This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the AC accumulator on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500, including refrigerant recovery, component replacement, and system recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC accumulator × 1 — Use OEM specification
• AC line O-rings × 1 — Use OEM specification
• PAG oil for R-1234yf systems × 1 — Use OEM specification
• R-1234yf refrigerant × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Power down the high voltage system using the vehicle's service mode in the infotainment system
3. Disconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
4. Verify ambient temperature is above 50°F (10°C) for accurate AC system work
5. Confirm AC system has refrigerant charge using pressure gauges before proceeding
6. Position vehicle lift arms to avoid AC lines and high voltage battery components

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover refrigerant from AC system
   Connect R-1234yf recovery machine to the low-side and high-side service ports located in the front compartment. Follow machine manufacturer's instructions to completely recover all refrigerant from the system. Record the amount of refrigerant and oil recovered for recharge reference. Verify system pressure reaches and maintains vacuum before proceeding.
2. 2

   Access AC accumulator location
   Remove the front lower access panel below the frunk area. The AC accumulator is mounted on the passenger side of the HVAC module, forward of the high voltage battery enclosure. Remove any cable management clips or wire harness retainers blocking access to the accumulator mounting area.
3. 3

   Disconnect AC lines from accumulator
   Using appropriate AC line disconnect tools, release the quick-connect fittings on both the inlet and outlet lines at the accumulator. Support the lines to prevent stress on other connections. Cap all open connections immediately to prevent moisture contamination. Inspect O-rings on disconnected lines for damage or deterioration.
4. 4

   Remove accumulator mounting hardware
   Remove the accumulator mounting bracket bolts securing the unit to the HVAC module. Note the orientation of any mounting insulators or spacers for proper reassembly. Carefully maneuver the accumulator out of its mounting location, being mindful of adjacent high voltage components and wiring harnesses.
5. 5

   Measure and drain oil from old accumulator
   Drain the old accumulator completely into a graduated container through the inlet port. Measure and record the amount of oil recovered. This measurement will be used to determine the correct amount of fresh oil to add to the system. Dispose of old refrigerant oil according to local environmental regulations.
6. 6

   Prepare new accumulator
   Remove the new accumulator from packaging and verify it matches the original unit in configuration and port locations. Add the appropriate amount of fresh PAG oil specified for R-1234yf systems to the new accumulator, matching the amount drained from the old unit plus any additional oil lost during recovery. Remove shipping caps just before installation.
7. 7

   Install new accumulator
   Position the new accumulator into the mounting bracket, ensuring proper orientation with inlet and outlet ports aligned correctly. Install all mounting insulators and spacers in their original positions. Install and hand-tighten the mounting bracket bolts, then tighten to secure the accumulator firmly without over-compression of insulator bushings.
8. 8

   Install new O-rings and connect AC lines
   Install new lubricated O-rings on both AC line connections. Ensure O-rings are properly seated in their grooves. Connect the inlet and outlet lines to the new accumulator, pushing firmly until the quick-connect fittings audibly click and lock. Verify each connection by attempting to pull the line away from the fitting.
9. 9

   Evacuate AC system
   Connect the vacuum pump to the AC service ports. Evacuate the system to a deep vacuum of at least 29 inches of mercury (500 microns or better). Hold vacuum for a minimum of 45 minutes to remove all moisture and air from the system. Monitor for vacuum decay which would indicate a leak.
10. 10

    Leak test system under vacuum
    After evacuation period, isolate the vacuum pump and monitor system pressure for 10 minutes. Vacuum should hold steady with no more than 1 inch of mercury rise. If vacuum decays significantly, locate and repair leak before proceeding. If vacuum holds, the system is ready for recharge.
11. 11

    Recharge AC system with R-1234yf
    Using the R-1234yf recovery/recharge machine, charge the system with the manufacturer-specified amount of refrigerant as indicated on the vehicle refrigerant label (typically located on the frunk underside panel). Charge through the low-side service port with engine/compressor running. Monitor pressures throughout charging process to ensure proper system operation.
12. 12

    Perform leak detection
    With system charged, use electronic refrigerant leak detector to check all connections at the accumulator, service ports, and surrounding fittings. Check for leaks with vehicle powered on and AC system operating. If UV dye was added, use UV light to inspect for any fluorescent traces indicating leakage.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all cable management clips and wire harness retainers in their original positions
2. Reinstall the front lower access panel and verify all fasteners are secure
3. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal
4. Exit service mode and restore vehicle to normal operating configuration

Verification

• Start the vehicle and activate the AC system at maximum cooling setting
• Verify compressor engages and operates smoothly without unusual noise
• Check that cold air is produced at the vents within 2-3 minutes of operation
• Verify AC low-side pressure reads 25-35 PSI and high-side pressure reads 150-250 PSI at ambient temperature of 70-80°F
• Monitor system for 10 minutes of continuous operation to ensure stable pressures and temperatures
• Perform final leak check around accumulator connections with system running
• Verify no warning lights or fault codes are present in the vehicle diagnostic system
• Test AC performance in both recirculation and fresh air modes to confirm proper operation

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