This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the climate control module in a 2023 Rivian EDV 500, which controls HVAC system operation and cabin temperature management.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Climate control module × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Dashboard trim panel clips (assorted) × 5 — Keep spares on hand
• Electrical connector seals × 2 — If damaged during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Access the center display and navigate to Service Mode, then select 'Power Down High Voltage System' and wait for confirmation
3. Disconnect the 12V battery negative terminal located in the front trunk (frunk) area
4. Wait minimum 10 minutes for capacitor discharge and airbag system deactivation
5. Ensure cabin temperature is comfortable as HVAC will be non-functional during repair
6. Document all electrical connector orientations with photos for reference during reassembly
7. Prepare a clean workspace for removed components to prevent contamination

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower dashboard access panel
   Using trim panel removal tools, carefully release the lower dashboard access panel below the steering column. Start at the bottom edge and work upward. Remove six T20 Torx screws securing the panel. Disconnect the OBD-II port connector if equipped. Set panel aside in a clean area.
2. 2

   Remove center console lower trim
   Release the center console lower trim panel by inserting a trim tool at the rear corners and working forward. Remove four T25 Torx screws from the lower console area. Carefully pull the trim panel away from the console, being mindful of any wire harness clips attached to the back side.
3. 3

   Access instrument panel center stack
   Remove the center stack trim bezel surrounding the main touchscreen display. Begin at the bottom edge and use plastic pry tools to release the retaining clips. Work carefully around the display perimeter. Remove eight T25 Torx screws securing the center stack assembly. The climate control module is located behind and below the center display assembly.
4. 4

   Disconnect center display assembly
   Support the center display assembly with one hand. Locate and disconnect the main display harness connector by pressing the locking tab and pulling straight back. Disconnect the secondary communication harness connector. Carefully slide the display assembly forward approximately 2 inches to access the area behind it.
5. 5

   Locate climate control module
   The climate control module is mounted on a bracket behind the center stack, typically on the driver side. It is a rectangular module approximately 6 inches by 4 inches with multiple electrical connectors. Identify all connecting harnesses and take reference photos showing connector positions and routing.
6. 6

   Disconnect climate control module harnesses
   Disconnect the primary climate control harness by pressing the red locking tab and pulling the connector straight out. Disconnect the secondary sensor input harness (gray connector) and the HVAC actuator control harness (black connector). Use electrical connector release tools if connectors are tight. Verify all harnesses are fully disconnected.
7. 7

   Remove climate control module mounting
   Remove three T30 Torx screws securing the climate control module to its mounting bracket. Note that one screw is accessed from the side and may require a short driver or extension. Support the module as you remove the final screw to prevent it from falling.
8. 8

   Remove climate control module
   Carefully slide the climate control module out of its mounting position, guiding it around any surrounding brackets or wire harness routing clips. Inspect the mounting bracket and surrounding area for any debris or damage. Clean the mounting surface if necessary.
9. 9

   Inspect and prepare new module
   Inspect electrical connectors on the new climate control module for any shipping damage or contamination. Verify the part number matches the original module. If the module requires pre-coding or VIN programming, ensure this has been completed by the parts supplier before installation.
10. 10

    Install new climate control module
    Position the new climate control module into the mounting bracket, ensuring proper alignment with all mounting holes. Guide the module carefully to avoid pinching any wire harnesses. Install three T30 Torx mounting screws and tighten evenly in a cross pattern to ensure proper seating.
11. 11

    Reconnect climate control harnesses
    Reconnect all electrical harnesses to the new climate control module in reverse order of removal. Start with the HVAC actuator control harness, then sensor input harness, then primary control harness. Ensure each connector clicks fully into place and locking tabs are properly engaged. Verify no harnesses are pinched or under tension.
12. 12

    Reinstall center display assembly
    Reconnect the center display harnesses, ensuring proper seating of both connectors. Carefully guide the display assembly back into position, aligning mounting points. Install eight T25 Torx screws to secure the center stack assembly. Reinstall the center stack trim bezel, pressing firmly around all edges to engage retaining clips.
13. 13

    Reinstall lower trim panels
    Reinstall the center console lower trim panel, securing with four T25 Torx screws and ensuring all clips are properly engaged. Reinstall the lower dashboard access panel, reconnecting the OBD-II port connector if equipped, and securing with six T20 Torx screws.
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and initialize system
    Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal in the frunk. Power on the vehicle to accessory mode. The climate control system should initialize automatically. Monitor the center display for any fault messages related to the climate control system.

Reassembly

1. Verify all trim panels are properly secured with no gaps or misalignment
2. Ensure all Torx screws are tightened but not over-torqued to prevent stripping plastic bosses
3. Confirm all electrical connectors have properly engaged locking tabs
4. Check that no tools or fasteners were left in the dashboard cavity

Verification

• Power the vehicle to ON mode and verify climate control module powers up on the center display
• Test all HVAC functions including temperature adjustment, fan speed control, and mode selection (defrost, floor, vent)
• Verify cabin temperature sensor is reading correctly and matches ambient temperature
• Test both driver and passenger zone controls if equipped with dual-zone climate
• Check for proper airflow from all vents and verify blend door actuator operation by switching between hot and cold settings
• Connect Rivian diagnostic tool and verify no climate control system fault codes are present
• Perform climate control module calibration procedure using Rivian service software if required
• Test system operation for 10-15 minutes to ensure proper functionality under various settings
• Verify automatic climate control maintains set temperature accurately

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