12V Auxiliary Battery

This procedure guides you through the removal and replacement of the 12V auxiliary battery in a 2023 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• 12V AGM auxiliary battery × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Battery hold-down clamp (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Terminal anti-corrosion spray × 1 — Generic

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Ensure vehicle is powered off completely (not in sleep mode)
3. Wait at least 5 minutes after powering down to allow systems to enter safe state
4. Open rear cargo doors for access to battery compartment
5. If available, connect battery memory saver to 12V accessory port to maintain module programming
6. Document any active fault codes using diagnostic scanner before beginning work
7. Take photos of wiring routing and connection points for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Access driver-side rear cargo area
   Open the rear cargo doors. The 12V auxiliary battery is located behind the driver-side rear cargo panel in the EDV 500. Remove any cargo or storage items from the driver-side rear area to access the battery compartment panel.
2. 2

   Remove cargo panel trim
   Using trim panel removal tools, carefully pry out the cargo panel fasteners along the driver-side rear panel. Start at the bottom and work upward. There are typically 8-10 push-pin style fasteners. Remove the panel and set aside in a safe location to avoid damage.
3. 3

   Disconnect negative battery terminal
   Locate the 12V auxiliary battery behind the panel. Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative (-) terminal bolt first. Remove the cable from the terminal and secure it away from the battery post using a tie or tape to prevent accidental contact. Wait 2 minutes before proceeding.
   ⚠Always disconnect negative terminal first to prevent short circuits.
4. 4

   Disconnect positive battery terminal
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the positive (+) terminal bolt. Remove the cable from the terminal. Cover the positive terminal with a shop towel or insulating material to prevent accidental shorts during removal.
5. 5

   Disconnect battery management harness
   Locate the battery management system (BMS) connector on top of the battery. Press the release tab and carefully disconnect the wiring harness. This connector monitors battery state of charge and temperature for the vehicle control modules.
6. 6

   Remove battery vent tube
   Locate the battery vent tube connected to the side of the battery. Gently twist and pull to remove the vent tube from the battery. Note the routing for reinstallation.
7. 7

   Remove battery hold-down clamp
   Using a 13mm socket with extension, remove the bolt(s) securing the battery hold-down clamp. The clamp bracket may be located at the base of the battery. Remove the clamp and set aside. Inspect for damage or corrosion.
8. 8

   Remove auxiliary battery
   Carefully lift the 12V auxiliary battery straight up and out of the battery tray. The battery weighs approximately 40-50 lbs. Use proper lifting technique and get assistance if needed. Avoid tilting AGM batteries excessively during removal.
   ⚠Battery is heavy. Use proper lifting technique to avoid injury.
9. 9

   Inspect and clean battery tray
   Inspect the battery tray for corrosion, debris, or damage. Clean the tray with a wire brush and baking soda solution if corrosion is present. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly. Inspect all wiring harnesses for damage or corrosion.
10. 10

    Install new auxiliary battery
    Place the new 12V auxiliary battery into the battery tray, ensuring it is properly seated and oriented with positive terminal in the correct position matching cable routing. Verify the battery is level and secure in the tray.
11. 11

    Reinstall battery hold-down clamp
    Position the battery hold-down clamp over the battery and reinstall the mounting bolt(s) using a 13mm socket. Tighten securely to prevent battery movement but do not overtighten and crack the battery case.
12. 12

    Reconnect battery vent tube
    Reconnect the battery vent tube to the new battery, ensuring it is fully seated and routed properly away from any sharp edges or heat sources. The vent tube prevents gas buildup in the battery compartment.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery management harness
    Reconnect the battery management system (BMS) connector to the top of the new battery. Ensure the connector clicks securely into place. Verify the seal is properly seated to prevent moisture intrusion.
14. 14

    Reconnect positive battery terminal
    Clean the positive battery terminal with a battery terminal brush if needed. Connect the positive (+) cable to the positive terminal. Using a 10mm socket, tighten the terminal bolt securely. Apply anti-corrosion spray to the connection.
    ⚠Always reconnect positive terminal before negative to prevent short circuits.
15. 15

    Reconnect negative battery terminal
    Clean the negative battery terminal with a battery terminal brush if needed. Connect the negative (-) cable to the negative terminal. Using a 10mm socket, tighten the terminal bolt securely. Apply anti-corrosion spray to the connection. The vehicle systems will begin initializing.
16. 16

    Register new battery and verify operation
    Using Rivian diagnostic software or compatible OBDII scanner, perform battery registration procedure to inform the vehicle control modules of the new battery installation. This allows proper charging algorithms and battery monitoring. Clear any fault codes related to battery disconnection. Verify no new fault codes are present.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the driver-side rear cargo panel, ensuring all trim clips are properly seated
2. Press firmly along the panel edges to secure all fasteners
3. Verify all wiring harnesses are properly routed and not pinched by panels
4. Test cargo panel fitment and ensure no rattles or gaps are present

Verification

• Power on the vehicle and verify all dashboard indicators illuminate properly during self-check
• Verify no warning lights remain illuminated after system initialization (may take 1-2 minutes)
• Test all electrical systems including lights, HVAC, infotainment, and power windows
• Using diagnostic scanner, verify battery voltage is between 12.6-13.2V with vehicle off
• Start driving mode and verify charging system shows 13.8-14.4V
• Check for any newly stored fault codes related to battery or charging system
• Verify battery state of charge reads correctly in vehicle systems
• Test vehicle sleep and wake cycles to ensure proper 12V system function
• Confirm all modules are communicating properly with no communication faults

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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