ev-cooling
EV Radiator
for 2024 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
3.0 h
Tools
11
Steps
15
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the EV radiator (cooling system heat exchanger) on the 2024 Rivian EDV 500, including coolant drain, hose disconnection, and refill procedures.
Warnings
⚠️High voltage system: Disconnect 12V battery and wait 5 minutes before beginning work. Do not touch orange high-voltage cables.
⚠️Coolant may be hot and under pressure. Allow vehicle to cool completely for at least 2 hours before opening cooling system.
⚠EV coolant is toxic and must be collected and disposed of properly. Do not allow coolant to contact painted surfaces.
ℹ️This vehicle uses specialized EV coolant designed for high thermal loads. Do not substitute with standard automotive coolant.
Tools required
Coolant drain pan (minimum 12 quart capacity)Essential
Socket set (8mm-19mm)Essential
Torx driver set (T20-T40)Essential
Trim panel removal toolsEssential
Hose clamp pliersEssential
Coolant vacuum fill toolEssential
Digital multimeter
Torque wrenchEssential
Jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Coolant funnel with extended spout
Parts
- EV radiator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Upper radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Lower radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Radiator mounting bushings × 4 — Use OEM specification
- Coolant hose clamps × 4 — Use OEM specification
- Radiator coolant temperature sensor O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification
Fluids
- EV Battery/Motor Coolant — 10 qt
Preparation
- Ensure vehicle has been off and cooling for at least 2 hours
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Open hood and secure in raised position
- Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes for system discharge
- Remove front underbody panel to access lower radiator area
- Raise and support front of vehicle on jack stands if additional access is needed
Procedure
- 1Drain cooling systemLocate the coolant drain valve at the lower driver side of the radiator. Place drain pan beneath valve. Slowly open drain valve and allow coolant to drain completely. Remove coolant reservoir cap to assist drainage. Collect all coolant for proper disposal.
- 2Remove front fascia and grille assemblyRemove the lower front fascia by releasing eight push clips along the bottom edge. Remove four Torx screws securing upper grille assembly. Disconnect any fog light or sensor connectors. Carefully pull grille assembly forward and set aside.
- 3Disconnect cooling fan connectorsLocate the dual electric cooling fan assembly mounted to the radiator. Press release tabs on both fan motor electrical connectors and disconnect. Note connector orientation for reassembly.
- 4Remove cooling fan assemblyRemove four bolts securing the cooling fan shroud to the radiator mounting brackets. Carefully lift the fan assembly upward and out of the engine bay. Set aside in a safe location.
- 5Disconnect upper radiator hoseUsing hose clamp pliers, compress and slide the spring clamp on the upper radiator hose away from the radiator connection point. Twist hose gently to break seal, then pull off radiator neck. Allow any remaining coolant to drain into pan.
- 6Disconnect lower radiator hoseFrom below vehicle, locate lower radiator hose connection. Compress spring clamp and slide away from radiator. Twist and remove hose from radiator outlet. Ensure drain pan is positioned to catch residual coolant.
- 7Disconnect transmission cooler linesLocate the two transmission cooler line quick-connect fittings on the right side of the radiator. Press release tabs on each fitting and pull lines straight out from radiator. Cap open lines to prevent contamination.
- 8Disconnect coolant temperature sensorLocate the coolant temperature sensor on the radiator tank. Press release tab and disconnect electrical connector. Using a wrench, carefully unscrew sensor from radiator. Note sensor orientation.
- 9Remove radiator mounting hardwareRemove two upper radiator mounting bolts from the radiator support brackets. Remove two lower mounting bolts accessible from beneath vehicle. Note position of any rubber isolator bushings on mounting points.
- 10Remove radiator assemblyCarefully lift radiator assembly upward and out of engine bay, tilting slightly to clear any remaining hose connections or mounting points. Avoid contacting other components. Inspect mounting bushings and replace if worn or damaged.
- 11Install new radiatorInstall new rubber mounting bushings onto radiator mounting tabs if not pre-installed. Carefully lower new radiator into position, ensuring it seats properly on lower mounting points. Align upper mounting brackets and install upper mounting bolts finger-tight.
- 12Secure radiator and install sensorInstall lower radiator mounting bolts and tighten all four mounting bolts evenly. Install new O-ring on coolant temperature sensor. Thread sensor into radiator tank and tighten securely. Reconnect sensor electrical connector.
- 13Reconnect all hoses and linesConnect lower radiator hose to outlet and secure with new spring clamp. Connect upper radiator hose and secure with clamp. Reconnect transmission cooler line quick-connects until they click into place. Verify all connections are secure.
- 14Reinstall cooling fan assemblyPosition cooling fan shroud assembly onto radiator mounting tabs. Install four fan mounting bolts and tighten securely. Reconnect both fan motor electrical connectors, ensuring they lock in place.
- 15Refill and bleed cooling systemUsing coolant vacuum fill tool, evacuate air from cooling system according to tool instructions. Fill system with 10 quarts of specified EV Battery/Motor Coolant through reservoir. Start vehicle and allow to reach operating temperature while monitoring coolant level. Top off as needed. Check for leaks at all connection points.
Reassembly
- Reinstall front grille and fascia assembly with all mounting hardware
- Reinstall front underbody panel
- Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
- Double-check all electrical connectors are secure
- Verify coolant level is at MAX mark on reservoir when cold
Verification
- Start vehicle and verify cooling fans operate correctly
- Monitor coolant temperature using vehicle display to ensure normal operating range
- Check all hose connections and radiator seams for coolant leaks
- Perform a test drive and recheck coolant level after vehicle cools
- Verify no warning lights are illuminated on instrument cluster
- Inspect ground beneath vehicle after overnight parking for any coolant leaks