ev-charging
Charging Cable - Level 2
for 2023 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
2.0 h
Tools
7
Steps
13
This procedure covers the replacement of the Level 2 charging cable assembly on the 2023 Rivian EDV 500, including removal of interior trim panels and electrical connections.
Warnings
⚠️High voltage system present. Ensure vehicle is powered off and high voltage safety procedures are followed before beginning work.
⚠️Never disconnect charging cable connectors while vehicle is charging or powered on. Risk of electric shock.
⚠Route replacement cable exactly as original to prevent pinching or chafing against body panels or moving components.
ℹ️Have the Rivian service mode access available in case charging system errors need to be cleared after installation.
Tools required
Plastic trim removal toolsEssential
Torx bit set (T20, T25, T30)Essential
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Electrical connector removal tool
Digital multimeter
Work light
Cable routing tool or fish tape
Parts
- Level 2 charging cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Cable retaining clips × 4 — Use OEM specification
- Charge port trim panel clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Power off vehicle completely using main power button
- Wait 5 minutes for high voltage system to de-energize
- Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait additional 2 minutes
- Open charge port door and verify no charging cable is connected
- Take photos of existing cable routing before removal for reference during installation
Procedure
- 1Remove charge port trim panelUsing plastic trim tools, carefully pry the charge port trim panel from the exterior body panel. Start at the bottom edge and work around the perimeter. Release the retaining clips and disconnect any ambient lighting connectors if equipped. Set panel aside in safe location to prevent scratching.
- 2Access charging cable mounting pointRemove the T25 Torx screws securing the charge port mounting bracket to the body structure. There are typically 4 screws around the perimeter. Carefully pull the charge port assembly forward approximately 3-4 inches to access the cable connections behind.
- 3Disconnect charge port electrical connectorsLocate the main charging cable connector at the rear of the charge port assembly. Press the locking tab and carefully pull the connector straight back to disconnect. Note the orientation and any locking mechanisms. Disconnect the secondary ground wire connection using a 10mm socket.
- 4Remove cargo area trim panelsFrom inside the cargo area, remove the driver side rear trim panel using plastic trim tools. Release all retaining clips working from top to bottom. This provides access to the cable routing path from charge port to onboard charger location.
- 5Release cable retaining clipsLocate and release all cable retaining clips along the routing path. These clips secure the charging cable to the body structure. Typically 4-6 clips are present along the route. Press the release tabs and slide the cable out of each clip. Document clip locations for reassembly.
- 6Access onboard charger connectionsLocate the onboard charger module in the rear cargo area (typically driver side). Remove the T30 Torx screws securing the charger cover. There are usually 6 screws around the perimeter. Carefully remove the cover to expose the charging cable connections.
- 7Disconnect charging cable from onboard chargerIdentify the Level 2 charging cable connections to the onboard charger. Press the connector locking tabs and pull straight out to disconnect both AC line connections. Note the color coding and orientation of connectors (typically labeled L1 and L2). Remove the ground connection using a 10mm socket.
- 8Remove old charging cableCarefully pull the charging cable from the charge port end while feeding it through all body cavities and grommets. Work slowly to avoid damaging other wiring harnesses or components. Remove any remaining cable ties or clips securing the cable to adjacent harnesses.
- 9Route new charging cableStarting from the onboard charger end, route the new Level 2 charging cable through the same path as the original. Use cable routing tools or fish tape if necessary to guide cable through tight spaces and body cavities. Ensure cable passes through all original grommets and routing holes to maintain water and dust sealing.
- 10Connect cable to onboard chargerConnect the new charging cable to the onboard charger, matching the L1 and L2 designations. Push connectors firmly until locking tabs engage with an audible click. Reconnect ground wire and tighten 10mm bolt securely. Verify all connections are fully seated and locked.
- 11Secure cable routingInstall new or reuse existing cable retaining clips at all documented locations along the cable path. Ensure cable has appropriate slack and is not stretched tight or routed near any sharp edges. Cable should follow natural contours and not contact any moving components or high-heat areas.
- 12Connect cable to charge portFeed the charge port end of the cable through the body opening. Connect the main connector to the charge port assembly, ensuring proper alignment and locking tab engagement. Reconnect ground wire using 10mm socket. Verify connection is secure and properly oriented.
- 13Reinstall charge port assemblyPush the charge port assembly back into its original position in the body panel opening. Align all mounting holes and install T25 Torx screws around the perimeter. Ensure charge port sits flush with body panel and operates smoothly when opening and closing.
Reassembly
- Reinstall onboard charger cover with all T30 Torx screws
- Reinstall cargo area trim panel, ensuring all retaining clips are fully engaged
- Reconnect any ambient lighting connectors to charge port trim panel
- Reinstall charge port exterior trim panel, pressing firmly to engage all clips
- Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
- Verify charge port door operates correctly and closes flush
Verification
- Power on the vehicle and check for any charging system error messages on the instrument cluster
- Access vehicle settings and verify Level 2 charging functionality is recognized
- Connect a Level 2 charging cable to the charge port and verify vehicle begins charging cycle
- Monitor charging for at least 5 minutes to ensure stable connection and no errors
- Check that charging rate displays correctly on instrument cluster
- Verify no unusual sounds or heat at charge port or cable connections
- Inspect all reinstalled trim panels for proper fit and secure attachment
- Test charge port door operation multiple times to ensure smooth function