AC Compressor Oil Add

This procedure covers adding compressor oil to the AC system of a 2024 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, requiring system evacuation, oil injection, and recharging.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC compressor oil (PAG oil compatible with R-1234yf) × 1 — Use OEM specification - POE or PAG oil as specified by Rivian
• R-1234yf refrigerant × 1 — Quantity as needed to refill system
• AC service port caps × 2 — Use OEM specification
• O-rings for service port (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Power down the vehicle completely using the infotainment system shutdown procedure
3. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
4. Verify AC compressor is cool to the touch before beginning work
5. Confirm correct refrigerant oil type and quantity with Rivian service information (typically 4-6 oz for oil addition)
6. Ensure AC recovery machine is certified for R-1234yf and has fresh filter/separator cartridges installed
7. Verify ambient temperature is above 60°F for accurate refrigerant charging
8. Have Rivian service manual available for system refrigerant capacity specifications

Procedure

1. 1

   Connect AC recovery equipment
   Remove caps from low-side and high-side service ports located on AC lines near the compressor. Inspect port valves and o-rings for damage or contamination. Connect manifold gauges or recovery machine hoses to both service ports, ensuring proper connection with R-1234yf fittings. Verify all hose connections are secure before proceeding.
2. 2

   Record baseline system information
   Before recovering refrigerant, record current static pressure readings from both service ports. Note any unusual readings or signs of system contamination. Check service information for expected pressure values. Photograph compressor and service port area for reference during reassembly.
3. 3

   Recover existing refrigerant
   Start AC recovery machine following manufacturer instructions. Allow machine to completely recover all refrigerant from the system. Monitor recovery process and record total amount of refrigerant recovered. Recovery is complete when system pressure reads at or near 0 psig and recovery machine indicates completion (typically 5-10 minutes). This step is required to safely add oil to the system.
4. 4

   Perform initial system evacuation
   Connect vacuum pump to manifold gauge set. Open both high and low side valves. Start vacuum pump and evacuate system to at least 29.5 inHg vacuum. Continue evacuation for minimum 30 minutes to remove air and moisture. Monitor vacuum gauge for steady reading indicating no large leaks are present.
5. 5

   Perform vacuum hold test
   After initial evacuation, close manifold valves and shut off vacuum pump. Monitor vacuum gauge for 10 minutes. Vacuum reading should not drop more than 1 inHg, indicating system integrity. If vacuum drops significantly, investigate for leaks before proceeding. If test passes, proceed to oil addition.
6. 6

   Prepare compressor oil injector
   Using a digital scale, measure the exact amount of AC compressor oil specified in service information (typically 4-6 oz for an oil addition service). Pour measured oil into refrigerant oil injector tool reservoir. Verify oil is the correct type for electric compressor use (typically POE or PAG oil compatible with R-1234yf and electric motors). Attach injector to low-side service port.
7. 7

   Inject compressor oil into system
   With system under vacuum and oil injector connected to low-side port, slowly open injector valve. Vacuum in the system will draw oil into the AC system. Inject oil slowly over 2-3 minutes to prevent oil slugging. Monitor injector to ensure all measured oil is drawn into system. Close injector valve and disconnect tool from service port when complete.
8. 8

   Perform final system evacuation
   Reconnect vacuum pump to manifold gauges. Open both manifold valves and evacuate system again for minimum 45 minutes to ensure all air and moisture are removed. This extended evacuation is critical after introducing oil. System should reach and maintain 29.5+ inHg vacuum. Perform another 10-minute vacuum hold test to confirm system integrity.
9. 9

   Recharge AC system with refrigerant
   With system under vacuum, connect R-1234yf refrigerant source to charging equipment. Close high-side valve and use low-side port for charging. Refer to underhood label or service information for exact refrigerant capacity (typically 40-55 oz for Rivian EDV). Charge system to manufacturer specification using recovery machine charging function or by weight using digital scale. Monitor charging process and do not overcharge system.
10. 10

    Verify system pressures
    With system fully charged, allow pressures to stabilize for 5 minutes. Record static pressures on both high and low sides. At 70°F ambient, expect approximately 85-95 psig static pressure for R-1234yf. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal. Power up vehicle and prepare for operational testing.
11. 11

    Perform operational system test
    Start vehicle and activate climate control system to maximum cooling with high blower speed. Allow system to run for 5 minutes. Monitor high-side and low-side pressures during operation. Low-side should read 25-45 psig and high-side should read 150-250 psig depending on ambient temperature. Verify compressor is cycling properly and no unusual noises are present. Check for cold air output from vents (typically 40-50°F).
12. 12

    Perform leak detection
    Using electronic leak detector or UV light (if UV dye was added), inspect all AC system connections, service ports, compressor seals, and line connections for refrigerant leaks. Pay particular attention to service port areas that were disturbed during this procedure. Address any leaks found before completing job.
13. 13

    Finalize and document service
    Disconnect all AC service equipment from vehicle. Install new service port caps on both high and low side ports, ensuring caps are snug but not overtightened. Verify compressor area is clean and all tools are removed. Document total refrigerant recovered, amount of oil added, final refrigerant charge amount, and final system pressures in service records. Apply AC service label under hood indicating date and refrigerant amount.

Reassembly

1. Ensure service port caps are installed with proper sealing to prevent refrigerant loss and contamination
2. Verify all AC line connections remain secure and undisturbed
3. Confirm 12V battery negative terminal is reconnected and secure
4. Clean any refrigerant oil residue from compressor area and service ports

Verification

• Verify climate control produces cold air at maximum cooling setting (40-50°F at vent)
• Confirm AC compressor operates smoothly without unusual noise or vibration
• Check system pressures match expected values for ambient temperature
• Verify no refrigerant leaks detected at service ports or connections
• Confirm proper compressor cycling behavior with climate control operation
• Test system at various temperature settings to ensure proper modulation
• Verify no warning lights or diagnostic codes related to AC system are present

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