Blower Motor Resistor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the HVAC blower motor resistor on a 2024 Rivian EDV 500, which controls blower motor speed.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• HVAC blower motor resistor module × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Plastic trim panel clips (if damaged) × 1 — Rivian trim clip assortment

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off all HVAC controls and power down the vehicle completely
3. Disconnect the negative terminal of the 12V battery located in the front trunk (frunk) compartment
4. Wait at least 5 minutes for electrical systems to discharge
5. Gather all tools and replacement parts
6. Document any fault codes present in the HVAC system using the vehicle diagnostics if available

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower passenger side dashboard trim panel
   From the passenger front seat area, locate the lower dash trim panel below the glove box. Use trim removal tools to carefully pry out the panel starting from the bottom edge. Release the 6-8 retaining clips around the perimeter. Disconnect any electrical connectors for lighting or sensors attached to the panel. Set the panel aside in a safe location.
2. 2

   Remove glove box assembly
   Open the glove box fully. Locate the damper arm on the right side and squeeze it to release from the glove box. Remove the three Torx screws (T25) securing the glove box hinge pins on each side. Carefully pull the glove box assembly forward and out of the dashboard. This provides access to the HVAC plenum area.
3. 3

   Locate the blower motor resistor module
   Using an inspection light, look upward and to the left within the HVAC plenum chamber behind where the glove box was mounted. The blower motor resistor module is a rectangular electronic module mounted to the blower motor housing with a multi-pin electrical connector. It is typically mounted on the side of the blower motor assembly with 2-3 mounting screws or clips.
4. 4

   Disconnect resistor electrical connector
   Locate the multi-pin electrical connector attached to the blower motor resistor. Press the locking tab on the connector and carefully pull it straight away from the resistor module. You may need to use needle nose pliers to access the tab in the confined space. Ensure the connector is fully released before proceeding.
5. 5

   Remove resistor mounting fasteners
   Remove the two or three Torx screws (typically T20) securing the resistor module to the blower motor housing. These screws may be difficult to access and require a short Torx driver or bit with extension. Support the resistor module while removing the final screw to prevent it from falling into the HVAC plenum.
6. 6

   Extract the old resistor module
   Carefully pull the resistor module away from the blower motor housing. Note the orientation and position of any sealing gasket or foam that may be present. The resistor thermal interface must seat properly against the blower motor housing for heat dissipation. Inspect the mounting area for any debris, corrosion, or damage.
7. 7

   Inspect and clean mounting surface
   Examine the blower motor housing where the resistor was mounted. Clean any dirt, debris, or old thermal compound from the mounting surface using a clean cloth. Check the electrical connector pins for corrosion, damage, or debris. Inspect the blower motor housing for cracks or damage around the mounting points.
8. 8

   Install new resistor module
   Position the new blower motor resistor module ensuring any thermal interface pad or gasket is properly aligned with the mounting surface. The resistor must make full contact with the housing for proper heat dissipation. Align the mounting holes carefully before installing fasteners.
9. 9

   Secure resistor mounting fasteners
   Install the Torx mounting screws through the resistor module into the blower motor housing. Tighten screws in a cross pattern to ensure even seating of the module. Hand-tighten plus 1/4 turn - do not over-torque as this can crack the plastic housing or resistor module.
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector firmly onto the new resistor module until you hear or feel a distinct click indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked. Verify no pins are bent or misaligned.
11. 11

    Reinstall glove box assembly
    Position the glove box assembly back into the dashboard opening. Align the hinge pins with their mounting points and install the three Torx screws (T25) on each side. Reconnect the damper arm to the glove box. Test glove box operation to ensure smooth opening and closing.
12. 12

    Reinstall lower dashboard trim panel
    Reconnect any electrical connectors to the lower trim panel. Align the trim panel with the dashboard and press firmly around all clip locations until each clip is fully seated. Verify the panel is flush and secure around all edges with no gaps.
13. 13

    Reconnect 12V battery
    Return to the frunk and reconnect the negative terminal of the 12V battery. Tighten the terminal connection securely. The vehicle will need a few moments to reinitialize systems after battery reconnection.

Reassembly

1. All trim panels should be firmly seated with no gaps or rattles
2. Glove box should open and close smoothly with damper functioning properly
3. All electrical connections must be fully locked and secured
4. No tools or parts should be left in the dashboard cavity

Verification

• Power on the vehicle and access the climate control system
• Test all blower motor speed settings from lowest to highest to verify smooth operation without unusual noises
• Verify air flow increases progressively through all fan speed settings
• Check for any new warning lights or HVAC system fault codes in the vehicle display
• Listen for any rattles or loose components from the dashboard area
• If available, use Rivian service mode to verify blower motor control parameters are within normal range
• Allow the blower to run for 5-10 minutes and verify the resistor is not overheating or producing burning odors

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