Remove and replace the HVAC blower motor assembly on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Blower motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Blower motor resistor (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sound dampening foam seal × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal located in front cargo area
3. Wait minimum 2 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
4. Remove passenger floor mat and inspect for debris or moisture
5. Adjust passenger seat to full rearward position for access

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove passenger lower dash panel
   Locate and remove six T20 Torx screws securing the passenger lower dash trim panel. Gently pull the bottom edge of the panel away from the dash to release the upper retention clips. Disconnect the panel light connector if equipped and set panel aside.
2. 2

   Remove cabin air filter access door
   Open the cabin air filter access door located behind the glove box area. Remove two T20 Torx screws securing the access door and remove the door. Extract the cabin air filter and note airflow direction arrow for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Disconnect blower motor electrical connector
   Locate the blower motor connector on the passenger side of the HVAC housing. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight out from the motor. If equipped with a secondary ground wire, remove the 10mm ground bolt.
4. 4

   Remove blower motor resistor
   Locate the blower motor resistor module adjacent to the motor housing. Disconnect the resistor electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Remove the two screws securing the resistor module to the HVAC housing and carefully extract the resistor.
   Torque spec

   Blower Motor Resistor Screws2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect cooling duct
   Locate the blower motor cooling duct attached to the motor housing. Squeeze the retaining tabs on both sides and pull the duct away from the motor assembly. Inspect the duct for debris or obstructions.
6. 6

   Remove blower motor mounting screws
   Identify three screws securing the blower motor to the HVAC housing. These are located around the perimeter of the motor flange. Remove all three screws completely and retain them if reusing.
   Torque spec

   Blower Motor Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Extract blower motor assembly
   Carefully rotate the blower motor assembly counterclockwise approximately 30 degrees to disengage the alignment tabs. Pull the motor and fan wheel assembly straight out from the HVAC housing. Avoid contact between the fan wheel and housing to prevent damage.
8. 8

   Inspect HVAC housing and clean
   With motor removed, inspect the HVAC housing interior for debris, leaves, or moisture. Use a shop vacuum to remove any debris from the blower chamber and evaporator area. Check the foam seal on the motor mounting flange for damage or deterioration.
9. 9

   Prepare new blower motor
   Remove new blower motor from packaging and verify part number matches vehicle specification. Ensure the foam seal is properly positioned on the motor flange. Verify the fan wheel rotates freely without binding or noise.
10. 10

    Install new blower motor
    Align the new blower motor assembly with the HVAC housing opening, ensuring alignment tabs are positioned correctly. Insert the motor into the housing and rotate clockwise 30 degrees to engage the alignment tabs. Verify the motor flange seats flush against the housing.
11. 11

    Install blower motor mounting screws
    Install the three blower motor mounting screws and tighten in a star pattern to ensure even seating. Torque screws to specification using a calibrated torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Blower Motor Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall blower motor resistor
    Position the blower motor resistor module against the HVAC housing, aligning the mounting holes. Install the two resistor screws and torque to specification. Reconnect the resistor electrical connector until it clicks into place.
    Torque spec

    Blower Motor Resistor Screws2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect blower motor electrical connections
    Reconnect the blower motor electrical connector by pushing firmly until the locking tab engages. If equipped with a ground wire, install and tighten the 10mm ground bolt. Reconnect the cooling duct by pushing until the retaining tabs click.
14. 14

    Reinstall cabin air filter and access door
    Install a new or cleaned cabin air filter with the airflow direction arrow pointing toward the blower motor. Position the access door and install the two T20 Torx screws. Close the access door securely.
15. 15

    Reinstall passenger lower dash panel
    Reconnect the panel light connector if equipped. Align the upper clips with the dash receptacles and press firmly to engage. Install the six T20 Torx screws around the perimeter of the panel and verify secure attachment.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify no tools or parts remain in the HVAC housing before final panel installation
3. Check that all trim panels are properly aligned and secured with no gaps

Verification

• Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal
• Turn the ignition to ON position without starting (Ready mode)
• Set climate control to maximum fan speed and verify blower motor operates at all speed settings without abnormal noise or vibration
• Test airflow from all dashboard vents to confirm proper operation
• Verify climate control temperature adjustment functions correctly
• Check for air leaks around the blower motor installation area
• Clear any diagnostic trouble codes related to blower motor operation using service software

More procedures for this vehicle