This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the AC receiver/drier on a 2024 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, including refrigerant recovery, component replacement, and system recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC Receiver/Drier Assembly × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• AC Line O-Ring Kit × 1 — Use OEM specification for R-1234yf system
• PAG Oil for R-1234yf system × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specified PAG oil type

Fluids

• R-1234yf Refrigerant

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes
3. Verify high voltage system is de-energized (check instrument cluster)
4. Ensure work area has adequate ventilation for refrigerant handling
5. Verify AC recovery machine is certified for R-1234yf and has adequate capacity
6. Have replacement receiver/drier and O-rings ready but keep sealed until installation
7. Document pre-service refrigerant charge amount using refrigerant identifier
8. Photograph AC line routing and component orientation for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover AC Refrigerant
   Connect R-1234yf recovery machine to service ports on the AC system. Follow machine manufacturer instructions to fully recover all refrigerant from the system. Record the amount of refrigerant recovered. Allow system to stabilize and verify pressure reads 0 psig on both high and low side gauges. This process typically takes 15-30 minutes depending on system charge level.
2. 2

   Access Receiver/Drier Location
   The receiver/drier on the Rivian EDV 500 is located in the front right engine compartment area near the condenser. Remove the front access panel by removing the push clips and fasteners. On EDV models, you may need to remove the plastic cover over the HVAC components for better access. Set aside all fasteners in an organized manner.
3. 3

   Disconnect Electrical Connector
   Locate the pressure switch connector on top of the receiver/drier assembly. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the electrical connector. Move the wiring harness aside to prevent damage during removal. Inspect connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
4. 4

   Disconnect AC Lines from Receiver/Drier
   Using appropriate AC line disconnect tools, disconnect the inlet line from the condenser and the outlet line to the evaporator from the receiver/drier. These are quick-disconnect fittings on Rivian applications. Immediately cap all open line ends with plastic caps to prevent moisture intrusion and contamination. Be prepared for residual refrigerant oil to drain from connections.
5. 5

   Remove Mounting Hardware
   Remove the mounting bracket bolts securing the receiver/drier to the chassis or condenser mounting location. The receiver/drier is typically held by 2-3 bolts or a mounting clamp. Support the receiver/drier while removing the final fastener. Carefully remove the receiver/drier assembly from the vehicle.
6. 6

   Drain and Measure Oil
   Hold the old receiver/drier over a clean container with the outlet port facing down. Allow all oil to drain completely (this may take several minutes). Measure the amount of oil drained using a graduated measuring container. Record this measurement. You will need to replace this amount plus any specified by the new receiver/drier instructions.
7. 7

   Prepare New Receiver/Drier
   Remove the new receiver/drier from its sealed packaging immediately before installation. Remove shipping caps from both ports. Drain the pre-installed oil from the new receiver/drier and measure it. Add the correct amount of new PAG oil to match what was drained from the old unit, following Rivian specifications. Install new O-rings on both inlet and outlet ports, lubricating them lightly with refrigerant oil.
8. 8

   Install New Receiver/Drier
   Position the new receiver/drier in the mounting location, ensuring proper orientation (inlet from condenser, outlet to evaporator). Install mounting bracket bolts and tighten securely. Verify the assembly is stable and properly positioned before connecting lines. Ensure no wiring or hoses are pinched by the mounting bracket.
9. 9

   Connect AC Lines
   Remove protective caps from the new receiver/drier ports and AC lines. Inspect all O-rings for proper seating. Connect the inlet line from the condenser and outlet line to the evaporator to the receiver/drier. Push each quick-connect fitting firmly until you hear/feel a positive click. Verify connections are secure by attempting to pull lines apart (they should not separate).
10. 10

    Reconnect Electrical Connector
    Reconnect the pressure switch electrical connector to the top of the receiver/drier. Ensure the connector locks securely with an audible click. Verify the wiring harness is properly routed and secured with any original clips or ties.
11. 11

    Evacuate AC System
    Connect vacuum pump to AC service ports. Evacuate the system to a deep vacuum (minimum 29 inches Hg or 500 microns). Maintain vacuum for at least 30-45 minutes to remove all moisture and air from the system. Close service valves and monitor vacuum for 10 minutes to check for leaks (vacuum should not drop more than 1 inch Hg).
12. 12

    Recharge AC System
    Using the R-1234yf recovery/recharge machine, recharge the system with the amount of refrigerant recorded during recovery (or Rivian specified charge amount if significantly different). Follow proper charging procedures for R-1234yf. Monitor pressures during charging to ensure proper system function. The typical charge amount for Rivian EDV 500 is specified on the underhood label.
13. 13

    Reinstall Access Panels
    Reinstall all access panels, covers, and trim pieces removed during the procedure. Ensure all push clips and fasteners are properly seated. Verify nothing is left loose in the engine compartment and all tools are removed.
14. 14

    Reconnect Battery and Initialize System
    Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal. Turn the vehicle to ON mode (do not drive yet). Allow the vehicle systems to initialize. Check for any HVAC-related warning messages on the instrument cluster. Clear any stored diagnostic codes related to AC system pressure if appropriate.

Reassembly

1. Verify all AC line connections are secure and properly seated
2. Ensure all access panels and covers are reinstalled with all fasteners
3. Confirm no tools or parts are left in the engine compartment
4. Verify proper refrigerant charge and system oil level have been achieved

Verification

• Start vehicle and turn AC system to maximum cooling with fan on high
• Allow system to run for at least 10 minutes to reach steady-state operation
• Monitor high and low side pressures using manifold gauges - should be within Rivian specifications for ambient temperature
• Check center vent temperature with digital thermometer - should produce air at least 40°F colder than ambient within 5 minutes
• Inspect all connections for signs of refrigerant oil leakage or frost formation
• Use electronic leak detector or UV light (if UV dye was added) to verify no refrigerant leaks at receiver/drier connections
• Verify AC compressor cycles on and off normally and pressure switch operates correctly
• Test AC system operation in various modes (MAX AC, normal AC, defrost) to ensure proper function
• Check that no warning lights or messages appear on instrument cluster related to HVAC system
• Perform final visual inspection of all work performed and verify proper component installation

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