Experiencing issues with your Rivian key fob can be frustrating, especially when it impacts vehicle access and functionality. Some Rivian R1T owners have reported peculiar problems, including the vehicle registering a “phantom” key fob and encountering difficulties with key fob updates. This article explores these issues and offers potential troubleshooting steps.
One Rivian owner shared their experience of taking delivery of their R1T and noticing their Rivian app displayed two key fobs registered to their account, despite only receiving one physical fob. This phantom key fob couldn’t be removed through the app or the vehicle’s interface. Adding to the complication, the owner also received a notification for a key fob update within the vehicle, but the update wouldn’t initiate, seemingly requiring the presence of the phantom fob.
This situation raises a few key questions for Rivian owners. Firstly, why would a phantom key fob appear in the system? This could be due to an error during the vehicle delivery process or a glitch in the Rivian account system. Secondly, how does this phantom fob impact vehicle functions, such as key fob updates and proximity features like automatic locking and unlocking?
The inability to update the key fob software can be a direct consequence of such phantom key registrations. Vehicle systems might be trying to communicate with a key fob that doesn’t physically exist. The owner in question also noted issues with proximity lock/unlock, suggesting a potential link between key fob registration discrepancies and these convenience features.
While the exact cause of phantom key fob issues can vary, there are a few general troubleshooting steps Rivian owners can consider.
- Check the Obvious: Ensure the physical key fob you possess has sufficient Rivian Key Fob Battery life. A low battery can sometimes cause communication glitches. While not directly related to phantom keys, a healthy rivian key fob battery is crucial for general fob operation and updates.
- Rivian App Restart and Re-sync: Try logging out and back into your Rivian app. Sometimes, refreshing the app’s connection with your vehicle can resolve display errors. In some cases, re-syncing the key fobs through the app settings might also be helpful, although options for removing a fob are currently limited within the user interface.
- Vehicle Soft Reset: Performing a soft reset of your Rivian’s system might clear temporary software issues. Refer to your Rivian owner’s manual for instructions on how to perform a soft reset.
- Contact Rivian Support: If the phantom key fob persists and update issues continue, contacting Rivian customer support is the most direct route to resolution. They can investigate your account and vehicle system for errors and potentially remove the phantom key from their end. They can also provide specific guidance on key fob update procedures and troubleshoot proximity locking problems.
In conclusion, encountering a phantom key fob and subsequent update issues can be a perplexing experience for Rivian owners. While the root cause may lie in system glitches or delivery process errors, systematic troubleshooting, starting with basic checks like rivian key fob battery condition and progressing to contacting Rivian support, is crucial for resolving these key fob related problems and ensuring full vehicle functionality.
