hvac
AC Low Pressure Switch
for 2025 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
4.0 h
Tools
11
Steps
12
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
This procedure guides the replacement of the AC low pressure switch on the 2025 Rivian EDV 500, requiring partial AC system discharge and access to the low-pressure service line.
Warnings
⚠️R-1234yf refrigerant is mildly flammable. Perform work in a well-ventilated area away from open flames or sparks.
⚠️High voltage system present. Ensure 12V battery is disconnected and wait 5 minutes before beginning work. Do not touch orange high-voltage cables.
⚠AC refrigerant can cause frostbite. Wear safety glasses and gloves when working with AC system.
⚠Only EPA-certified technicians may legally purchase and handle R-1234yf refrigerant. Ensure proper certification before proceeding.
ℹ️This vehicle uses R-1234yf refrigerant, not R-134a. Do not substitute refrigerant types.
Tools required
AC refrigerant recovery machineEssential
Refrigerant manifold gauge setEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Socket set (metric)Essential
Panel removal tools (trim tools)Essential
Digital multimeterEssential
Safety glassesEssential
Nitrile glovesEssential
Leak detector (electronic or UV)
Vacuum pumpEssential
Refrigerant scaleEssential
Parts
- AC low pressure switch × 1 — Use OEM specification
- O-rings for AC fitting × 2 — Use OEM specification
- R-1234yf refrigerant × 1 — As required to refill system
- PAG oil for AC system × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Ensure climate control system is OFF
- Open driver's door to maintain interior access
- Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes for system discharge
- Connect AC recovery machine to high and low pressure service ports
- Recover all refrigerant from AC system according to EPA guidelines and record amount recovered
- Verify system pressure reads 0 PSI on both high and low side gauges
- Remove front underbody panel to access AC lines (multiple fasteners)
- Take photo of AC low pressure switch wiring connector orientation for reference
Procedure
- 1Locate AC low pressure switchThe AC low pressure switch is located on the low-pressure AC line near the accumulator/drier assembly on the passenger side of the vehicle, forward of the front motor assembly. Identify the switch by its two-wire electrical connector and threaded body inserted into the AC line.
- 2Disconnect electrical connectorPress the locking tab on the AC low pressure switch electrical connector and pull straight away from the switch body. Inspect connector terminals for corrosion or damage. Clean if necessary with electrical contact cleaner.
- 3Clean switch areaClean the area around the AC low pressure switch thoroughly using a clean cloth to prevent debris from entering the AC system during switch removal. Pay special attention to the threads and fitting surface.
- 4Remove AC low pressure switchUsing an appropriately sized wrench or socket, carefully unthread the AC low pressure switch from the AC line fitting. Turn counterclockwise to remove. Be prepared for a small amount of residual refrigerant oil to leak out. Immediately cap or plug the opening to prevent contamination.
- 5Inspect O-ring and sealing surfaceRemove and discard the old O-ring from the switch port. Inspect the sealing surface on the AC line fitting for scratches, corrosion, or damage. Clean with lint-free cloth. If damage is present, the AC line fitting may require replacement.
- 6Prepare new switchRemove new AC low pressure switch from packaging. Install new O-ring onto the switch threads. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean PAG oil compatible with R-1234yf systems (typically PAG 46 or as specified by Rivian).
- 7Install new AC low pressure switchThread the new AC low pressure switch into the AC line fitting by hand, ensuring it threads smoothly without cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use a torque wrench to tighten to manufacturer specification. If no torque specification is available, tighten to 8-12 lb-ft, being careful not to overtighten and damage the aluminum fitting.
- 8Reconnect electrical connectorReconnect the electrical connector to the new AC low pressure switch, ensuring it clicks securely into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is properly locked.
- 9Reinstall underbody panelReinstall the front underbody panel using all original fasteners. Ensure panel is properly aligned and secured to prevent wind noise or damage.
- 10Evacuate AC systemConnect vacuum pump to AC system service ports. Evacuate system to 29+ inches of mercury (Hg) vacuum. Maintain vacuum for minimum 30 minutes to remove all moisture and air. Monitor for vacuum decay, which would indicate a leak.
- 11Charge AC systemUsing refrigerant scale and manifold gauges, charge AC system with R-1234yf refrigerant to the exact amount specified on the underhood label (typically 1.8-2.2 lbs for EDV 500). Charge through low-pressure service port with engine OFF. Add appropriate amount of PAG oil if significant oil was lost during recovery.
- 12Test low pressure switch operationReconnect 12V battery. Using a scan tool or multimeter, verify AC low pressure switch shows continuity when system is properly charged. Start vehicle and activate climate control. Monitor system pressures with manifold gauges. Low pressure should be 25-40 PSI at idle with AC on, and switch should remain closed (continuity present) within this range.
Reassembly
- Ensure all AC line connections are tight and secure
- Verify all underbody panels are reinstalled with proper fasteners
- Confirm electrical connector is fully seated and locked
- Remove all tools and equipment from vehicle
Verification
- Start vehicle and turn AC to maximum cooling
- Verify compressor engages and cold air blows from vents within 2-3 minutes
- Check for temperature drop to below 45°F at center dash vents
- Use leak detector around AC low pressure switch fitting to verify no refrigerant leaks
- Monitor AC system pressures: low side should be 25-40 PSI, high side 150-250 PSI at idle with ambient temperature 70-80°F
- Use scan tool to verify no AC system fault codes are present
- Verify AC low pressure switch circuit shows normal operation in scan tool data
- Test drive vehicle and confirm AC operates normally under various conditions
- Recheck switch area for leaks after test drive using leak detector