This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the airbag control module (ACM) in a 2023 Rivian EDV 500, including proper high-voltage system deactivation and airbag system safety protocols.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Airbag control module × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Module mounting hardware (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Place high-voltage warning sign or safety cone near vehicle to prevent others from energizing systems during service
3. Ensure all occupants have exited the vehicle and remove key fob to at least 15 feet away from vehicle
4. Document any existing airbag system fault codes using diagnostic scan tool before beginning work
5. Photograph module location and connector orientations before disassembly
6. Ensure replacement module part number matches original exactly and is suitable for the vehicle VIN

Procedure

1. 1

   Disable vehicle power systems
   Access the Rivian touchscreen and navigate to Service Mode. Select 'High Voltage Disconnect' and confirm. If touchscreen is unavailable, proceed to manually disconnect the 12V battery negative terminal. Wait for all interior lights and displays to fully power down (approximately 2 minutes).
2. 2

   Disconnect 12V battery
   Open the front hood and locate the 12V auxiliary battery. Using appropriate socket, disconnect the negative (-) terminal first, then the positive (+) terminal. Secure terminals away from battery posts using zip ties or tape to prevent accidental reconnection.
   ⚠Do not allow battery terminals to contact each other or any metal surfaces.
3. 3

   Access high-voltage service disconnect
   Locate the high-voltage service disconnect panel under the vehicle center console or in the rear cargo area (consult service manual for exact location on EDV 500). Don insulated high-voltage gloves rated for minimum 1000V. Remove service disconnect cover by releasing clips or removing fasteners with T25 Torx driver.
   ⚠️Always wear proper high-voltage insulated gloves when working near high-voltage components, even when disconnected.
4. 4

   Remove high-voltage service disconnect
   Grasp the high-voltage service disconnect handle and pull firmly to remove. The disconnect should have a physical locking mechanism or indicator showing it is in the 'OFF' position. Store the disconnect in a secure location away from the vehicle where it cannot be accidentally reinstalled. Lock out/tag out if working in a shop environment.
   ⚠️Once disconnect is removed, wait a MINIMUM of 10 minutes before proceeding to allow all high-voltage capacitors to discharge.
5. 5

   Verify high-voltage system is de-energized
   After waiting the full 10 minutes, use a multimeter to verify zero voltage across high-voltage bus bars or connectors near the service disconnect location. Voltage should read 0V DC. If any voltage is present, wait an additional 10 minutes and retest. Do not proceed until voltage is confirmed at 0V.
   ⚠️Never proceed with work if voltage is still present. Consult professional service if voltage does not discharge after 20 minutes total wait time.
6. 6

   Access airbag control module location
   The airbag control module is typically located under the center console or beneath the driver/passenger seat area. Remove center console trim panels by carefully prying with trim removal tools. Remove any carpeting or insulation covering the module mounting location. The module will be a metal box approximately 4x6 inches with multiple wire harness connectors.
   ⚠Handle all electrical connectors carefully to avoid damaging pins or locking mechanisms.
7. 7

   Disconnect airbag module connectors
   Locate all wire harness connectors attached to the airbag control module (typically 2-4 connectors). Each connector will have a locking tab or sliding lock. Carefully release the lock mechanism by pressing or sliding as appropriate, then pull connector straight back from module. Do not pull on wires. Mark or photograph each connector position to ensure correct reassembly.
   ⚠Airbag connectors contain shorting bars that activate when disconnected. Do not attempt to probe or test connector pins while disconnected.
8. 8

   Remove airbag control module mounting hardware
   Using T30 Torx driver or appropriate socket, remove the mounting bolts securing the airbag control module to the vehicle structure. Typically 2-4 bolts. Note the location of any ground straps or wire routing brackets attached with these bolts. Carefully lift module free from mounting location, ensuring no wire harnesses are snagged or stressed.
   ℹ️Keep track of all mounting hardware including washers and ground straps for proper reinstallation.
9. 9

