hvac
AC Pressure Sensor
for 2025 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
4.0 h
Tools
10
Steps
13
This procedure guides you through the replacement of the AC pressure sensor on a 2025 Rivian EDV 500 dual motor AWD electric delivery van, including refrigerant recovery and recharge.
Warnings
⚠️R-1234yf refrigerant is mildly flammable. Ensure adequate ventilation and no ignition sources nearby during service.
⚠️High voltage system is present. Follow all high voltage safety procedures before working near HVAC components. Disconnect 12V battery before beginning work.
⚠AC system operates under high pressure. Never disconnect components without first recovering refrigerant using proper equipment.
⚠Only certified technicians should handle refrigerant recovery and recharge per EPA Section 609 regulations.
ℹ️The AC pressure sensor on the EDV 500 is typically located on the high-pressure line near the condenser in the front of the vehicle.
Tools required
AC refrigerant recovery/recycling/recharge machineEssential
Torque wrench (10-50 ft-lb range)Essential
7mm socket or wrenchEssential
10mm socket set
Panel removal tool set
Protective gloves rated for refrigerantEssential
Safety glassesEssential
Vacuum pump (if separate from AC machine)Essential
AC system leak detectorEssential
Digital multimeter
Parts
- AC pressure sensor × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
- O-ring seal for pressure sensor × 1 — Usually included with sensor
- R-1234yf refrigerant × 1 — Use correct type for electric vehicle
- PAG oil for electric compressor × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery and wait 5 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
- Verify high voltage system is disabled per Rivian service procedures
- Allow HVAC system to cool to ambient temperature if recently operated
- Connect AC recovery machine to service ports and verify machine is ready
- Document pre-service AC system pressures if system is still charged
- Remove front undershield or wheel well liner if necessary for access to condenser area
Procedure
- 1Recover refrigerant from AC systemConnect the AC recovery machine to both low and high-pressure service ports. Follow machine instructions to completely recover all R-1234yf refrigerant from the system. Record the amount of refrigerant recovered for recharge reference. Ensure recovery is complete before proceeding.
- 2Locate AC pressure sensorThe AC pressure sensor is mounted on the high-pressure refrigerant line near the condenser assembly in the front compartment. It will have an electrical connector and is threaded directly into the refrigerant line. Identify the sensor and verify part number if visible.
- 3Disconnect electrical connectorPress the locking tab on the electrical connector and carefully pull straight back to disconnect the wiring harness from the AC pressure sensor. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage. Do not pull on wires.
- 4Remove old AC pressure sensorUsing a 7mm wrench or socket, carefully unthread the AC pressure sensor from the refrigerant line fitting. Turn counterclockwise to remove. Some residual refrigerant or oil may escape during removal. Keep the opening covered to prevent contamination.
- 5Inspect O-ring and fittingExamine the old O-ring seal from the sensor for damage, cracking, or deformation. Inspect the threads and sealing surface on the refrigerant line fitting for damage, debris, or corrosion. Clean threads if necessary using a lint-free cloth. Do not allow debris to enter the system.
- 6Prepare new AC pressure sensorRemove the new AC pressure sensor from packaging. Verify the correct part number matches the old sensor. Install the new O-ring seal onto the sensor if not pre-installed. Apply a thin film of clean PAG oil to the O-ring to aid installation and sealing.
- 7Install new AC pressure sensorThread the new AC pressure sensor into the refrigerant line fitting by hand, turning clockwise. Ensure the sensor threads smoothly and is not cross-threaded. Hand-tighten until the O-ring makes contact with the sealing surface. Then use a torque wrench to tighten to manufacturer specification (typically 10-15 ft-lb, but verify with Rivian service information as no specific torque is provided in database).
- 8Reconnect electrical connectorAlign the electrical connector with the sensor pins and push firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is securely locked. Ensure the wiring harness is properly routed and not in contact with sharp edges or heat sources.
- 9Vacuum test AC systemConnect the vacuum pump or AC machine vacuum function to the service ports. Evacuate the system to at least 29 inches of mercury vacuum. Hold vacuum for at least 30 minutes. Monitor for pressure rise which would indicate a leak at the sensor or elsewhere in the system.
- 10Recharge AC system with refrigerantUsing the AC machine, recharge the system with the amount of R-1234yf refrigerant recovered (or per Rivian specifications if significantly different). Add the appropriate amount of PAG oil if required by service procedures. Monitor pressures during charging to ensure proper fill.
- 11Perform leak testUse an electronic leak detector approved for R-1234yf refrigerant. Carefully check the new AC pressure sensor fitting, surrounding connections, and service ports for any refrigerant leaks. Pay special attention to the sensor O-ring seal area.
- 12Reinstall access panelsReinstall any undershields, wheel well liners, or panels that were removed for access. Ensure all fasteners are properly secured and panels are seated correctly.
- 13Reconnect 12V batteryReconnect the 12V auxiliary battery. The vehicle may require a brief initialization period. Clear any HVAC-related diagnostic trouble codes that were set during the repair using the Rivian diagnostic system.
Reassembly
- Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
- Verify all access panels and shields are properly reinstalled
- Double-check that no tools or parts were left in the engine compartment
- Confirm AC system is fully charged to specification
Verification
- Start the vehicle and allow HVAC system to initialize
- Set climate control to maximum cooling and monitor for proper operation
- Check that AC compressor engages and disengages properly
- Verify AC pressure readings are within normal range using diagnostic system (typically 30-50 psi low side, 150-300 psi high side depending on ambient temperature)
- Monitor AC pressure sensor signal voltage or pressure reading using Rivian diagnostic tool to confirm proper sensor operation
- Verify no refrigerant odor is present and perform final visual leak inspection
- Test drive vehicle and confirm climate control functions properly under various conditions
- Verify no HVAC-related diagnostic trouble codes are present