This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the heated seat module in a 2023 Rivian EDV 500, including seat removal, connector access, and system verification.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Heated seat module × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Seat harness connector seals (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and ensure gear selector is in Park
2. Disable vehicle power mode completely through center display
3. Open hood and disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal
4. Wait minimum 5 minutes for capacitor discharge
5. Move seat to full rearward and highest position for access
6. Document or photograph existing wiring routing and connector positions

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove seat lower trim covers
   Use trim panel tools to carefully pry off the lower seat trim covers on both sides of the seat base. These covers conceal the seat mounting bolts. Start at the rear edge and work forward, releasing the retention clips without breaking them.
2. 2

   Disconnect seat electrical connectors
   Locate the main seat harness connector under the seat near the center of the seat rail. Press the release tab and disconnect the main connector. Disconnect the heated seat module connector, which is typically a smaller 6-pin connector adjacent to the main harness. Note connector orientation and routing.
3. 3

   Remove seat mounting bolts
   Using the T40 Torx driver, remove the four seat mounting bolts (two front, two rear) that secure the seat assembly to the floor rails. Each bolt secures the seat track to the vehicle floor. Support the seat while removing the final bolts.
4. 4

   Remove seat assembly from vehicle
   With assistance or proper lifting technique, carefully lift the entire seat assembly straight up and out of the vehicle. Ensure all electrical connectors are free and not snagged. Place seat on a clean, protected work surface with the base facing up.
5. 5

   Remove seat cushion cover access panel
   Turn seat upside down to access the underside. Locate the access panel or mesh cover on the bottom of the seat cushion. Remove fasteners using T30 Torx driver (typically 4-6 fasteners). This exposes the heated seat module mounted to the seat cushion frame.
6. 6

   Disconnect heated seat element connectors
   Locate the heated element connectors that plug into the heated seat module. These are typically two separate connectors for seat bottom and seat back heating elements. Press release tabs and carefully disconnect both connectors from the module. Check connectors for corrosion or damage.
7. 7

   Remove heated seat module mounting
   The module is typically secured with 2-3 T30 Torx screws or 10mm bolts to a bracket on the seat frame. Remove these fasteners and any retention clips holding the module in place. Note the orientation and position of the module for correct reinstallation.
8. 8

   Remove defective heated seat module
   Carefully remove the heated seat module from its mounting location. Inspect the mounting area for any signs of heat damage, melted plastic, or damaged wiring that could indicate why the module failed. Clean mounting surface if necessary.
9. 9

   Install new heated seat module
   Position the new heated seat module in the exact orientation and location as the original. Ensure all mounting tabs align properly with the seat frame bracket. Secure with the mounting fasteners, tightening evenly but not over-torquing plastic-mounted hardware.
10. 10

    Reconnect heated element connectors
    Reconnect both heated element connectors (seat bottom and seat back) to the new module. Ensure each connector clicks securely into place and the retention tabs engage fully. Verify correct connector pairing by checking wire colors against module labels.
11. 11

    Reinstall seat cushion access panel
    Replace the bottom access panel or mesh cover and secure with all T30 Torx fasteners. Ensure the panel sits flush and all fasteners are properly engaged. Verify no wires are pinched between panel and seat frame.
12. 12

    Reinstall seat assembly to vehicle
    With assistance, carefully lower the seat assembly back into the vehicle, aligning the seat track mounting points with the floor bolt holes. Ensure the seat harness routing matches the original path documented earlier and no wires are pinched or stretched.
13. 13

    Secure seat mounting bolts
    Install all four T40 Torx seat mounting bolts through the seat tracks into the floor. Tighten bolts in a cross pattern to ensure even seating. While no torque spec is provided in the database, ensure bolts are fully seated and secure without stripping threads.
14. 14

    Reconnect seat electrical connectors
    Reconnect the heated seat module connector first, ensuring it clicks into place. Then reconnect the main seat harness connector, verifying the retention tab fully engages. Gently tug each connector to confirm secure connection.
15. 15

    Reinstall seat trim covers and reconnect battery
    Snap the lower seat trim covers back into place on both sides, ensuring all retention clips engage. Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal. Close hood and prepare for system verification.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all seat trim panels are fully secured with no loose clips
2. Verify seat moves freely on rails without interference from wiring
3. Confirm no tools or parts were left under or around the seat
4. Check that seat mounting bolts are properly torqued and seat does not rock or shift

Verification

• Power on the vehicle and check for any seat-related fault codes using diagnostic scanner
• Navigate to climate controls and activate heated seat function for the repaired seat
• Allow heated seat to run for 3-5 minutes and verify even heating across seat bottom and seat back
• Check that seat position controls, memory functions, and all other seat features operate normally
• Verify heated seat indicator light illuminates on center display when function is activated
• Confirm no burning smell, excessive heat, or warning messages appear during operation
• Test both low and high heat settings if equipped with multi-level heating

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