This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a heated seat module in a 2022 Rivian EDV 500, including disconnecting the high-voltage system, removing the seat, and replacing the heating element control module.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Heated seat module × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Seat wiring harness connector seals (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key fob from vehicle interior
3. Open rear cargo area and locate the HV battery disconnect service plug
4. Wearing insulated HV gloves, remove the HV battery service disconnect plug by rotating counterclockwise and pulling straight out
5. Wait minimum 5 minutes for high-voltage system capacitors to fully discharge
6. Disconnect the 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal
7. Move the seat to full forward position for rear access
8. Adjust seat height to full up position

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove seat side trim panels
   Using trim panel removal tools, carefully pry off the plastic trim covers on both sides of the seat base. These covers are secured by snap clips. Work from rear to front, releasing each clip gently to avoid breaking the tabs. Set trim panels aside in a safe location.
2. 2

   Disconnect seat electrical connectors
   Locate the main seat wiring harness connectors beneath the seat on the inboard side. There will be multiple connectors including power, heated seat controls, and occupant detection sensor. Press the release tab on each connector and pull straight apart. Note the routing and orientation of each connector for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove seat mounting bolts
   Locate the four seat mounting bolts, one at each corner of the seat base rails. Using a Torx T40 bit, remove all four bolts completely. Support the seat while removing the final bolt to prevent it from shifting unexpectedly. The bolts may have thread-locking compound applied.
4. 4

   Remove seat from vehicle
   With an assistant, carefully lift the seat assembly straight up and out of the vehicle. The seat weighs approximately 60-70 lbs. Ensure all wiring harnesses are fully disconnected and not snagged. Place the seat on a clean, padded work surface with the seat base facing up.
5. 5

   Remove seat cushion cover
   With the seat inverted, locate the hog rings or clips securing the seat cushion cover to the seat frame around the perimeter. Use hog ring pliers or needle-nose pliers to release each fastener. Work methodically around the entire cushion, noting the location of each attachment point. Carefully pull the cushion cover away to expose the heating element and foam padding.
6. 6

   Locate and disconnect heated seat module
   The heated seat module is typically mounted to the underside of the seat cushion frame or integrated into the seat cushion itself. Locate the module's electrical connector and press the release tab to disconnect it. If the module is separately mounted, identify the mounting screws or clips securing it to the seat frame.
7. 7

   Remove heated seat module mounting fasteners
   Using a Torx T20 or T30 bit (depending on fastener size), remove the screws securing the heated seat module to the seat frame. There are typically 2-4 screws. If the heating element is adhered to the foam, carefully separate it using plastic pry tools, working slowly to avoid tearing the heating element wires.
8. 8

   Remove old heated seat module
   Carefully remove the heated seat module from the seat cushion. Note the exact position and orientation of the module, as the replacement must be installed in the same configuration. Inspect the seat foam for any damage or compression that may affect heating performance.
9. 9

   Install new heated seat module
   Position the new heated seat module in the exact location of the original, ensuring proper alignment with mounting holes and connector routing paths. The heating element should lay flat against the foam without wrinkles or folds. Verify that no wires are pinched or kinked.
10. 10

    Secure heated seat module
    Install the mounting screws to secure the new heated seat module to the seat frame. Start all screws by hand before tightening to ensure proper alignment. Tighten screws evenly in a cross-pattern to the feel of snug (do not overtighten into plastic or foam materials). Connect the module electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place.
11. 11

    Reinstall seat cushion cover
    Carefully pull the seat cushion cover back over the seat foam and heating element, ensuring the fabric is properly aligned and not twisted. Reinstall hog rings or clips at each attachment point around the perimeter, working from center outward to maintain proper tension. Verify the cover is seated evenly without bunching.
12. 12

    Reinstall seat in vehicle
    With an assistant, carefully lower the seat assembly back into the vehicle, aligning the mounting points on the seat rails with the floor brackets. Ensure no wiring harnesses are trapped beneath the seat. Start all four mounting bolts by hand to verify proper thread engagement.
13. 13

    Tighten seat mounting bolts
    Using a torque wrench with Torx T40 bit, tighten all four seat mounting bolts in a cross-pattern. Since no specific torque value is provided in the database, tighten to 30-35 ft-lbs or until bolts are firmly seated. Verify seat does not rock or shift on the mounting rails.
14. 14

    Reconnect seat electrical connectors
    Reconnect all seat electrical connectors in the reverse order of removal, ensuring each connector clicks fully into place. Verify that connector seals are properly seated and not damaged. Route all wiring harnesses as originally positioned to prevent chafing or pinching.
15. 15

    Reconnect vehicle batteries
    Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal. Reinstall the HV battery service disconnect plug by inserting straight in and rotating clockwise until it locks into place. Verify the plug is fully seated and secure.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall seat side trim panels by aligning clips and pressing firmly until all clips snap into place
2. Cycle the seat through all positions (fore/aft, recline, height) to verify proper operation and clearance
3. Test all seat functions including power adjustments and memory settings if equipped

Verification

• Turn the ignition to ON position and verify no fault codes are displayed on the instrument cluster related to the seat or heated seat system
• Activate the heated seat function and allow it to run for 2-3 minutes, then carefully feel the seat cushion to verify even heating across the surface
• Use a multimeter to check for proper current draw at the heated seat module connector (typically 3-5 amps per seat)
• Verify the heated seat indicator illuminates on the climate control interface when activated
• Test heated seat on all temperature settings to confirm full functionality
• Inspect all seat mounting bolts for proper torque and security
• Verify no warning lights or fault codes are present after test drive

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