This procedure involves draining and refilling the EV transmission fluid in both front and rear drive units of the Rivian EDV 500, ensuring proper lubrication and cooling of the electric motors and gearboxes.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front drive unit drain plug seal/washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front drive unit fill plug seal/washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear drive unit drain plug seal/washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear drive unit fill plug seal/washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Skid plate fasteners (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• EV Transmission Fluid — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Ensure vehicle has been off for at least 30 minutes to allow drive units to cool
3. Verify 12V battery is fully charged before beginning service
4. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
5. Lift vehicle using approved lift points and secure on jack stands rated for EV weight (minimum 8,000 lbs capacity)
6. Remove front and rear skid plates if equipped to access drive units
7. Clean area around drain and fill plugs on both drive units to prevent contamination
8. Position drain pan under front drive unit

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate front drive unit service points
   Identify the front drive unit mounted between the front wheels. Locate the drain plug on the bottom of the unit and the fill plug on the side. Clean both plugs thoroughly with a wire brush or shop towels to remove road debris.
2. 2

   Drain front drive unit
   Position drain pan directly under the front drive unit drain plug. Using appropriate socket, slowly loosen the drain plug. Once loosened, carefully remove by hand and allow fluid to drain completely. This may take 5-10 minutes. Inspect drained fluid for metal particles or unusual discoloration indicating potential drive unit issues.
3. 3

   Remove front drive unit fill plug
   While front unit is draining, remove the fill plug located on the side of the drive unit housing. This allows air to enter and ensures complete drainage. Inspect the fill plug seal/washer for damage and replace if worn or compressed.
4. 4

   Install front drive unit drain plug
   Once fluid has completely drained, clean the drain plug and sealing surface on the drive unit housing. Install new drain plug seal/washer onto drain plug. Thread drain plug in by hand to prevent cross-threading, then tighten according to manufacturer specifications. Note: No torque specification available in database - follow Rivian service manual torque values.
5. 5

   Fill front drive unit
   Using a fluid transfer pump, insert fill hose into the fill plug opening. Slowly pump EV transmission fluid into the front drive unit. The unit requires approximately 5 quarts but fill until fluid begins to seep from the fill hole, indicating proper level. Allow fluid to stabilize for 1-2 minutes and top off if necessary.
6. 6

   Install front drive unit fill plug
   Clean the fill plug and install new fill plug seal/washer. Thread fill plug in by hand, then tighten according to manufacturer specifications. Wipe away any spilled fluid from the drive unit housing.
7. 7

   Locate rear drive unit service points
   Reposition drain pan under the rear drive unit located between the rear wheels. Identify the drain plug on the bottom of the unit and the fill plug on the side. Clean both plugs thoroughly with a wire brush or shop towels.
8. 8

   Drain rear drive unit
   Using appropriate socket, slowly loosen the rear drive unit drain plug. Once loosened, carefully remove by hand and allow fluid to drain completely. The rear unit may take slightly longer to drain than the front. Inspect drained fluid for contamination or abnormal appearance.
9. 9

   Remove rear drive unit fill plug
   Remove the fill plug from the side of the rear drive unit housing to allow complete drainage and air circulation. Inspect the fill plug seal/washer and prepare to replace with new component.
10. 10

    Install rear drive unit drain plug
    After complete drainage, clean the drain plug and sealing surface. Install new drain plug seal/washer onto drain plug. Thread drain plug in by hand to ensure proper alignment, then tighten according to manufacturer specifications.
11. 11

    Fill rear drive unit
    Using the fluid transfer pump, insert fill hose into the rear drive unit fill plug opening. Slowly pump EV transmission fluid into the unit. The rear unit requires approximately 5 quarts but fill until fluid begins to overflow from the fill hole. Allow fluid to stabilize and verify proper level.
12. 12

    Install rear drive unit fill plug
    Clean the rear fill plug and install new fill plug seal/washer. Thread fill plug in by hand first, then tighten to manufacturer specifications. Clean any excess fluid from the drive unit exterior.
13. 13

    Reinstall underbody protection
    Reinstall front and rear skid plates if equipped. Ensure all fasteners are properly seated and tightened. Inspect for any tools or materials left in work area before lowering vehicle.

Reassembly

1. Verify all drain and fill plugs are properly tightened on both drive units
2. Confirm skid plates and underbody panels are securely reinstalled
3. Check work area under vehicle for tools or materials before lowering
4. Lower vehicle from lift or jack stands carefully
5. Properly dispose of used EV transmission fluid according to local environmental regulations

Verification

• Start vehicle and allow to idle for 2-3 minutes, monitoring for any unusual noises from drive units
• Perform a short test drive (1-2 miles) at various speeds, listening for abnormal sounds and verifying smooth operation
• After test drive, re-inspect both drive units for leaks around drain and fill plugs
• Check fluid levels if possible after test drive when units are at operating temperature (levels may differ slightly when warm)
• Reset service interval in vehicle information system if applicable
• Document service date, mileage, and fluid type used for maintenance records

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