This procedure covers removal and replacement of the ABS control module on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500, including brake system bleeding and system reinitialization.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• ABS control module assembly × 1 — Use OEM Rivian part only
• ABS module mounting grommets/insulators × 1 — Inspect and replace if damaged
• Brake line sealing washers × 6 — Copper crush washers for brake line fittings

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Ensure 12V auxiliary battery is fully charged (module programming will require battery power)
4. Locate 12V auxiliary battery in front compartment under hood
5. Disconnect negative terminal of 12V auxiliary battery and wait 5 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
6. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands rated for at least 8,000 lbs capacity
7. Remove front wheels to access ABS module location
8. Place catch pan under brake line area to capture fluid spillage
9. Have at least 1 quart of fresh DOT 4 brake fluid available
10. Verify replacement ABS module part number matches original module

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate ABS module
   The ABS control module is located in the front left wheel well area, mounted to the frame rail. Remove the plastic wheel well liner fasteners (T25 Torx) to access the module. The module is a silver aluminum housing approximately 6x4 inches with multiple brake lines and an electrical connector attached.
2. 2

   Clean work area and connections
   Use a wire brush or compressed air to clean the area around all brake line fittings and the electrical connector. Spray electrical contact cleaner on the connector if corrosion is present. This prevents contamination from entering the brake system during line removal.
3. 3

   Label and photograph connections
   Take clear photos of all brake line connections and their positions on the ABS module. There are typically 6 brake lines: 4 wheel circuit lines (one per wheel) and 2 master cylinder lines. Use tape or labels to mark each line with its position (LF, RF, LR, RR, MC-Primary, MC-Secondary) to ensure correct reassembly.
4. 4

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the main ABS module electrical connector and carefully pull the connector straight back from the module. Do not pull on wires. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage. If connector shows green corrosion, clean with electrical contact cleaner and allow to dry.
5. 5

   Remove brake lines from module
   Using a 10mm flare nut wrench, carefully loosen each brake line fitting at the ABS module. Work slowly to avoid rounding off fittings. Loosen fittings 1-2 turns initially, then unthread completely by hand. Expect brake fluid to drip from lines. Have catch pan positioned to collect fluid. Cap or plug open lines immediately with rubber caps to prevent contamination and excessive fluid loss.
6. 6

   Remove ABS module mounting hardware
   Remove the ABS module mounting bolts (typically two 10mm bolts securing the module bracket to the frame). Support the module while removing the final bolt as it is heavy (approximately 5-8 lbs). Carefully lower the module away from the mounting location, keeping brake line ends elevated to minimize fluid loss.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting location and hardware
   Inspect the module mounting bracket and rubber isolation grommets for damage, cracking, or deterioration. Replace any damaged mounting components. Clean the mounting surface of dirt and brake fluid residue. Check frame mounting points for corrosion or damage.
8. 8

   Prepare new ABS module
   Remove protective caps from brake line ports on the new ABS module. Inspect all ports for thread damage or contamination. Verify the module part number matches the original. Install new copper crush washers on all brake line fittings that will connect to the module (do not reuse old washers).
9. 9

   Install new module to mounting bracket
   Position the new ABS module into the mounting bracket with rubber isolation grommets in place. Install mounting bolts and tighten to secure the module to the frame bracket. Ensure the module is oriented correctly with brake line ports accessible and electrical connector facing the correct direction per your reference photos.
10. 10

    Connect brake lines to new module
    Thread each brake line fitting into the correct port on the new ABS module by hand first, ensuring threads engage properly and fittings are not cross-threaded. Once all fittings are hand-tight, use a 10mm flare nut wrench to tighten each fitting snugly. Tighten to approximately 10-12 ft-lbs (do not overtighten as aluminum module threads can strip). Double-check each line is connected to the correct port per your labels and photos.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Align the electrical connector with the ABS module connector pins and press firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Tug gently on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked. Ensure no wires are pinched or stressed.
12. 12

    Bleed brake system - master cylinder reservoir
    Reinstall front wheels and lower vehicle to ground. Reconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal. Open the master cylinder reservoir under the hood and fill to the MAX line with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid. Keep reservoir filled throughout the bleeding process to prevent air introduction.
13. 13

    Bleed brake system - wheel circuits
    Bleed brakes in the following sequence: right rear, left rear, right front, left front. At each wheel, attach brake bleeder hose to bleeder screw, submerge other end in container with brake fluid. Have assistant press brake pedal slowly 3-4 times, then hold pressure. Open bleeder screw 1/2 turn while pedal is held, allow fluid and air to escape, then close bleeder before pedal reaches floor. Repeat until fluid flows bubble-free. Maintain reservoir level above MIN throughout process.
14. 14

    Perform ABS pump bleeding procedure
    Connect Rivian diagnostic scanner or compatible OBD-II scan tool to vehicle diagnostic port. Access the ABS bleeding/initialization function in the scanner software. Follow on-screen prompts to activate the ABS pump motor and cycle solenoid valves. This purges air from the ABS hydraulic unit internal circuits. During this procedure, monitor brake pedal for firmness and check reservoir level frequently, topping off as needed. The pump cycling procedure typically takes 2-3 minutes.
15. 15

    Program and initialize new ABS module
    Using the diagnostic scanner, access the ABS module programming function. Enter the vehicle VIN when prompted to ensure module is programmed with correct vehicle-specific calibration. Follow scanner instructions to complete module initialization. This process writes the vehicle configuration to the new module and may take 5-10 minutes. Do not disconnect power or scanner during programming. After programming completes, clear any diagnostic trouble codes and verify communication with the module is established.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall wheel well liner fasteners and ensure all clips are secure
2. Verify all brake line fittings are properly tightened and no leaks are visible
3. Check master cylinder reservoir is filled to MAX line with DOT 4 brake fluid
4. Perform final visual inspection of all connections and mounting hardware

Verification

• With vehicle still on jack stands, start vehicle and verify ABS warning light illuminates briefly during start, then extinguishes (normal operation)
• Check for any brake fluid leaks at all ABS module connections while assistant presses brake pedal firmly
• Lower vehicle to ground and test brake pedal feel - pedal should be firm and not sink when held under pressure for 30 seconds
• Perform a low-speed test drive (under 10 mph) in a safe area to verify normal brake operation before road use
• Perform ABS self-test using diagnostic scanner to verify all wheel speed sensors are communicating and no fault codes are present
• Test ABS function in a safe, controlled environment (empty parking lot) by performing a firm stop from 20 mph on dry pavement - ABS should modulate without warning lights
• Recheck brake fluid level after test drive and top off if needed
• Schedule a follow-up inspection after 50-100 miles to recheck all brake line connections for leaks and verify proper operation

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