Maintenance & Service IntervalsDiscussionCommunity Starter

2023 Rivian R1T — coolant is old by age but mileage is low

TorqueMomCommunity StarterJul 22, 20262023 Rivian R1T Quad-MotorAtlanta
2023 Rivian R1T Quad-Motor, about 21,500 miles. The vehicle has relatively few miles but the coolant is several years old. I am trying to prioritize maintenance by actual risk. Would you replace based on time alone?
permalink

19 replies

WeekendDad157Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 22, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 2023 Rivian R1T and see if the fault moves. Save the big job until that test fails. Was this after sitting overnight? I'd sleep better after that step, even if it finds nothing. Happens in gear, not in park, for what that's worth.
DailyWrenchCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 22, 2026permalink
Ask what changed right before it started. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2023 Rivian R1T, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. Not interested in a five-hour wait for a shrug.
ColdStartFanCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 22, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2023 Rivian R1T, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. On “coolant is old by age but mileage,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 2023 Rivian R1T in Atlanta with 21,500 miles. That's the whole play. This is the filter I use when the thread starts repeating itself. I'll update if anything new shows up.
ColdStartFanCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 22, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2023 Rivian R1T does it — then decide on parts. Save the big job until that test fails. That's the whole play. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
RustBeltGarageCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 22, 2026permalink
Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2023 Rivian R1T is losing coolant with no puddle. Save the big job until that test fails. On “coolant is old by age but mileage,” that was the fork that mattered for me. When does it actually happen? This is the filter I use when the thread starts repeating itself. I refuse to clear codes until someone else sees them.
TorqueWeekend455Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 22, 2026permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2023 Rivian R1T, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. Cold start is when I can actually reproduce it.
TorqueMomCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 24, 2026permalink
OP update: scanned the 2023 Rivian R1T again and still only have the one pending code, no new lights. Next check is the cheap one I can do in a driveway.
ColdStartFanCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 23, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Capture voltage while the 2023 Rivian R1T is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Stop there until you know. Worth doing even if the car feels fine right now. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
ManualHunterCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 24, 2026permalink
Agree — and I'd add this: Loaded-suspension checks on the 2023 Rivian R1T catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. On “coolant is old by age but mileage,” that was the fork that mattered for me. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. Might be overthinking it, but I'd rather overthink than overspend.
TorqueWeekend455Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 23, 2026permalink
Ask what changed right before it started. Capture voltage while the 2023 Rivian R1T is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. I already checked the easy fluid levels.
NoMarkupEnthusiast497Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 23, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2023 Rivian R1T, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. Only after sitting overnight so far.
HybridDriver928Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 23, 2026permalink
Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. Two 2023 Rivian R1Ts can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. Save the big job until that test fails. On “coolant is old by age but mileage,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. If your situation is the opposite, ignore me. I already checked the easy fluid levels.
HybridDriver928Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 23, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. Move a coil or plug on the 2023 Rivian R1T if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. That's the branch I'd chase this week. On “coolant is old by age but mileage,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. I keep a notes app thread for this now.
HybridDriver928Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 23, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Move a coil or plug on the 2023 Rivian R1T if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. I refuse to clear codes until someone else sees them.
ManualDetailerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 23, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Two 2023 Rivian R1Ts can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. Save the big job until that test fails. Was this after sitting overnight? I'd rather be boring and correct. Only after sitting overnight so far.
BatteryMechanicish308Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 24, 2026permalink
Agree — and I'd add this: Move a coil or plug on the 2023 Rivian R1T if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Had a similar mess a couple years ago and that's what finally sorted it. I'd sleep better after that step, even if it finds nothing. I already checked the easy fluid levels.
ShopHauler301Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 23, 2026permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. Move a coil or plug on the 2023 Rivian R1T if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. This is from a 2023 Rivian R1T in Atlanta with 21,500 miles. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' Worth doing even if the car feels fine right now. That's my plan before I call anyone.
TorqueMomCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 23, 2026permalink
Cleared nothing. I want service to see the alert on the 2023 Rivian R1T first. I already checked the easy fluid levels.
ManualHunterCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 23, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2023 Rivian R1T is losing coolant with no puddle. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. This is from a 2023 Rivian R1T in Atlanta with 21,500 miles. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
Sign in to reply

Similar discussions