This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the blower motor control module in the HVAC system of a 2022 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Blower motor control module × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Push-pin retainer clips × 1 — Various as needed for damaged clips

Preparation

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake
2. Power down the vehicle completely using the center display and wait 5 minutes for all systems to fully shut down
3. Open the driver's door and leave it open to prevent automatic system wake-up
4. Disconnect the 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal located in the front compartment
5. Allow at least 2 minutes for all capacitive systems to discharge
6. Take photos of the passenger side lower dash area for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove passenger side lower dash panel
   Locate the lower dash trim panel on the passenger side footwell area. Use the trim panel removal tool to carefully release the push-pin retainers securing the panel. There are typically 6-8 retainers along the perimeter. Work from the bottom edge upward, applying gentle but firm pressure to avoid breaking the clips. Once all retainers are released, pull the panel away from the dash structure and set aside.
2. 2

   Remove passenger side kick panel
   The kick panel is located at the side of the footwell area. Remove the two T20 Torx screws at the bottom of the panel. Release the upper push-pin retainers using the trim tool. Carefully pull the panel rearward to disengage it from the body structure. Disconnect any courtesy light connectors if equipped by pressing the release tab and pulling straight out.
3. 3

   Locate blower motor control module
   Using your flashlight, look up behind the passenger side dash toward the HVAC housing. The blower motor control module is mounted on the side of the HVAC unit, typically a rectangular black or silver box approximately 4x3 inches with a wiring harness connector. It will be positioned near the blower motor itself, usually secured with two 10mm bolts or mounting tabs.
4. 4

   Disconnect control module electrical connector
   Locate the main electrical connector on the blower motor control module. Press the locking tab or slide the secondary lock mechanism away from the connector body. Grip the connector housing firmly (not the wires) and pull straight away from the module. If resistance is encountered, verify the locking mechanism is fully released. Inspect the connector pins for any corrosion or damage.
5. 5

   Remove control module mounting fasteners
   Using the 10mm socket and ratchet, remove the two mounting bolts securing the blower motor control module to the HVAC housing. Access may be limited, so a short extension or wobble socket may be helpful. Keep track of any washers or spacers on the mounting bolts. If the module uses mounting tabs instead of bolts, squeeze the tabs together and pull the module from the housing.
6. 6

   Remove blower motor control module
   Carefully pull the control module away from the HVAC housing. The module may have thermal paste or a rubber seal between it and the housing - be prepared for some resistance. Rotate and maneuver the module as needed to clear any surrounding components or wiring. Once clear, remove the module from the vehicle.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting area and connections
   Examine the mounting surface on the HVAC housing for any debris, damage, or remaining thermal paste residue. Clean the mounting surface with a lint-free cloth if necessary. Inspect the electrical connector on the vehicle side for pushed-back pins, corrosion, or moisture intrusion. Verify the ground connection point is clean and free of corrosion.
8. 8

   Prepare new control module
   Remove the new blower motor control module from its packaging. Verify the part number matches the original unit. If the new module requires thermal paste application, apply a thin, even layer to the contact surface according to manufacturer specifications. Do not over-apply as excess paste can cause issues.
9. 9

   Install new control module
   Position the new blower motor control module into the mounting location on the HVAC housing. Align the mounting holes or tabs carefully. Ensure any thermal interface or seal is properly positioned. Install the mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment, then tighten in a cross pattern to ensure even pressure. Since no torque specifications are provided, tighten firmly but do not over-torque the small fasteners.
10. 10

    Connect electrical connector
    Align the electrical connector with the pins on the new blower motor control module. Press the connector firmly into place until you hear or feel a positive click. Verify the locking tab or secondary lock fully engages. Gently tug on the connector to confirm it is fully seated and locked.
11. 11

    Reinstall kick panel
    If equipped, reconnect any courtesy light connectors. Position the kick panel back into place, engaging any locating tabs first. Press firmly along all edges to seat the push-pin retainers. Install the two T20 Torx screws at the bottom of the panel and tighten securely.
12. 12

    Reinstall lower dash panel
    Position the lower dash trim panel back into place, aligning all mounting points. Starting from the top, press firmly along all edges to engage the push-pin retainers. You should hear distinct clicks as each retainer seats. Verify the panel is flush with surrounding trim and all gaps are even.
13. 13

    Reconnect 12V auxiliary battery
    Reconnect the negative terminal to the 12V auxiliary battery in the front compartment. Ensure the connection is clean and tight. The vehicle systems will initialize automatically once reconnected.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all trim panels are fully seated with consistent gaps before testing
2. Verify no tools or parts were left in the dash area
3. Check that all electrical connectors are fully locked and secured
4. Replace any damaged push-pin retainers with new ones to prevent rattles

Verification

• Power on the vehicle and allow the initialization sequence to complete
• Turn on the HVAC system and test all blower motor speed settings from low to high
• Verify smooth operation at all speeds with no unusual noises or hesitation
• Test automatic climate control functionality if equipped - the system should modulate blower speed appropriately
• Check for proper airflow from all vents at different blower settings
• Verify no warning lights or HVAC-related fault codes appear on the instrument cluster
• Use a scan tool if available to confirm no diagnostic trouble codes are present in the HVAC system
• Listen for any air leaks or rattles from the dash area that might indicate improper panel installation

More procedures for this vehicle