This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the negative battery cable on the 2024 Rivian EDV 500, including proper high-voltage system shutdown and isolation procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Negative battery cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cable terminal protector boots × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Terminal fasteners × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Ensure vehicle is in Park and powered off completely
3. Connect Rivian diagnostic scan tool and record all stored fault codes
4. Remove key fob from vehicle interior and place at least 15 feet away
5. Allow vehicle to sit powered off for at least 5 minutes before proceeding
6. Put on high-voltage safety gloves and ensure all insulated tools are available
7. Open hood and identify high-voltage service disconnect location under front trunk area
8. Verify fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires is nearby

Procedure

1. 1

   Disable high-voltage system
   Locate the high-voltage service disconnect under the frunk floor panel. Remove access cover by releasing clips. Pull the orange service disconnect handle firmly upward until it locks in the open position. Verify the disconnect indicator shows red, indicating system is isolated.
2. 2

   Wait for capacitor discharge
   Wait a minimum of 10 minutes after pulling service disconnect to allow high-voltage capacitors throughout the system to fully discharge. Do not skip this waiting period under any circumstances.
3. 3

   Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery
   Locate the 12V auxiliary battery in the front compartment. Using insulated tools, loosen and remove the negative terminal clamp from the 12V battery. Secure the cable away from the battery terminal to prevent accidental reconnection.
4. 4

   Verify zero voltage
   Using a high-voltage capable digital multimeter, verify zero voltage between high-voltage positive and negative bus bars. Also verify zero voltage between each bus bar and vehicle chassis ground. Record readings for documentation.
5. 5

   Remove underbody panels
   Remove the underbody access panels below the high-voltage battery pack to access the negative battery cable routing. Remove fasteners and carefully lower panels, noting their orientation for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Locate negative cable connections
   Identify the negative battery cable routing from the battery pack to the vehicle chassis ground point and to the motor inverter assemblies. The cable will have multiple connection points along its path.
7. 7

   Document cable routing
   Take photographs of the existing cable routing, including all mounting clips, tie-down points, and proximity to other components. This documentation is critical for proper reinstallation.
8. 8

   Disconnect battery pack negative terminal
   At the battery pack, remove the fasteners securing the negative cable terminal to the battery negative bus bar. Carefully lift the terminal away from the bus bar. Inspect the terminal and bus bar for corrosion or damage.
9. 9

   Disconnect chassis ground connection
   Locate the main chassis ground point where the negative cable connects to the vehicle body. Remove the fasteners securing the cable terminal to the ground stud. Remove terminal and inspect ground surface for corrosion.
10. 10

    Disconnect motor inverter ground
    Remove the negative cable connection at the motor inverter assembly. This connection provides ground reference for the motor control systems. Remove fasteners and carefully separate the terminal.
11. 11

    Release cable from mounting points
    Working along the cable path, release all cable mounting clips, cable ties, and routing guides. Support the cable as you release each mounting point to prevent it from falling or damaging other components.
12. 12

    Remove negative cable assembly
    Carefully remove the complete negative cable assembly from the vehicle. Inspect the entire cable length for signs of chafing, heat damage, or insulation breakdown. Compare the old cable to the new cable to verify correct replacement part.
13. 13

    Clean all connection surfaces
    Using a wire brush, clean all connection surfaces including the battery negative bus bar, chassis ground stud, and motor inverter ground connection. Remove any corrosion, oxidation, or debris. Surfaces must be bright metal for proper electrical contact.
14. 14

    Install new negative cable assembly
    Route the new negative cable assembly following the documented path from removal. Ensure the cable follows the original routing exactly, maintaining proper clearance from heat sources, moving parts, and sharp edges. Secure cable at all original mounting points with new clips or ties.
15. 15

    Connect motor inverter ground
    Install the negative cable terminal to the motor inverter ground connection. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the terminal surfaces before connection. Install and tighten fasteners evenly. Verify terminal is fully seated and secure.
16. 16

    Connect chassis ground
    Install the negative cable terminal to the chassis ground stud. Ensure the mating surface is clean and the terminal sits flat against the ground point. Install fasteners and tighten securely. Apply dielectric grease to exposed terminal surfaces.
17. 17

    Connect battery pack negative terminal
    Install the negative cable terminal to the battery pack negative bus bar. Ensure proper alignment and full contact with the bus bar surface. Install fasteners and tighten evenly in a cross pattern. Install terminal protector boot.
18. 18

    Verify all connections
    Visually inspect all three negative cable connections to verify they are tight, properly seated, and fully installed. Check that all mounting points are secured and the cable routing matches the documented original path.
19. 19

    Reinstall underbody panels
    Reinstall all underbody access panels in reverse order of removal. Ensure all fasteners are properly installed and panels are seated correctly. Verify no tools or parts are left in the underbody area.
20. 20

    Reconnect 12V auxiliary battery
    Reconnect the negative terminal to the 12V auxiliary battery. Tighten the terminal clamp securely. Verify the connection is clean and tight.
21. 21

    Restore high-voltage system
    Push the orange high-voltage service disconnect handle down until it locks in the closed position. Verify the disconnect indicator no longer shows red. Reinstall the service disconnect access cover.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all high-voltage connections are torqued to specification when specifications become available
2. Verify all cable routing matches original configuration with proper clearances
3. Confirm all underbody panels and access covers are properly installed
4. Apply terminal protector boots to all exposed high-voltage connections

Verification

• Connect Rivian diagnostic scan tool and power on the vehicle
• Check for any high-voltage isolation faults or ground circuit faults
• Verify the vehicle completes its normal startup sequence without error messages
• Check that both drive motors show ready status in the diagnostic tool
• Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area to verify normal operation
• Monitor for any warning lights or unusual behavior related to the electrical system
• Use multimeter to verify proper continuity between battery negative and chassis ground (should read near 0 ohms)
• Verify all previously stored fault codes have been cleared or re-check for new codes

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