This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the subwoofer in a 2023 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Subwoofer assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trim panel clips (assorted) × 1 — Replacement clips as needed

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
3. Open rear cargo doors to access cargo area
4. Remove any cargo or floor mats from the rear cargo area
5. Photograph trim panel locations and connector orientations for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear cargo trim panel
   Locate the rear cargo trim panel on the driver side rear wall where the subwoofer is mounted. Use panel removal tool to carefully pry out trim clips starting from the bottom edge. Work your way around the perimeter, releasing all clips. Gently pull the panel away from the body to expose the subwoofer mounting area.
2. 2

   Disconnect subwoofer electrical connector
   Locate the main electrical connector attached to the back of the subwoofer assembly. Press the locking tab on the connector and carefully pull to separate. If connector is difficult to access, note the routing for reassembly and gently pull the harness forward to create slack.
3. 3

   Remove subwoofer mounting fasteners
   Using the appropriate Torx driver (typically T25), remove the four mounting bolts securing the subwoofer to the mounting bracket. Support the subwoofer with one hand while removing the final fasteners to prevent it from falling.
4. 4

   Extract subwoofer assembly
   Carefully pull the subwoofer assembly straight out from the mounting location. Note the orientation of any mounting brackets or isolators attached to the subwoofer. If the unit is sealed in an enclosure, verify that all fasteners have been removed before attempting to extract.
5. 5

   Transfer mounting hardware to new subwoofer
   If replacing the subwoofer, remove any mounting brackets, rubber isolators, or spacers from the old unit and install them on the replacement subwoofer in the same orientation. Verify that the new subwoofer has the correct connector type and mounting pattern.
6. 6

   Install new subwoofer assembly
   Position the new subwoofer into the mounting location, aligning the mounting holes with the bracket. Ensure the electrical connector is accessible and not pinched. Hand-thread all four mounting bolts before fully tightening to ensure proper alignment.
7. 7

   Tighten subwoofer mounting bolts
   Tighten the four mounting bolts in a diagonal pattern to ensure even clamping force. Since no specific torque values are provided, tighten firmly but do not overtighten as you may crack the subwoofer housing. Verify the subwoofer is secure and does not move when pushed.
8. 8

   Connect subwoofer electrical connector
   Align the electrical connector and push firmly until you hear or feel the locking tab click into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked. Route the wiring harness to avoid any pinch points or interference with trim panels.
9. 9

   Reinstall rear cargo trim panel
   Position the trim panel over the mounting area, aligning all clip locations. Starting from one corner, press firmly to engage each clip. Work your way around the entire perimeter, ensuring all clips are fully seated and the panel sits flush against the body.
10. 10

    Reconnect battery and initialize audio system
    Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal. Enter the vehicle and turn on the ignition without starting the drive system. Navigate to the audio system settings on the center display and verify the subwoofer is recognized. You may need to perform an audio system reset or calibration through the vehicle settings menu.

Reassembly

1. Verify all trim panels are securely fastened and aligned properly
2. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the cargo area
3. Check that all electrical connections are secure and harnesses are properly routed
4. Replace any damaged trim clips with new ones to ensure proper panel retention

Verification

• Turn on the audio system and play music with bass content to verify subwoofer operation
• Test the subwoofer at various volume levels to ensure no rattles or vibrations from loose mounting
• Verify the audio balance and fade controls function properly with the subwoofer
• Check that no warning lights or audio system error messages appear on the instrument cluster
• Inspect all trim panels for proper fitment and secure attachment

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