electrical

Airbag - Driver

for 2022 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Advanced

Time

2.0 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure removes and replaces the driver airbag module in the steering wheel of a 2022 Rivian EDV 500.

Warnings

⚠️Airbag system contains explosive charges. Incorrect procedures can cause unintended deployment resulting in severe injury or death. If you are not completely confident in this procedure, seek professional service.

⚠️After disconnecting the 12V battery, wait a MINIMUM of 15 minutes before touching any airbag components to allow backup capacitors to fully discharge. Failure to wait can result in airbag deployment.

⚠️Never probe airbag connectors with power connected. Never use aftermarket or salvaged airbag modules. Always replace with new OEM parts.

⚠Keep airbag module facing away from your body at all times. Store removed airbag face-up on a clean, flat surface away from work area.

⚠This vehicle uses a high-voltage traction battery system. While this procedure does not directly involve HV components, ensure 12V battery disconnect procedures are followed precisely.

ℹ️Have the airbag system professionally scanned after replacement to clear fault codes and verify proper operation.

Tools required

Rivian diagnostic tool or OBD-II scanner with Rivian compatibilityEssential

Torx bit set (T20, T30, T40)Essential

Flathead screwdriver (small)

Painter's tape or masking tape

Digital multimeterEssential

Insulated gloves (electrical work rated)Essential

Trim panel removal tools

Parts

Driver airbag module × 1 — Use OEM specification - Rivian part specific to EDV 500
Airbag connector retention clips (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and ensure it is in Park mode with parking brake applied
Turn off vehicle completely and remove key fob from interior
Locate 12V auxiliary battery access panel in front trunk (frunk) area
Disconnect 12V negative battery terminal first, then positive terminal
Wait a MINIMUM of 15 minutes after battery disconnect - set a timer and do not proceed until timer completes
Mark steering wheel position relative to column with painter's tape for proper alignment during reassembly
Photograph steering wheel controls and airbag area for reference
Ensure work area is clean and free of debris that could contaminate airbag connectors

Procedure

1
Access airbag module rear fasteners
From behind the steering wheel, locate the two airbag module access holes on the left and right sides of the steering wheel back. These are typically covered with small rubber plugs or accessible directly through openings in the wheel spoke area.
2
Release airbag module spring clips
Insert a small flathead screwdriver or Torx T20 bit (depending on fastener type) into each access hole. Push or turn the retention mechanism to release the spring clips holding the airbag module. You should feel the clip release. Repeat on both sides of the steering wheel.
3
Partially remove airbag module from wheel
Gently pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel hub from the front. Apply even pressure on both sides. The module should release from the wheel once both clips are disengaged. Pull forward approximately 2-3 inches to access connectors on the back, but do not fully remove yet.
4
Verify system is de-energized
Using a digital multimeter set to DC voltage, verify there is no voltage present at the airbag connector terminals. Check between both terminals of the airbag connector - reading should be 0V. If any voltage is detected, STOP and wait additional time for system discharge.
⚠️If voltage is detected, system is still energized. Do not proceed. Wait additional 10 minutes and retest.
5
Disconnect airbag electrical connectors
Locate the yellow airbag connector(s) on the back of the airbag module. Press the connector lock tab(s) and carefully disconnect each connector. The EDV 500 typically has one main airbag connector and may have a secondary connector for horn contacts. Note connector orientation for reassembly.
6
Disconnect horn electrical connector
If equipped, disconnect the horn contact connector from the back of the airbag module or steering wheel. This may be a separate wire harness or integrated into the airbag connector assembly.
7
Remove airbag module completely
Once all electrical connections are disconnected, fully remove the airbag module from the steering wheel. Immediately place it face-up on a clean, flat surface at least 10 feet away from the work area. Never place airbag module face-down.
8
Inspect steering wheel and connectors
Inspect the steering wheel hub, mounting points, and all electrical connectors for damage, corrosion, or debris. Check that spring clips are intact and functioning properly. Clean any debris from mounting surfaces with a clean, dry cloth. Inspect connector pins for damage or corrosion.
9
Prepare new airbag module
Unpack the new airbag module carefully. Verify part number matches vehicle specification. Keep module in protective packaging until ready to install. Never drop or impact the module.
10
Connect electrical connectors to new airbag
Position the new airbag module near the steering wheel. Connect the yellow airbag connector(s) first, ensuring you hear and feel a positive click. Connect horn connector if equipped. Gently tug on each connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
11
Position airbag module on steering wheel
Align the new airbag module with the steering wheel hub, ensuring all connectors are routed properly and not pinched. The module should align with the mounting points and sit flush against the wheel before being secured.
12
Secure airbag module
Press the airbag module firmly into the steering wheel hub until both spring clips audibly click into place. Apply even pressure to both sides. The module should be flush with the steering wheel surface with no gaps. Test that the module does not pull away from the wheel.
13
Reconnect 12V battery
Return to the frunk and reconnect the 12V battery. Connect positive terminal first, then negative terminal. Ensure connections are tight and secure.
14
Clear airbag system codes
Connect Rivian diagnostic tool or compatible OBD-II scanner. Turn vehicle to accessory mode (do not start). Access airbag system control module and clear any stored fault codes. Follow scan tool prompts to complete airbag system initialization procedure.
⚠Ensure no one is in front of the steering wheel when powering on the vehicle for the first time after airbag replacement.

Reassembly

Verify airbag module is properly secured and flush with steering wheel surface
Remove alignment tape from steering wheel
Ensure all trim panels and covers are reinstalled if any were removed during access

Verification

Turn vehicle to accessory mode - airbag warning light should illuminate for 6-8 seconds during self-test, then turn off
If airbag warning light remains on or flashes, there is a fault - do not drive vehicle and seek professional diagnosis
Using diagnostic scanner, verify no active airbag system fault codes are present
Verify horn operation by pressing center of airbag module
Test steering wheel controls to ensure no damage occurred during replacement
Have vehicle professionally inspected and airbag system verified by qualified Rivian technician or certified repair facility before returning to normal service

🔧Stuck on this airbag - driver? Take it to The Diag Desk.A human with 20+ years in the bay answers about YOUR Rivian within 24 hours — never AI. $25, and you're not charged unless you get an answer.Ask a tech →