ev-motor
Power Electronics Module
for 2024 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD
Difficulty
Expert
Time
6.0 h
Tools
10
Steps
15
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the Power Electronics Module (PEM) on a 2024 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD electric delivery van.
Warnings
⚠️High voltage system operates at over 400V DC. Lethal shock hazard exists. Only qualified technicians with high voltage certification should perform this procedure.
⚠️Wait minimum 15 minutes after disconnecting high voltage system before touching any orange cables or connectors. Verify zero voltage with multimeter before proceeding.
⚠PEM weighs approximately 65 pounds. Use proper lifting techniques and support equipment to prevent injury or component damage.
⚠EV coolant may be hot even after vehicle shutdown. Allow system to cool completely before draining.
ℹ️Document all connector orientations and routing paths with photos before disconnection to ensure proper reassembly.
Tools required
High voltage insulated gloves rated for EV workEssential
Digital multimeter with high voltage capabilityEssential
Rivian diagnostic scanner toolEssential
Torque wrench set (10-200 Nm range)Essential
Socket set (metric, 8mm-19mm)Essential
Trim panel removal tools
Coolant drain pan (minimum 12 quart capacity)Essential
Cable hoist or support fixture for PEMEssential
Thread locking compound (medium strength)
Dielectric grease
Parts
- Power Electronics Module × 1 — Use OEM specification
- PEM mounting gasket/seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
- High voltage connector seals × 4 — Use OEM specification
- Coolant hose clamps × 4 — Use OEM specification
Fluids
- EV Battery/Motor Coolant — 10 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Ensure vehicle has been off for minimum 30 minutes to allow high voltage system to cool
- Confirm high voltage battery state of charge is below 30% if possible for safety
- Connect Rivian diagnostic scanner and document any existing fault codes
- Place high voltage warning signs on vehicle exterior and in cab
- Ensure fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires is accessible
- Review vehicle-specific service information for PEM location and high voltage safety procedures
Procedure
- 1Disconnect 12V batteryOpen hood and disconnect negative terminal of 12V battery. Wait 2 minutes for all vehicle modules to power down completely. Isolate negative cable to prevent accidental reconnection.
- 2Disable high voltage systemDon high voltage insulated gloves. Access high voltage disconnect located in rear cargo area under service panel. Rotate high voltage service disconnect to OFF position and remove disconnect plug. Store disconnect plug in secure location away from vehicle. Place lockout tag on service disconnect panel.
- 3Verify system de-energizationWait minimum 15 minutes for high voltage capacitors to discharge. Using high voltage capable multimeter, verify voltage at PEM high voltage terminals reads 0V DC. Test between positive and negative terminals, and from each terminal to chassis ground. Document voltage readings.
- 4Drain coolant systemPlace drain pan under vehicle beneath PEM location. Locate coolant drain valve on underbody coolant line near PEM. Open drain valve and allow EV coolant to drain completely into pan. Capture and measure drained coolant quantity for refill reference. Close drain valve when empty.
- 5Remove underbody panelsRemove underbody protective panels and shields to access PEM from below. Remove fasteners securing aerodynamic panels around PEM mounting area. Set panels aside in organized manner. Note locations of any differing fastener types for proper reinstallation.
- 6Disconnect coolant linesLocate coolant inlet and outlet connections on PEM. Using hose clamp pliers, release spring clamps or loosen screw clamps on coolant hoses. Carefully disconnect coolant hoses from PEM inlet and outlet ports. Cap or plug open ports immediately to prevent contamination. Be prepared for residual coolant spillage.
- 7Disconnect low voltage connectorsLocate low voltage control connectors on PEM (typically 2-3 multi-pin connectors). Release connector locking tabs and carefully disconnect each low voltage harness connector. Note orientation and position of each connector. Secure disconnected connectors away from work area.
- 8Disconnect high voltage cablesWearing high voltage gloves, identify high voltage cables connecting to PEM (typically orange cables from battery pack and motor drive units). Remove high voltage connector locking bolts or release locking mechanisms. Carefully disconnect high voltage connectors from PEM terminals. Inspect connector seals for damage. Secure high voltage cables away from PEM using proper support to prevent stress on connections.
- 9Support PEM weightPosition cable hoist or support fixture beneath PEM. Attach lifting straps or cables to PEM lifting points or mounting bracket locations. Take up slack in hoist to support PEM weight but do not lift yet. Verify secure attachment and balanced support before proceeding.
- 10Remove PEM mounting fastenersLocate PEM mounting bolts securing module to vehicle structure (typically 6-8 mounting points). Remove mounting bolts in sequence working from outer bolts toward center. Keep bolts organized and note any locations with specific bolt lengths or types. Support PEM with hoist as final bolts are removed.
- 11Remove PEM from vehicleWith hoist supporting full weight of PEM and all fasteners removed, carefully lower PEM from mounting location. Guide module clear of any remaining wiring, cooling lines, or structural components. Lower PEM completely and transfer to clean workbench. Inspect mounting location for any damage or debris.
- 12Install new PEMInspect new PEM for any shipping damage. Install new mounting gasket or seal onto PEM or vehicle mounting surface per service manual specification. Using hoist, position new PEM into mounting location. Align PEM with mounting holes while guiding around any structural components. Ensure no wiring or hoses are pinched during installation.
- 13Install mounting fastenersInstall PEM mounting bolts hand-tight in sequence starting from center mounting points working outward. Verify PEM is properly seated against mounting surface. Since specific torque values are not provided in database, tighten mounting bolts following pattern specified in Rivian service information, working in multiple stages to ensure even clamping.
- 14Reconnect high voltage cablesInstall new high voltage connector seals on PEM terminals if required. Wearing high voltage gloves, carefully connect high voltage cables to PEM terminals ensuring proper polarity and alignment. Install and tighten high voltage connector locking bolts or engage locking mechanisms per Rivian specifications. Verify connections are fully seated and secure.
- 15Reconnect low voltage and coolant connectionsReconnect low voltage control harness connectors to PEM ensuring proper seating and connector lock engagement. Connect coolant hoses to PEM inlet and outlet ports. Install new hose clamps and position properly on hose barbs. Tighten clamps securely. Double-check all connections are fully seated.
Reassembly
- Reinstall underbody protective panels and aerodynamic shields in reverse order of removal
- Verify all fasteners are installed and properly tightened
- Refill coolant system with fresh EV Battery/Motor Coolant to specified capacity (10 quarts total system)
- Bleed air from coolant system per Rivian bleeding procedure using diagnostic tool if required
- Reinstall high voltage service disconnect plug and rotate to ON position
- Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
- Remove high voltage warning signs from vehicle
Verification
- Connect Rivian diagnostic scanner and clear any stored fault codes from PEM replacement procedure
- Perform PEM configuration and calibration procedures using diagnostic tool as specified by Rivian
- Power on vehicle and verify PEM initialization completes without fault codes
- Check for coolant leaks around PEM connections with vehicle powered on and coolant system pressurized
- Verify high voltage system shows proper voltage readings on diagnostic scanner
- Perform test drive and verify normal vehicle operation including acceleration, regenerative braking, and power delivery
- Verify no warning lights or fault codes present after test drive
- Inspect all connections and mounting points for any signs of looseness or leakage
- Document PEM serial number and installation date in vehicle service records