   Inspect mounting location and connectors
   Examine the module mounting area for any corrosion, water intrusion, or damaged wiring. Clean mounting surfaces with wire brush if corrosion is present. Inspect all connector pins on vehicle harness side for bent pins, corrosion, or damage. Use electrical contact cleaner on connector pins if necessary. Verify ground connection point is clean and free of corrosion.
   ⚠If significant water damage or corroded wiring is found, additional harness repair may be required before installing new module.
10. 10

    Install new airbag control module
    Remove new module from packaging carefully. Verify part number matches original and is correct for vehicle VIN. Position new module in mounting location, ensuring proper orientation (connectors facing correct direction). Install mounting bolts and any ground straps, tightening in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating. Hand-tighten bolts firmly but do not over-torque.
    ⚠Never install a used, salvaged, or incorrect part number airbag control module. Only use new OEM components.
11. 11

    Reconnect airbag module connectors
    Carefully align each wire harness connector with corresponding port on new module. Push connector straight in until it fully seats with an audible click. Verify locking tab or slide lock engages properly on each connector. Gently pull on each connector to confirm it is securely locked. Reference photographs taken during disassembly to ensure correct connector placement.
    ⚠Improperly seated connectors will cause system faults and may prevent airbag deployment in a crash.
12. 12

    Reinstall interior trim and components
    Replace any insulation, carpeting, or trim panels removed during access. Ensure no wires are pinched or damaged by trim pieces. Verify all trim clips and fasteners are properly secured. Check that no tools or parts have been left in the work area.
    ℹ️Verify all interior components are properly secured before proceeding with electrical system reconnection.
13. 13

    Reinstall high-voltage service disconnect
    Return to high-voltage service disconnect location. Don insulated gloves. Carefully insert service disconnect plug into receptacle, ensuring proper alignment. Push firmly until disconnect is fully seated and locking mechanism engages. Verify disconnect indicator shows 'ON' or 'CONNECTED' position. Reinstall service disconnect cover and secure all fasteners.
    ⚠️Ensure high-voltage disconnect is fully seated and locked before reconnecting 12V battery.
14. 14

    Reconnect 12V battery
    Return to 12V battery location. Connect positive (+) terminal first, tightening securely. Then connect negative (-) terminal and tighten securely. Ensure terminals are clean and connections are tight. Vehicle systems will begin to initialize when battery is reconnected.
    ⚠Do not start vehicle or attempt to drive until airbag system has been fully programmed and verified.
15. 15

    Program and configure airbag control module
    Connect Rivian diagnostic scan tool or equivalent OBD-II scanner with SRS programming capability. Follow manufacturer procedures to program new airbag control module with vehicle VIN and configuration data. This process typically includes: module identification, VIN programming, system configuration, and calibration. Process may take 15-30 minutes. Do not interrupt programming process once started.
    ⚠️Improperly programmed airbag modules will not function correctly and may fail to deploy in a crash. If you do not have access to proper programming equipment, stop and seek professional service.

Reassembly

1. Verify all interior trim panels are properly secured and no components are loose or rattling
2. Ensure high-voltage service disconnect cover is properly installed with all fasteners secured
3. Remove high-voltage warning signs or safety cones from around vehicle
4. Return key fob to normal operating distance from vehicle

Verification

• With diagnostic scan tool connected, clear any stored airbag system fault codes
• Perform airbag system self-test using diagnostic scan tool and verify all components pass
• Start vehicle and verify airbag warning light on instrument cluster performs normal self-test (illuminates briefly at startup, then extinguishes)
• If airbag warning light remains illuminated or flashes, retrieve fault codes and diagnose before operating vehicle
• Verify no other warning lights are illuminated related to high-voltage system
• Test vehicle systems including power steering, braking, and acceleration to ensure normal operation
• Perform a final scan for any remaining fault codes in all vehicle systems
• Document completion of work including new module part number, programming date, and verification results
• DO NOT operate vehicle on public roads if airbag warning light remains illuminated or any airbag system faults are present

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