This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the AC receiver/drier on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, including refrigerant recovery and system evacuation/recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC Receiver/Drier × 1 — Use OEM specification
• AC line O-rings × 1 — Use OEM specification
• PAG oil for electric vehicle AC system × 1 — Use OEM specification
• R-1234yf refrigerant × 1 — As required to fill system

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Ensure ignition is off and key fob is at least 15 feet away from vehicle
3. Open hood and disconnect 12V battery negative terminal
4. Wait 5 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
5. Verify you have the correct replacement receiver/drier for EDV 500 model
6. Connect AC recovery machine and verify it is functioning properly
7. Document pre-service AC system pressures if system is operational

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover refrigerant from AC system
   Connect the AC recovery machine to the high and low side service ports located in the front compartment. Follow manufacturer instructions for the recovery machine. Recover all refrigerant from the system until both high and low side pressures read zero. Document the amount of refrigerant recovered for recharge reference. Allow system to stabilize for 5 minutes to ensure complete recovery.
2. 2

   Access receiver/drier location
   The receiver/drier on the EDV 500 is located in the front compartment near the condenser assembly on the passenger side. Remove the front access panel by releasing the push clips along the top edge and removing the lower mounting screws. Set panel aside in a safe location. Identify the receiver/drier canister - it will have two refrigerant lines connected (inlet from condenser and outlet to evaporator).
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the pressure switch electrical connector on top of the receiver/drier. Press the locking tab and carefully pull the connector straight off. Do not pull on the wires. Secure the connector away from the work area to prevent damage.
4. 4

   Disconnect refrigerant lines
   Using the appropriate line disconnect tool, disconnect the inlet line from the condenser to the receiver/drier. Support the receiver/drier while disconnecting to prevent stress on the mounting bracket. Immediately cap the open line to prevent moisture and debris entry. Repeat for the outlet line to the evaporator. Cap this line as well. Inspect the connection points for damage or excessive wear.
5. 5

   Remove receiver/drier mounting
   Remove the mounting bracket bolts securing the receiver/drier to the vehicle frame. The EDV 500 typically uses two or three bolts depending on configuration. Support the receiver/drier while removing the final bolt. Carefully remove the assembly from the vehicle, keeping it upright to prevent oil from spilling out.
6. 6

   Measure and record PAG oil
   Drain the old receiver/drier into a graduated container to measure the amount of PAG oil removed. Record this amount. Add the equivalent amount of new PAG oil specifically designed for electric vehicle AC systems to the new receiver/drier before installation. Typical amount is 1-3 oz but match what was removed.
7. 7

   Prepare new receiver/drier
   Remove the protective caps from the new receiver/drier just before installation to minimize moisture exposure. The desiccant inside begins absorbing moisture immediately upon exposure. Inspect all mounting tabs and connection points for any shipping damage. Install new O-rings on both the inlet and outlet connections, lubricating them with clean PAG oil.
8. 8

   Install new receiver/drier
   Position the new receiver/drier in the mounting bracket, ensuring proper orientation with inlet and outlet ports aligned to their respective lines. Install mounting bracket bolts and tighten in a star pattern to ensure even pressure. Verify the receiver/drier is secure and properly positioned with no stress on the refrigerant line connection points.
9. 9

   Reconnect refrigerant lines
   Remove caps from the refrigerant lines. Inspect O-rings on the lines - if they show any signs of damage, replace them with new O-rings lubricated with PAG oil. Connect the inlet line from the condenser to the receiver/drier, ensuring it seats fully and locks into place. Connect the outlet line to the evaporator in the same manner. Verify both connections are secure by attempting to pull the lines apart.
10. 10

    Reconnect pressure switch
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the pressure switch on top of the receiver/drier. Ensure it clicks into place and the locking tab is fully engaged. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is secure.
11. 11

    Evacuate AC system
    Connect the vacuum pump to the AC system service ports. Open the manifold gauge valves and start the vacuum pump. Evacuate the system to at least 29 inches of mercury (Hg) vacuum. Continue evacuation for a minimum of 45 minutes to remove all moisture and air. Close the manifold valves and turn off the pump. Monitor the vacuum gauge for 10 minutes - it should hold steady, indicating no leaks.
12. 12

    Recharge AC system
    Using the AC machine or manifold gauges, recharge the system with R-1234yf refrigerant to the specification listed on the vehicle's AC label (typically found on the front compartment). Charge through the low side port only with the engine off. Use the amount of refrigerant recovered earlier as a baseline, but follow the exact specification on the vehicle label. Do not overcharge the system.
13. 13

    Leak test system
    With the system charged, use a leak detector to check all connection points, especially at the new receiver/drier inlet and outlet connections and the pressure switch. Also check the condenser and evaporator line connections. If using UV dye, it may already be in the system or can be added during recharge. Run the AC system for 10 minutes and recheck for leaks.
14. 14

    Reinstall access panels
    Once leak testing is complete and all connections are verified, reinstall the front access panel. Secure all push clips and tighten mounting screws. Ensure no tools or parts are left in the compartment.
15. 15

    Reconnect battery and test system
    Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal. Enter the vehicle and start the climate control system. Set AC to maximum cooling and high fan speed. Monitor system performance for at least 15 minutes. Check that the compressor cycles properly, air temperature at the vents reaches appropriate cold levels (typically 40-50°F), and no unusual noises are present. Verify the pressure switch is functioning by monitoring system pressures with gauges if available.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all refrigerant line connections are fully seated and locked
2. Verify all access panels are reinstalled with all fasteners secured
3. Confirm electrical connector to pressure switch is fully engaged
4. Double-check that no tools or parts are left in the front compartment

Verification

• Start vehicle and run AC system on maximum cooling for 15 minutes
• Verify vent temperature reaches 40-50°F at the center dash vents
• Check that compressor cycles on and off normally without short cycling
• Listen for any unusual noises from the AC system
• Perform final leak check at all disturbed connections with leak detector
• Verify system pressures are within normal range: approximately 25-45 PSI low side and 200-300 PSI high side at ambient temperature
• Confirm no warning lights or AC system errors appear on the instrument cluster
• Test AC performance during a short test drive to ensure consistent cooling

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