electrical

Battery

for 2023 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD

Difficulty

Easy

Time

2.0 h

Tools

Steps

🤖AI-generated, not yet human-verified. This walkthrough was produced by AI and may contain errors. Treat it as a guide, cross-check every step and torque value against the manufacturer's service manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe.

This procedure covers the replacement of the 12V auxiliary battery on the 2023 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

⚠️The 12V auxiliary battery powers critical safety systems. Never disconnect the high-voltage system battery without first ensuring the 12V system is properly shut down through the vehicle interface.

⚠️Do not allow tools to contact both battery terminals simultaneously - severe arcing and burns can occur.

⚠The 12V battery powers the high-voltage contactors. Improper disconnection sequence may leave high-voltage system energized.

⚠Battery terminal bolts are easily damaged. Do not exceed specified torque values as this can crack the terminals.

ℹ️This procedure addresses the 12V auxiliary battery only, not the main high-voltage traction battery pack.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

13mm socket and ratchetEssential

Torque wrench (5-15 Nm range)Essential

Battery terminal puller

Battery terminal cleaning brush

Nitrile glovesEssential

Safety glassesEssential

Multimeter

Parts

12V Auxiliary Battery × 1 — Use OEM specification - AGM type required
Battery terminal anti-corrosion spray × 1 — Dielectric grease or terminal protectant

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Power down vehicle completely using the main power button and wait 2 minutes for all systems to enter sleep mode
Verify vehicle dash display is completely off
Open the front hood and secure with hood prop
Locate the 12V auxiliary battery in the front compartment on driver side
Take photos of battery orientation and cable routing for reference during installation

Procedure

1
Disconnect negative battery terminal
Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative (-) battery terminal bolt. Remove the negative cable from the battery post and secure it away from the battery terminal to prevent accidental contact. Wrap the cable end with a shop towel if needed.
2
Disconnect positive battery terminal
Using a 10mm socket, loosen the positive (+) battery terminal bolt. Remove the positive cable from the battery post and secure it away from the battery. Ensure the positive cable does not contact any metal surfaces.
3
Remove battery hold-down
Locate the battery hold-down bracket across the top of the battery. Using a 13mm socket, remove the battery hold-down bolt(s). Lift the hold-down bracket clear of the battery and set aside.
4
Remove battery tray mounting bolts
Locate the battery tray mounting bolts underneath the battery tray. Using a 10mm or 13mm socket as appropriate, remove all battery tray bolts securing the tray to the vehicle frame.
5
Remove old battery
Carefully lift the battery straight up and out of the battery tray. AGM batteries are heavy (40-50 lbs) - use proper lifting technique. Inspect the battery tray for corrosion or debris and clean if necessary.
6
Inspect and clean battery terminals
Inspect battery cable terminals for corrosion, damage, or fraying. Use a battery terminal cleaning brush to clean the inside of both cable terminals. Clean the battery tray mounting surface.
7
Install new battery
Place the new 12V auxiliary battery into the battery tray, ensuring correct orientation with positive terminal matching the positive cable location. Battery should sit flush in the tray.
8
Reinstall battery tray bolts
Install the battery tray mounting bolts through the tray and into the frame. Torque battery tray bolts to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even seating.
Torque spec
Battery Tray Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
9
Install battery hold-down
Position the hold-down bracket over the battery. Install and torque the battery hold-down bolt to specification. Ensure the hold-down firmly secures the battery without over-compressing the case.
Torque spec
Battery Hold-Down Bolt8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10
Connect positive battery terminal
Place the positive cable terminal onto the positive battery post. Ensure the terminal is fully seated on the post. Install the terminal bolt and torque to specification. Do not exceed torque specification as terminal can crack.
Torque spec
Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
11
Connect negative battery terminal
Place the negative cable terminal onto the negative battery post. Ensure the terminal is fully seated on the post. Install the terminal bolt and torque to specification. Expect a small spark when making final connection - this is normal.
Torque spec
Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
12
Apply terminal protectant
Apply battery terminal anti-corrosion spray or dielectric grease to both terminals and cable connections to prevent future corrosion.

Reassembly

Verify all tools and materials are removed from the engine compartment
Close and secure the front hood
All fasteners have been torqued to specification in the procedure steps above

Verification

Press the vehicle power button - dash display should illuminate normally
Check for any warning lights or error messages on the instrument cluster
Verify all electrical accessories function normally (lights, wipers, climate control)
Use a multimeter to verify battery voltage is between 12.6-13.2V with vehicle off
With vehicle powered on, verify charging system shows approximately 13.8-14.4V
Test high-voltage system activation if qualified - vehicle should enter READY mode normally
Perform a short test drive to verify all systems function properly