This procedure covers draining and refilling the drive unit fluid (EV transmission fluid) for both front and rear electric drive units on the 2022 Rivian EDV 500.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front drive unit drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front drive unit fill plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear drive unit drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear drive unit fill plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• EV Transmission Fluid — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Power down the vehicle completely using the center display shutdown procedure
4. Wait 5 minutes for high-voltage system to discharge capacitors
5. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal located in front trunk compartment
6. Allow drive units to cool for minimum 2 hours if vehicle was recently driven
7. Raise vehicle using approved lift points and support securely on jack stands
8. Remove front and rear skid plates to access drive unit drain plugs
9. Clean area around drain and fill plugs on both drive units with brake cleaner

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain rear drive unit fluid
   Position drain pan under rear drive unit. Locate the drain plug on the bottom of the rear drive unit housing. Using a 19mm socket, slowly loosen the drain plug. Once loose, quickly remove by hand (fluid will drain rapidly). Allow fluid to drain completely for at least 15 minutes. Inspect drained fluid for metal particles or debris that would indicate internal wear.
2. 2

   Remove rear drive unit fill plug
   While fluid is draining, locate the fill plug on the side of the rear drive unit housing. Using a 19mm socket, remove the fill plug to allow air circulation and complete drainage. This also verifies the fill plug can be removed before draining is complete.
3. 3

   Install rear drive unit drain plug
   Once fluid has completely drained, clean the drain plug and surrounding area with shop towels. Install a new drain plug washer onto the drain plug. Thread the drain plug in by hand to avoid cross-threading, then tighten with torque wrench. Note: Torque specification not available in database - consult Rivian service documentation for proper torque value.
4. 4

   Fill rear drive unit with fluid
   Using a fluid transfer pump, begin filling the rear drive unit through the fill plug hole with fresh EV transmission fluid. The rear drive unit requires approximately 5 quarts. Fill until fluid begins to drip from the fill hole, indicating proper level. Allow vehicle to sit for 2-3 minutes, then top off if level drops.
5. 5

   Install rear drive unit fill plug
   Clean the fill plug and install a new washer. Thread the fill plug in by hand, then tighten with torque wrench to specification. Wipe away any spilled fluid from the drive unit housing.
6. 6

   Drain front drive unit fluid
   Reposition drain pan under front drive unit. Locate the drain plug on the bottom of the front drive unit housing. Using a 19mm socket, slowly loosen the drain plug. Once loose, quickly remove by hand and allow fluid to drain completely for at least 15 minutes. Inspect drained fluid for contamination.
7. 7

   Remove front drive unit fill plug
   While fluid is draining, locate the fill plug on the side of the front drive unit housing. Using a 19mm socket, remove the fill plug to allow complete drainage and verify access.
8. 8

   Install front drive unit drain plug
   Once fluid has completely drained, clean the drain plug and surrounding area. Install a new drain plug washer onto the drain plug. Thread the drain plug in by hand, then tighten with torque wrench to proper specification per Rivian service documentation.
9. 9

   Fill front drive unit with fluid
   Using a fluid transfer pump, begin filling the front drive unit through the fill plug hole with fresh EV transmission fluid. The front drive unit requires approximately 5 quarts. Fill until fluid begins to drip from the fill hole. Allow to settle for 2-3 minutes and top off as needed.
10. 10

    Install front drive unit fill plug
    Clean the fill plug and install a new washer. Thread the fill plug in by hand, then tighten with torque wrench to specification. Clean any spilled fluid from the housing.
11. 11

    Inspect for leaks and reinstall skid plates
    Thoroughly inspect all four drain and fill plugs for signs of leakage. Wipe the area clean and check again after a few minutes. Once verified dry, reinstall front and rear skid plates using original fasteners.
12. 12

    Lower vehicle and reconnect battery
    Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal in front trunk. Power up vehicle and verify no warning lights related to drive units appear on instrument cluster.
13. 13

    Reset service indicator and test drive
    Using Rivian diagnostic tool, reset the drive unit fluid service interval counter in the vehicle system. Perform a test drive of at least 10 miles, including various speeds and acceleration rates to circulate new fluid through both drive units. Monitor for unusual noises, vibrations, or warning lights.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all skid plates and underbody panels removed during service
2. Verify all drain and fill plugs are properly torqued and not leaking
3. Dispose of used EV transmission fluid according to local regulations
4. Document service date and mileage for maintenance records

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify no drive unit warning lights are illuminated on instrument cluster
• Check all drain and fill plug locations for fluid leaks with vehicle on level surface
• Test drive vehicle for at least 10 miles to verify normal drive unit operation
• Re-check fluid level at both fill plugs after test drive (small amount of seepage is normal, but should not be actively dripping)
• Verify drive unit fluid service interval has been reset in vehicle computer using diagnostic tool
• Confirm smooth acceleration, no unusual noises from drive units, and proper AWD engagement

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