This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the AC accumulator on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500, including refrigerant recovery, system evacuation, and recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC Accumulator/Receiver Drier × 1 — Use OEM specification
• AC line O-rings × 1 — Use OEM specification
• R-1234yf Refrigerant × 1 — Use OEM specification
• PAG oil (POE compatible) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes
3. Verify high voltage disconnect switch is in OFF position (if equipped) or follow manufacturer lockout/tagout procedure
4. Raise vehicle on lift to working height
5. Allow AC system to equalize to ambient temperature (minimum 1 hour)
6. Verify refrigerant type using refrigerant identifier to confirm R-1234yf
7. Locate AC accumulator on passenger side of vehicle near firewall/underbody area
8. Clean area around AC accumulator and refrigerant line connections to prevent contamination

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover refrigerant from AC system
   Connect R-1234yf recovery machine to service ports on AC system. Follow recovery machine instructions to safely recover all refrigerant from the system. Record amount of refrigerant and oil recovered for recharge calculations. Ensure system pressure reads 0 PSI on both high and low side gauges before proceeding.
2. 2

   Remove underbody panels
   Remove plastic underbody panels or skid plates as necessary to access the AC accumulator. The accumulator is typically located near the passenger side firewall area. Remove fasteners and carefully lower panels, noting routing of any wiring or clips.
3. 3

   Disconnect refrigerant lines from accumulator
   Using appropriate refrigerant line disconnect tools, disconnect the inlet and outlet refrigerant lines from the AC accumulator. Cap or plug all open refrigerant line ends immediately to prevent moisture and contamination from entering the system. Note the orientation and position of lines for reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove mounting bracket and accumulator
   Remove the mounting bracket bolts securing the AC accumulator to the vehicle body. Carefully lower and remove the accumulator from the vehicle. Note the orientation of the accumulator for proper installation of the new unit.
5. 5

   Measure and record old oil
   Drain the old AC accumulator into a clean graduated container and measure the amount of oil removed. Add the amount of oil recovered from the recovery machine to this measurement. This total will be used to determine the correct oil charge for the new system.
6. 6

   Prepare new accumulator
   Remove new AC accumulator from sealed packaging. Add the appropriate amount of new PAG oil (POE compatible) to the new accumulator based on manufacturer specifications and oil recovered from old system. Keep accumulator upright and do not remove caps until ready to install.
7. 7

   Install new accumulator
   Position new AC accumulator in mounting bracket in the same orientation as the original. Install and hand-tighten mounting bracket bolts. Torque mounting bolts to manufacturer specifications (consult service information system for specific values).
8. 8

   Install new O-rings on refrigerant lines
   Remove old O-rings from refrigerant line fittings and discard. Install new O-rings onto all refrigerant line connections, lubricating lightly with clean refrigerant oil. Inspect line fittings for damage or debris before installation.
9. 9

   Connect refrigerant lines
   Remove caps from new accumulator ports immediately before connection. Connect inlet and outlet refrigerant lines to the accumulator, ensuring proper orientation and alignment. Hand-tighten fittings, then torque to manufacturer specifications using a torque wrench (consult service information for specific values).
10. 10

    Evacuate AC system
    Connect vacuum pump and digital micron gauge to AC system service ports. Evacuate system to at least 500 microns or lower. Hold vacuum for minimum 30 minutes. System should not rise more than 500 microns during hold period. If vacuum does not hold, check for leaks and repeat evacuation.
11. 11

    Recharge AC system
    Using R-1234yf AC recharge machine, add refrigerant to system per manufacturer specifications (typically found on underhood label). Charge system with engine off, then start vehicle and run AC on maximum setting to complete charge. Monitor pressures throughout charging process to ensure proper fill.
12. 12

    Leak test system
    Using electronic leak detector or UV dye method, check all refrigerant line connections, accumulator fittings, and surrounding components for leaks. Pay special attention to newly installed connections. Address any leaks found before proceeding.
13. 13

    Reinstall underbody panels
    Reinstall all underbody panels and skid plates removed during disassembly. Ensure all fasteners are properly secured and any wiring or clips are correctly routed. Verify no components are pinched or binding.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
2. Re-enable high voltage system if previously disabled
3. Lower vehicle from lift
4. Verify all underbody panels are secure with no loose fasteners

Verification

• Start vehicle and turn AC system to maximum cold with fan on high
• Allow system to run for 10-15 minutes and verify cold air output from vents
• Check AC system pressures at idle and 1500 RPM - should be within manufacturer specifications
• Verify compressor engages and disengages properly during operation
• Check for unusual noises from AC system during operation
• Perform final leak test of all connections with electronic leak detector
• Verify no warning lights or fault codes related to HVAC system
• Test AC performance with vehicle at operating temperature in ambient conditions above 70°F
• Document refrigerant charge amount and oil added in service records

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