Airbag - Side

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a side curtain airbag on the 2024 Rivian EDV 500, including safe disarming of the SRS system and proper reinstallation procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side curtain airbag assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification - specific to left or right side
• Airbag mounting clips/fasteners × 1 — Replace any damaged during removal
• Headliner trim clips × 1 — Replace any broken during removal

Preparation

1. Ensure vehicle is parked on level ground with parking brake engaged
2. Turn off all vehicle systems and remove key fob from vehicle interior (place at least 15 feet away)
3. Open driver's door and leave open throughout procedure to prevent accidental locking
4. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and secure cable away from terminal
5. Wait minimum 2 minutes for SRS backup capacitor to fully discharge
6. Document which side (left/right) requires service
7. Photograph airbag connector locations and routing before disassembly
8. Verify replacement airbag part number matches vehicle specification for correct side

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove A-pillar trim cover
   Using plastic pry tools, carefully release the A-pillar trim panel starting from the bottom. The panel is secured by multiple push-pin clips. Gently pull the panel away from the pillar, working from bottom to top. Disconnect any courtesy light or sensor connectors if present on this side. Set panel aside in safe location.
2. 2

   Remove B-pillar trim cover
   Release the B-pillar upper and lower trim panels. Start with the lower section by removing any visible Torx screws at the bottom. Use trim tools to release the clips, then lift upward and away. For the upper section, release clips and disconnect any seatbelt height adjuster connectors. Remove both sections completely.
3. 3

   Remove C-pillar or D-pillar trim (depending on vehicle configuration)
   For the rear pillar on the affected side, remove any cargo area trim pieces that overlap. Release the pillar trim clips using plastic pry tools, working carefully to avoid breaking clips. On the EDV 500, pay special attention to trim pieces that may extend into the cargo area. Disconnect any connectors and remove trim.
4. 4

   Partially lower headliner edge
   Carefully pull down the headliner edge along the affected side to expose the side curtain airbag mounting area. Use tape to temporarily hold the headliner in the lowered position. The curtain airbag is folded and mounted between the headliner and roof structure. Take care not to stress or tear the headliner material.
5. 5

   Locate and disconnect side airbag connectors
   Identify the side curtain airbag electrical connector(s) - typically located near the B-pillar or C-pillar area. The connector will have a yellow or orange safety locking tab. Slide the safety lock to the unlock position, then disconnect the connector by pressing the release tab and pulling straight apart. Verify no voltage present using multimeter if uncertain.
6. 6

   Remove airbag mounting fasteners
   Locate all mounting brackets securing the side curtain airbag to the roof structure. These are typically Torx-head bolts (T30) at multiple points along the roof rail. Remove all bolts while supporting the airbag module. On the EDV 500, there are typically 4-6 mounting points depending on wheelbase. Keep all hardware organized for reinstallation.
7. 7

   Remove old side curtain airbag
   Carefully extract the folded side curtain airbag module from between the headliner and roof structure. Work slowly to avoid snagging the airbag material on any sharp edges or brackets. Guide the electrical connector pigtail through any grommets or mounting holes. Once free, immediately place the old airbag face-up on a padded surface in a safe area away from the work zone.
8. 8

   Inspect mounting area
   Thoroughly inspect the roof rail mounting area for any damage, corrosion, or debris. Check all mounting bracket threads and ensure they are clean and undamaged. Verify that the headliner is not torn or damaged. If any mounting points are damaged, they must be repaired before proceeding. Clean the mounting surface with a lint-free cloth.
9. 9

   Install new side curtain airbag
   Remove the new airbag from its protective packaging only when ready to install. Verify the part number matches the required specification. Route the electrical connector first, threading it through any grommets or mounting holes. Carefully position the folded airbag module along the roof rail between the headliner and roof structure, ensuring it sits in the correct orientation with deployment side facing inward toward cabin.
10. 10

    Install airbag mounting fasteners
    Align all mounting brackets with their corresponding mounting points on the roof structure. Install all Torx mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Once all bolts are started, tighten them in sequence from front to rear to the manufacturer's specified torque. Since no torque specification is available in the database, follow the exact torque value printed on the airbag module label or Rivian service manual (typically 7-10 Nm for airbag mounting bolts).
    ⚠Do not over-tighten airbag mounting bolts as this can damage the mounting brackets or prevent proper deployment. Use a calibrated torque wrench.
11. 11

    Connect airbag electrical connector
    Verify the connector terminals are clean and undamaged on both the airbag side and vehicle harness side. Align the connector and push together until you hear and feel a positive click. Slide the yellow or orange safety lock to the locked position. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully locked. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
12. 12

    Reinstall headliner and pillar trim
    Remove any tape holding the headliner down and carefully press the headliner edge back into position along the roof rail. Ensure the headliner sits properly without wrinkles or gaps. Reinstall the C/D-pillar trim, B-pillar trim, and A-pillar trim in reverse order of removal. Ensure all clips are fully seated and any electrical connections for lights or sensors are reconnected. Install any Torx screws that were removed.
13. 13

    Reconnect 12V battery
    Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and tighten securely. The vehicle systems will begin initialization. Do not start vehicle yet.
14. 14

    Clear fault codes and initialize SRS system
    Connect the OBD-II scan tool with Rivian capability to the vehicle diagnostic port. Power on the vehicle to accessory mode (do not start). Use the scan tool to access the SRS control module. Clear any stored fault codes related to the airbag replacement. Follow the scan tool prompts to perform the SRS system initialization procedure, which will verify all airbag circuits and set the system to active status. Verify the airbag warning light on the instrument cluster illuminates briefly during startup then extinguishes, indicating normal system operation.

Reassembly

1. Verify all trim panels are securely clipped in place with no gaps or rattles
2. Confirm all electrical connectors for lights, sensors, and seatbelt adjusters are reconnected
3. Check that headliner is properly seated along entire roofline
4. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the vehicle interior or pillar cavities

Verification

• Confirm airbag warning light on instrument cluster illuminates for approximately 6 seconds during vehicle startup, then extinguishes (indicating system passed self-test)
• Use scan tool to verify no active or pending SRS fault codes are present
• Verify scan tool shows the replaced side curtain airbag circuit as connected and operational
• Physically inspect all reinstalled trim panels for proper fit and finish
• Test all functions that were disturbed during repair (courtesy lights, seatbelt height adjuster if applicable)
• Document the repair with date, mileage, and airbag part number in vehicle service records
• If airbag warning light remains illuminated or fault codes cannot be cleared, do not operate vehicle - professional diagnostic service is required

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