This procedure involves replacing the AC low pressure switch on the 2023 Rivian EDV 500, which requires accessing the AC system components and safely recovering refrigerant before replacement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC low pressure switch × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• AC line O-ring kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• R-1234yf refrigerant × 1 — As required to refill system

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery located in front trunk area and wait 5 minutes
3. Verify high voltage system is disabled via vehicle interface display
4. Connect R-1234yf recovery machine to service ports
5. Allow vehicle to sit for at least 30 minutes to ensure AC system is at ambient temperature
6. Document refrigerant charge amount during recovery for proper refill
7. Have vehicle service manual available for AC system specifications

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover AC refrigerant
   Connect the AC recovery machine to both high and low side service ports. Follow recovery machine instructions to fully recover all R-1234yf refrigerant from the system. Record the amount recovered for refill reference. Ensure recovery is complete before proceeding.
2. 2

   Access front compartment components
   Open the front trunk (frunk). Remove the front storage bin and carpeted liner to expose the climate control components. The AC low pressure switch is located on the suction line near the AC compressor assembly on the driver side of the front compartment.
3. 3

   Remove driver side undershield panels
   Remove the plastic undershield panels on the driver side of the front compartment using panel removal tools. This provides access to the lower AC lines and the low pressure switch mounting location. Store fasteners in a secure container.
4. 4

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the AC low pressure switch. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the electrical connector from the switch. Inspect connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
5. 5

   Remove low pressure switch
   Using an appropriate wrench, carefully unscrew the AC low pressure switch from the suction line fitting. Turn counterclockwise to remove. Be prepared for residual refrigerant oil to drip. Cap the open port immediately to prevent contamination.
6. 6

   Inspect and replace O-rings
   Remove and discard the old O-ring from the switch port. Clean the sealing surface on the AC line thoroughly. Install a new O-ring from the kit, lightly lubricating it with refrigerant oil. Ensure the O-ring is properly seated in the groove.
7. 7

   Install new low pressure switch
   Thread the new AC low pressure switch into the suction line port by hand, turning clockwise. Tighten to manufacturer specification using a torque wrench. If no torque specification is available, tighten to 12-15 ft-lb, being careful not to cross-thread or over-tighten.
8. 8

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Reconnect the electrical connector to the new low pressure switch. Ensure the locking tab clicks into place securely. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked.
9. 9

   Test switch continuity
   Using a digital multimeter, test the new low pressure switch for proper continuity. At ambient pressure, the switch should be open (no continuity). Refer to Rivian service documentation for specific resistance values and test parameters.
10. 10

    Vacuum test AC system
    Connect a vacuum pump to the AC service ports and evacuate the system to at least 29 inches of mercury vacuum. Hold vacuum for minimum 30 minutes to verify there are no leaks. If vacuum does not hold, locate and repair leak before proceeding.
11. 11

    Recharge AC system
    Using the refrigerant scale and recovery machine, recharge the AC system with the exact amount of R-1234yf recovered in step 1, or per vehicle specifications if refrigerant was lost. Monitor pressures on manifold gauges during charging process.
12. 12

    Leak test system
    Using the refrigerant leak detector, check all connections including the new low pressure switch installation for leaks. Pay special attention to the O-ring seal. If any leaks are detected, recover refrigerant and repair before continuing.
13. 13

    Reinstall undershield panels
    Reinstall the driver side undershield panels removed in step 3. Ensure all fasteners are properly secured and panels are aligned correctly.
14. 14

    Reconnect 12V battery and test
    Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery. Start the vehicle and activate the climate control system. Allow the AC to run for 5-10 minutes and monitor system pressures. The low pressure switch should cycle the compressor appropriately based on system pressure.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all front trunk storage components and carpet liner
2. Verify all panels and fasteners are properly secured
3. Close front trunk and verify proper latch operation
4. Clean work area and properly dispose of old parts and refrigerant oil

Verification

• Verify AC system operates normally with adequate cooling performance
• Confirm low side pressure reads between 25-35 PSI at idle with AC on maximum cool
• Verify compressor cycles on and off appropriately as pressure changes
• Check that no warning lights or climate control error messages appear on instrument cluster
• Perform final leak check around low pressure switch with leak detector
• Test AC performance in both recirculation and fresh air modes
• Verify switch operation by monitoring compressor engagement with pressure gauge

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