hvac
Climate Control Module
for 2024 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
4.0 h
Tools
10
Steps
14
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the climate control module in a 2024 Rivian EDV 500, including electrical disconnection, dashboard access, and system recalibration.
Warnings
⚠️This vehicle contains high-voltage electrical systems exceeding 400V. Always disconnect the 12V battery and wait at least 10 minutes before beginning work to allow capacitors to discharge.
⚠️Never disconnect high-voltage orange cables. This procedure involves low-voltage systems only. If orange cables are exposed, stop work immediately and consult Rivian service documentation.
⚠The climate control module contains sensitive electronics. Use proper ESD precautions and avoid touching connector pins directly.
ℹ️Document all connector positions and wire routing with photos before disassembly to aid reassembly.
Tools required
Trim panel removal tool setEssential
T20 Torx driverEssential
T25 Torx driverEssential
T30 Torx driverEssential
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Magnetic parts tray
Panel clip assortment (replacement clips)
Flashlight or work lightEssential
Rivian service software or compatible OBD-II scan toolEssential
Anti-static wrist strap
Parts
- Climate control module × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
- Dashboard trim clips (assorted) × 1 — Rivian trim clip kit
- Electrical contact cleaner × 1 — Non-residue electronic cleaner
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Ensure vehicle is powered off completely (not in sleep mode)
- Open front hood and disconnect 12V battery negative terminal using 10mm socket
- Wait minimum 10 minutes for all vehicle systems to fully power down and capacitors to discharge
- Take photos of dashboard trim and center console area for reference during reassembly
- Set interior temperature to moderate setting (if accessible) before disconnecting power
Procedure
- 1Remove lower dashboard trim panelUsing trim panel removal tools, carefully pry the lower dashboard trim panel starting from the bottom corners. Work around the perimeter to release all clips. There are typically 8-10 clips securing this panel. Pull gently downward once all clips are released and set panel aside.
- 2Remove center console trim bezelStarting at the bottom of the center console touchscreen bezel, use trim tools to release the clips securing the decorative trim. Work upward along both sides. The bezel wraps around the climate control interface area. There are approximately 12 clips total. Disconnect any ambient lighting connectors on the backside if equipped.
- 3Remove climate control interface panelLocate and remove four T20 Torx screws securing the climate control interface panel (two at top, two at bottom edges). Gently pull the panel forward approximately 2 inches. Disconnect the ribbon cable connector for the capacitive touch interface by lifting the locking tab and sliding the cable out.
- 4Access climate control module mounting areaBehind the interface panel, locate the climate control module housing. Remove the aluminum support bracket secured by two T25 Torx screws on the left side and two on the right side. The module is positioned behind the HVAC vent ducting. Carefully move any vent ducting aside to access module mounting bolts.
- 5Disconnect climate control module electrical connectorsLocate the three main electrical connectors on the climate control module: main power/data connector (gray, 24-pin), HVAC blower control connector (black, 12-pin), and temperature sensor input connector (white, 6-pin). Depress the locking tabs on each connector and pull straight back to disconnect. Label each connector position if not already marked.
- 6Disconnect CAN bus communication harnessLocate the yellow CAN bus connector on the right side of the climate control module. This is a sealed connector with a secondary locking mechanism. Slide the red secondary lock away from the connector body, then depress the primary lock tab and disconnect. Handle this connector with care as it carries critical vehicle network communication.
- 7Remove climate control module mounting fastenersRemove the four T30 Torx bolts securing the climate control module to the dashboard support structure. These are located at each corner of the module mounting bracket. Support the module with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
- 8Extract climate control moduleCarefully slide the climate control module forward and down to clear the HVAC ducting and mounting brackets. Angle the module slightly to navigate through the opening. The module dimensions are approximately 8 inches wide by 6 inches tall. Inspect all connectors on the removed module for damage or corrosion.
- 9Prepare new climate control moduleRemove the new climate control module from anti-static packaging. Verify part number matches original unit. If module has protective caps on connectors, remove them. Inspect all connector pins for damage. Apply a small amount of electrical contact cleaner to connector contacts if any corrosion was observed on old module connectors.
- 10Install new climate control modulePosition the new climate control module into the dashboard opening, angling as needed to clear HVAC ducting. Align module with mounting bracket holes. Install the four T30 Torx mounting bolts and tighten in a cross pattern to ensure even seating. Verify module is firmly seated against mounting surface.
- 11Reconnect all electrical connectorsReconnect electrical connectors in reverse order of removal: CAN bus connector first (yellow, ensure secondary lock engages), then main power/data (gray 24-pin), HVAC blower control (black 12-pin), and temperature sensor input (white 6-pin). Each connector should audibly click when properly seated. Tug gently on each to verify secure connection.
- 12Reinstall support brackets and ductingReposition HVAC vent ducting to original location. Install the aluminum support bracket and secure with four T25 Torx screws. Ensure no wiring is pinched between bracket and module housing. Verify all harnesses are routed as documented in preparation photos.
- 13Reconnect 12V battery and initialize systemReconnect the 12V battery negative terminal at the front trunk. Power on the vehicle to accessory mode. Climate control module should initialize and display should illuminate. Allow 2-3 minutes for module to complete self-diagnostics and establish CAN bus communication with vehicle network.
- 14Perform module programming and calibrationUsing Rivian service software or compatible scan tool, access the climate control module configuration menu. Perform module initialization procedure which includes: confirming VIN programming, executing HVAC actuator calibration cycle, and clearing any installation-related diagnostic codes. Follow all on-screen prompts. This process typically takes 5-10 minutes.
Reassembly
- Reinstall climate control interface panel with ribbon cable connector fully seated and secured with four T20 Torx screws
- Reconnect any ambient lighting connectors if present
- Reinstall center console trim bezel ensuring all clips engage properly along entire perimeter
- Reinstall lower dashboard trim panel, pressing firmly at each clip location until audible click is heard
- Verify all trim panels are flush and gaps are even
- Test all HVAC functions including temperature control, fan speed, mode selection, and defrost before returning vehicle to service
Verification
- Power vehicle to ON position and verify climate control display illuminates with no error messages
- Test all climate control functions: temperature adjustment (both driver and passenger zones if dual-zone), fan speed through all settings, mode selection (vent, floor, defrost, mixed), and recirculation
- Verify automatic climate control responds appropriately to temperature setpoint changes
- Use scan tool to verify no diagnostic trouble codes are present in climate control module
- Confirm HVAC blower operates smoothly at all speed settings without unusual noise
- Test heated seats and heated steering wheel functions to verify proper communication between modules
- Verify touchscreen climate controls respond correctly to inputs
- Road test vehicle and confirm climate system maintains desired temperature and no warning lights appear on instrument cluster