This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the AC accumulator/receiver-drier on a 2025 Rivian EDV 500, including refrigerant recovery, component replacement, and system recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC Accumulator/Receiver-Drier × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• AC O-ring seal kit × 1 — Use OEM specification for R-1234yf system
• PAG oil for R-1234yf systems × 1 — Check system specification label
• R-1234yf refrigerant × 1 — Per system capacity specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Verify vehicle is in Service Mode to prevent unexpected HV system activation
3. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for system discharge
4. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands if accumulator access requires underside entry
5. Identify AC accumulator location (typically near firewall on passenger side or along right frame rail)
6. Verify AC recovery machine is properly connected and functioning
7. Document refrigerant system capacity from underhood label for recharge reference
8. Inspect system for visible signs of contamination or previous repairs

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover refrigerant from AC system
   Connect R-1234yf recovery machine to service ports on AC system. Follow machine manufacturer procedures to recover all refrigerant from system. Record amount recovered for comparison to system capacity. Verify system is completely evacuated before proceeding.
   ⚠️Never vent refrigerant to atmosphere. This is illegal and environmentally harmful.
2. 2

   Remove underbody panels if required
   If accumulator is accessed from below, remove necessary underbody panels or splash shields. Retain all fasteners in organized manner for reinstallation. On EDV 500, accumulator is typically located in front right wheel well area or along passenger side frame rail.
   ⚠Note routing of any wiring harnesses or brake lines near accumulator access area.
3. 3

   Disconnect accumulator electrical connections
   Locate and disconnect any electrical connectors on accumulator, such as pressure switch or temperature sensor connectors. Press release tabs and pull connectors straight back. Cover connectors with plastic bags to prevent contamination.
4. 4

   Disconnect inlet refrigerant line
   Using appropriate AC line disconnect tool or wrench, disconnect inlet refrigerant line from accumulator. Immediately cap open line and accumulator port with plugs to prevent moisture and contamination entry. Inspect O-rings for condition and note any oil residue indicating leak location.
   ⚠Some residual refrigerant may escape. Ensure adequate ventilation.
5. 5

   Disconnect outlet refrigerant line
   Disconnect outlet refrigerant line from accumulator using same procedure as inlet line. Cap both line and accumulator port immediately. Place absorbent material below connections to catch any residual refrigerant oil.
6. 6

   Remove accumulator mounting hardware
   Remove mounting bracket bolts or clamp securing accumulator to vehicle body or frame. On Rivian EDV, accumulator is typically secured with a two-piece clamp or bracket assembly. Support accumulator weight while removing final fastener.
7. 7

   Remove accumulator from vehicle
   Carefully extract accumulator from mounting location, noting orientation and any routing of connected lines. Keep accumulator upright and drain any residual oil into measuring container. Record amount of oil removed for replacement calculation.
   ℹ️Measure and record oil removed to ensure proper system oil charge during reassembly.
8. 8

   Prepare new accumulator
   Remove new accumulator from packaging only when ready to install. Verify correct part number matches OEM specification. Add appropriate amount of fresh PAG oil (typically same amount removed plus any specified by accumulator manufacturer, usually 2-3 oz). Install new O-rings on both inlet and outlet ports, lubricating with refrigerant oil.
   ⚠New accumulator contains desiccant that begins absorbing moisture immediately upon exposure. Work quickly to minimize atmospheric exposure.
9. 9

   Install new accumulator
   Position new accumulator in mounting location matching original orientation. Ensure any mounting insulators or cushions are properly positioned. Install mounting bracket or clamp and tighten fasteners securely but do not overtighten to avoid crushing accumulator body.
10. 10

    Connect refrigerant lines
    Remove caps from accumulator ports and refrigerant lines. Verify O-rings are properly seated in line fittings. Connect both inlet and outlet refrigerant lines to accumulator, tightening to secure connection. Use backup wrench on accumulator fittings to prevent twisting.
    ℹ️Without torque specifications, tighten fittings until snug plus 1/6 turn (one flat on hex fitting). Overtightening can damage O-rings.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Reconnect any pressure switches or temperature sensors to accumulator. Ensure connectors click securely into place and weather seals are properly seated.
12. 12

    Evacuate AC system
    Connect AC service machine to system service ports. Perform deep vacuum on system for minimum 45 minutes, targeting 500 microns or lower. Monitor vacuum decay after pump shutoff - system should hold vacuum with minimal decay (less than 500 microns rise in 10 minutes), indicating no leaks.
    ⚠If system will not hold vacuum, there is a leak that must be located and repaired before charging.
13. 13

    Recharge AC system
    Charge AC system with R-1234yf refrigerant to exact capacity specified on underhood label (typically 1.5-2.5 lbs for EDV 500). Use AC machine to accurately measure refrigerant charge. Do not overcharge system.
    ℹ️Slight undercharge is preferable to overcharge. System can be topped off after performance verification.
14. 14

    Perform leak check
    Using electronic refrigerant leak detector, check all connections including accumulator inlet/outlet fittings and any electrical component connections. Check for leaks at service ports and throughout visible portions of AC system. If UV dye was added, use UV light for enhanced leak detection.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any underbody panels or splash shields removed for access, ensuring all fasteners are secure
2. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
3. Exit Service Mode and restore vehicle to normal operating state
4. Lower vehicle from jack stands if raised

Verification

• Start vehicle and allow HV system to energize
• Set climate control to MAX AC, maximum fan speed, recirculation mode
• Allow AC system to run for 10 minutes and verify cold air output from vents (typically 40-50°F with 75°F ambient)
• Monitor AC system pressures if gauges still connected - low side should be 25-40 PSI, high side 150-250 PSI at idle with 75°F ambient
• Verify AC compressor cycles on and off normally without short cycling
• Check accumulator exterior for frost formation indicating proper refrigerant flow and no restriction
• Listen for abnormal noises from AC system during operation
• Verify no refrigerant odor in cabin or engine compartment
• Perform final leak check around accumulator connections with vehicle running and AC on
• Test climate control system through various modes and temperature settings
• Clear any diagnostic trouble codes that may have set during service
• Verify AC system performance meets specification before returning vehicle to service

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