AC Expansion Valve (TXV)

Replace the AC expansion valve (TXV) on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500, requiring refrigerant recovery, valve replacement, and system recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC expansion valve (TXV) × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• AC line O-rings (assorted kit) × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• R-1234yf refrigerant × 1 — As required per system capacity
• PAG oil (electric compressor compatible) × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• AC system cap covers × 1 — As needed

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Verify 12V battery is fully charged (critical for HV isolation verification)
3. Access HV disconnect through service panel and follow Rivian HV de-energization procedure
4. Verify HV system is de-energized using appropriate HV test equipment per Rivian service manual
5. Allow vehicle to sit for minimum 15 minutes after HV disconnect
6. Identify refrigerant type using refrigerant identifier to confirm R-1234yf
7. Connect AC recovery machine and verify machine is certified for R-1234yf
8. Note system refrigerant quantity during recovery for proper recharge amount
9. Remove front underbody panels to access AC system components if required

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover AC refrigerant
   Connect R-1234yf recovery machine to low and high side service ports. Start recovery process and allow machine to run until system pressure reaches 0 psi or vacuum. Record amount of refrigerant recovered for recharge reference. Wait 5 minutes after recovery completes to verify system does not build pressure, indicating complete recovery.
2. 2

   Access expansion valve location
   Remove driver side front wheel well liner fasteners and pull liner back for access. The expansion valve on the EDV 500 is located near the evaporator inlet on the HVAC module behind the driver side dash area. Remove lower dash trim panels using trim removal tools. Disconnect electrical connectors from HVAC module by depressing locking tabs.
3. 3

   Disconnect expansion valve temperature sensor
   Locate the expansion valve temperature sensor connector on the TXV body. Press the connector release tab and carefully disconnect the sensor harness. Note routing of harness for reinstallation. Use multimeter to verify no voltage present at connector terminals before proceeding.
4. 4

   Remove inlet AC line from expansion valve
   Using appropriate line wrench, carefully loosen the inlet AC line fitting at the expansion valve. Support the valve body with another wrench to prevent twisting. Remove fitting completely and immediately cap the line to prevent moisture ingress. Inspect O-ring for damage and discard.
5. 5

   Remove outlet AC line from expansion valve
   Using line wrench, loosen the outlet AC line fitting at the expansion valve outlet. Support valve body to prevent stress on evaporator connections. Remove fitting and cap line opening immediately. Inspect fitting threads for damage or cross-threading.
6. 6

   Remove expansion valve mounting
   Remove mounting bolts or clips securing expansion valve to evaporator or HVAC housing using appropriate Torx or socket. On EDV 500, valve typically has two mounting points. Carefully extract valve from mounting location, noting orientation and positioning for new valve installation.
7. 7

   Inspect and clean mating surfaces
   Inspect evaporator inlet and outlet ports for debris, corrosion, or damage. Clean mating surfaces with lint-free cloth. Check for any signs of refrigerant oil leakage that may indicate other system issues. Inspect HVAC housing for cracks or damage around mounting points.
8. 8

   Install new expansion valve
   Remove new expansion valve from packaging and verify correct part number for EDV 500 application. Install new O-rings on valve ports, lubricating with appropriate PAG oil compatible with electric compressor. Position new valve in mounting location, ensuring proper orientation with sensing bulb positioned correctly on evaporator outlet line. Install mounting fasteners finger-tight, then torque to specification per service manual (torque specs not provided in database - refer to Rivian service information).
9. 9

   Connect AC lines to new expansion valve
   Install new lubricated O-rings on AC line fittings. Thread inlet line onto expansion valve inlet by hand until finger-tight to ensure proper thread engagement. Using line wrench and backup wrench, tighten inlet fitting to specification. Repeat process for outlet line. Do not over-tighten as this can damage O-rings or fittings.
10. 10

    Reconnect expansion valve temperature sensor
    Route temperature sensor harness to match original configuration. Connect sensor connector to expansion valve ensuring positive locking engagement with audible click. Verify connector is fully seated and locking tab is engaged.
11. 11

    Evacuate AC system
    Connect vacuum pump to AC system service ports. Start vacuum pump and evacuate system to minimum 500 microns. Monitor vacuum level using manifold gauge set. Maintain vacuum for minimum 30 minutes. Isolate vacuum pump and observe vacuum gauge for 10 minutes - vacuum level should remain stable indicating no leaks.
12. 12

    Charge AC system with refrigerant
    With system still under vacuum, connect R-1234yf charging equipment to service ports. Charge system with amount of refrigerant recovered (plus any system specification adjustment per Rivian service data). EDV 500 typically uses approximately 1.8-2.2 lbs of R-1234yf - verify exact specification in service manual. Add appropriate amount of PAG oil if significant oil was lost during recovery. Monitor charging process and system pressures.
13. 13

    Perform leak test
    With system charged, use electronic leak detector or UV dye inspection to check all connection points including expansion valve inlet/outlet fittings and sensor connection. Check for any signs of refrigerant leakage. If leaks detected, recover refrigerant and repair before proceeding.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all dash trim panels and secure all fasteners
2. Reinstall front wheel well liner and secure all clips and fasteners
3. Reinstall any underbody panels removed during access
4. Reconnect HV system following Rivian reconnection procedure
5. Verify all electrical connectors are properly seated and locked
6. Clear any HVAC or climate control system fault codes using diagnostic tool

Verification

• Start vehicle and allow HVAC system to initialize
• Set climate control to maximum cooling and highest fan speed
• Verify cold air is produced from all vents within 2-3 minutes
• Monitor AC pressures using manifold gauges - should show normal operating pressures (typically 25-45 psi low side, 200-300 psi high side at 75°F ambient)
• Check for proper expansion valve operation by feeling temperature difference between inlet (warm) and outlet (cold) lines at valve
• Verify no abnormal noises from HVAC system operation
• Check vent temperature with thermometer - should produce air temperature 35-45°F below ambient
• Perform final leak check around all connection points while system is operating
• Road test vehicle and verify AC system maintains cooling performance under load
• Verify no HVAC or climate control warning messages on instrument cluster

More procedures for this vehicle