the weight, dimensions, and traction of your vehicle, and adjust your driving accordingly to the terrain. You also need to exercise caution when passing other cars, backing up, and stopping. You can use some tips and tricks to improve your grip and stability, such as carrying low-profile snow chains, laying small branches or sand in front of the wheels, and, if needed, sending a passenger to a safe higher-ground observation point to help you navigate.

    Keep in mind these guidelines and drive safely, so you can enjoy the superior performance and handling of your Rivian truck in snowy and icy weather.

  • How to control Rivian R1T and R1S using Alexa

    Overview and Setup:

    Alexa supports basic vehicle controls and media, even if you don’t have an Amazon account. Choose the Try Alexa option on the center display during vehicle onboarding and agree to the Terms and Conditions to sample
    preview mode.

    Activate Alexa to use your voice to control nearly anything managed by the center display. For a fully personalized experience and more Alexa capabilities, log into your Amazon account by following these steps on the center display:

    1. Go to Settings

    2. Choose Apps

    3. Choose Alexa

    NOTE:
    Your car must be parked and be connected to the internet in order to go through the sign-in process.

    Once logged in, you can do the following by using Alexa:
    – Access your calendar
    – Call contacts by name
    – Communicate with any Alexa home device

    Call on Alexa by saying the wake word, “Alexa.” A bar shows up below the status bar on the center display when
    Alexa is active, indicating whether Alexa is listening, thinking, or speaking.

    NOTES:
    – You can sign out of your Amazon account at any time through the Settings menu on the center display.
    – Visit Amazon’s websites to learn more about how Alexa uses your personal information:
    www.amazon.com/alexaterms
    www.amazon.com/privacy

    OPT OUT
    You can choose not to use Alexa by remaining signed out and not enabling preview mode through Try Alexa.


    Disable Wake Word:

    Alexa is the only supported voice service in Rivian vehicles. You can disable the wake word, “Alexa” by the following ways on the center display:

    – Open the Alexa panel by choosing the Alexa icon at the top left of the status bar.
    – Go to the Settings > Apps > Alexa menu.

    Once the wake word is disabled, you can speak a command by long-pressing the left thumb control on the steering wheel.

    If the wake word is enabled, you will see the active Alexa icon at the top left of the status bar on the center display. If disabled, you will see the mute icon .

    Things You Can Ask Alexa

    You can ask Alexa to perform a variety of commands, including the following:

    Car Controls:
    “Alexa, open/close the hood/front trunk.”
    “Alexa, open/close the charge door.”
    “Alexa, open the tailgate.”
    “Alexa, turn on/off the rear light.”
    “Alexa, turn on/off the front reading light.”
    “Alexa, set the screen brightness to low/medium/high.”
    “Alexa, turn on/off the ambient light/lighting.”
    “Alexa, set the ambient light/lighting to low/medium/max.”

    Climate and Comfort:
    “Alexa, set the temperature to 70.”
    “Alexa, set the driver/passenger temperature to 70.”
    “Alexa, turn on/off the air conditioning.”
    “Alexa, turn on/off the steering wheel heat.”
    “Alexa, turn on/off the driver’s/passenger’s seat heat.”
    “Alexa, set the driver’s/passenger’s seat heat to low/medium/high.”
    “Alexa, turn on/off climate sync.”
    “Alexa, turn on/off the front/rear defrost.”
    “Alexa, turn on/off air recirculation.”
    “Alexa, set the temperature to low/min/medium/max/high.”
    “Alexa, turn on/off the fan.”
    “Alexa, set the fan to min/medium/max.”
    “Alexa, turn on/off the vents.”
    “Alexa, turn on/off the driver/passenger vent.”
    “Alexa, set the front/rear vents to floor/body.”

    Media and Music:
    “Alexa, mute/unmute/pause/resume.”
    “Alexa, turn up/down volume.”
    “Alexa, play music.”
    “Alexa, play on Spotify.”
    “Alexa, play Amazon Music/Spotify/iHeart
    Radio/Deezer/Kindle/Audible/TuneIn/Pandora/SiriusXM.”

    Navigation and Charging:
    “Alexa, navigate to SFO.”
    “Alexa, search nearby coffee shop.”
    “Alexa, search nearby charging stations.”
    “Alexa, what’s my ETA?”

    Phone and Communication:
    “Alexa, call Mom.”
    “Alexa, hang up.”
    Alexa Skills “Alexa, what’s the weather?”
    “Alexa, set a timer/alarm.”
    “Alexa, who’s Tony Stark?”
    “Alexa, play Song Quiz.”

    Personal Assistance:
    “Alexa, add to my reminder.”
    “Alexa, add to my shopping list.”
    “Alexa, add to my to-do list.”
    “Alexa, add to my calendar.”

    NOTES:
    – For safety reasons, some commands require your vehicle to be parked.
    – Certain commands require you to be logged in to your Alexa account.

    Alexa constantly learns new commands. Go to the Alexa icon at the top left of the status bar in the center display and choose More things to try for phrases that you can try with Alexa. Cycle through different category features to learn about Alexa’s capabilities and recognized commands.

  • How to Control Garage Door from Rivian R1T and R1S


    ADD A GARAGE:

    Use the Add a Garage feature to pair an installed garage door opener with the vehicle. To complete the process, you will need the garage door remote.

    1. Park near and in front of the garage (not under the door).
    2. In the vehicle center display, choose the Garages button in the status bar at the top of the screen.
    3. In the Garages panel, choose Add a Garage.
    4. Follow the instructions on the screen to add the garage.

      NOTE:
      For some garage pairings you may need the following:
      Access to the installed garage door opener hardware unit
      Another person to assist you
      You can pair up to 16 garages with a vehicle.


    OPEN OR CLOSE A GARAGE DOOR:

    1. Choose the Garages button in the status bar at the top of the screen.
    2. In the Garages panel, choose the name of the desired garage door. The door opens or closes.


    RENAME A GARAGE:

    1. In the vehicle center display, choose the Garages button in the status bar at the top of the screen.
    2. In the Garages panel, choose the More button to the right of the garage name.
    3. Select Change Name.
    4. Use the keyboard to enter a new name for the garage.


    DELETE A GARAGE:

    1. In the vehicle center display, choose the Garages button in the status bar at the top of the screen.
    2. In the Garages panel, choose the More button to the right of the garage name.
    3. Select Remove to delete the garage.

  • How to Control Mirrors on Rivian R1T and R1S

    Side Mirrors

    USER PROFILE SETUP
    Each user profile can store mirror preferences such as auto-tint, mirror position, automatic folding, and automatic unfolding from the center display. When the car is unlocked from the outside, the side and rear mirrors will adjust according to the user profile.

    ADJUST THE SIDE MIRRORS

    1. Tap the Rivian Account on the center display and choose Adjust Mirrors.
    2. Use the thumb control and thumb control buttons on the steering wheel to tilt the mirror up, down, left, or right.
    3. Save the mirror position to the user profile on the center display or restore the previous position.

      NOTE
      The Restore button on the center display will return the side mirrors back to the previous position.

    SIDE MIRROR FEATURES
    Automatically Fold Side Mirrors
    The side mirrors automatically fold and unfold based on user preferences when you approach with a key. Enable or disable automatic folding and unfolding from the center display. If automatic folding is enabled, the side mirrors fold when the vehicle locks.

    NOTE
    Side mirrors automatically unfold if you drive above 15 mph (25 km/h) even if automatic unfolding is disabled.

    Manually Fold Side Mirrors
    Fold or unfold the side mirrors manually through the center display to override automatic folding. Use this feature when you want to control mirror behavior in situations such as in tight parking spaces or driving off-road.

    CAUTION
    You can damage the side mirrors if they unfold in a tight space.
    If the Side Mirror auto-unfolding feature is turned on in Settings, the side mirrors will unfold automatically when you approach the vehicle with a key. If you want to control the mirror unfolding behavior in tight parking spaces, ensure that this feature is turned off. You can fold and unfold mirrors through the Access and Security screen in the center display.

    Tint Control
    Side mirrors will tint automatically at night based on the ambient lighting sensors in the rearview mirror. This can be enabled and disabled from the center display. Side mirrors tint when the rearview mirror senses more light from the rear of the vehicle.

    NOTE
    The side mirrors will not tint when the vehicle is in Reverse or Park.

    Defrost
    You can defrost the side mirrors using the climate control system.

    Entry Lights
    The entry lights illuminate the area underneath the side mirrors. You can enable or disable the entry lights settings from the center display. The entry lights setting turns the lights on when any door opens. The lighting sequences setting turns the entry lights on when the car unlocks with proximity. Entry lights activate or deactivate when you open any door or based on your proximity.
    If passive entry is enabled, the entry lights will turn on when you approach the car. If it’s disabled, the entry lights will turn on when you open any door.

    Rearview Mirror

    MOVE REARVIEW MIRROR
    The rearview mirror can be manually adjusted.

    TINT CONTROL
    The rearview mirror will tint automatically based on the ambient lighting. The rearview mirror will not tint when the car is in Park or in Reverse.

    CAUTION
    Don’t spray liquid directly on the rearview mirror. The electronics inside shouldn’t get wet. To clean the rearview mirror, spray cleaning liquid on a cloth and wipe the mirror down.