electrical

Airbag - Driver

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

2.0 h

Tools

Steps

✓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.

Remove and replace the driver airbag module in the steering wheel of a 2025 Rivian EDV 500, including proper SRS system disarming and post-installation verification.

Warnings

⚠️CRITICAL: Airbag systems store explosive charges. Improper handling can cause serious injury or death. If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, seek professional service immediately.

⚠️The 12V battery MUST be disconnected for at least 10 minutes before beginning work to allow capacitors in the SRS system to fully discharge. Failure to do so can result in accidental airbag deployment.

⚠️Never use electrical test equipment to probe airbag connectors with the system armed or partially armed. This can cause deployment.

⚠️Always place removed airbag modules face-UP on a clean, flat surface away from people. Never place face-down as deployment could cause the module to become a projectile.

⚠Rivian EDV vehicles require scan tool verification and SRS code clearing after airbag replacement. System will remain in fault mode until properly reset.

⚠Do not rotate the clockspring/spiral cable while steering wheel is removed. This can damage the component and require replacement.

ℹ️Work in a clean environment. Airbag connectors are sensitive to contamination.

ℹ️Take photos during disassembly to aid reassembly, particularly of wire routing and connector positions.

Tools required

Torx T30 bitEssential

Torx T50 bitEssential

Trim panel removal toolsEssential

Digital multimeterEssential

OBD-II scan tool with Rivian SRS capabilityEssential

Insulated glovesEssential

Steering wheel holding tool or puller

Socket set (metric)Essential

Torque wrenchEssential

Parts

Driver airbag module × 1 — Use OEM specification - Rivian part number required
Airbag mounting fasteners (if corroded or damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Steering wheel trim clips (as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

Ensure vehicle is parked on level ground with parking brake applied
Turn steering wheel to center position with front wheels pointed straight ahead
Turn off vehicle completely and remove key fob from vehicle interior
Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal
Wait minimum 10 minutes for SRS system capacitors to discharge completely
Put on insulated gloves before handling any SRS components
Clear work area and prepare clean surface to place airbag module face-up after removal
Document any existing SRS fault codes with scan tool before beginning work

Procedure

1
Access driver airbag mounting fasteners
From the rear of the steering wheel, locate the two Torx T30 fastener access holes on either side of the wheel hub. These may have small rubber plugs that need to be removed. On some EDV models, access is through slots in the wheel spokes.
2
Remove airbag module retaining fasteners
Using the Torx T30 bit, remove both airbag retaining screws by turning counterclockwise. Support the airbag module from the front as you remove the second fastener to prevent it from falling. The module should now be loose but still connected by wiring.
3
Carefully pull airbag module away from steering wheel
Gently pull the airbag module straight toward you, away from the steering wheel hub. Pull only 2-3 inches to expose the electrical connectors on the back. Do not pull hard or yank the wiring harness.
4
Disconnect airbag electrical connectors
Locate the two electrical connectors on the back of the airbag module: the main airbag squib connector (typically yellow) and the horn connector. Press the locking tabs and carefully disconnect both connectors. Note the connector orientation and wire routing for reinstallation. The connectors have secondary locking mechanisms that must be disengaged first.
5
Remove old airbag module from vehicle
With all connectors detached, completely remove the driver airbag module from the steering wheel. Immediately place it face-UP on the clean, prepared surface in a secure location away from the work area. Never place the airbag face-down.
6
Inspect clockspring and steering wheel components
With the airbag removed, visually inspect the clockspring (spiral cable) for any damage, cracks, or signs of wear. Verify the clockspring centering indicator is visible and shows the unit is centered. Inspect the steering wheel mounting area for any damage. Do NOT rotate the steering wheel or clockspring during this inspection.
7
Inspect new airbag module
Remove the new airbag module from its protective packaging. Verify it matches the original unit and has no visible damage. Check that the connector pins are clean and undamaged. Do not touch the connector pins with bare hands.
8
Connect electrical connectors to new airbag
Position the new airbag module near the steering wheel. Connect the horn connector first, then the yellow airbag squib connector. Ensure both connectors are fully seated and the locking tabs engage with an audible click. Verify any secondary locks are engaged. Route wiring exactly as documented during removal.
9
Position new airbag module on steering wheel
Carefully guide the new airbag module into position on the steering wheel hub, ensuring no wires are pinched. Align the mounting holes with the threaded inserts in the steering wheel. The module should sit flush against the wheel when properly positioned.
10
Install airbag retaining fasteners
Insert both Torx T30 retaining screws and hand-tighten initially. Then torque to manufacturer specification in a cross pattern. Since no torque specification is provided in the database, tighten firmly but do not overtighten - typically these fasteners require 4-6 Nm but verify with service information. Verify the airbag module is secure and does not move.
11
Verify installation security
Before reconnecting the battery, visually verify the airbag is properly seated, all connectors are locked, and no wires are visible or pinched. Check that access hole plugs are reinstalled if applicable. Confirm steering wheel is still centered.
12
Reconnect 12V battery
Reconnect the negative terminal to the 12V auxiliary battery. Ensure connection is clean and tight. Do not start or power on the vehicle yet.
13
Power on vehicle and verify SRS system
With no one in front of the steering wheel, power on the vehicle to accessory mode. Observe the SRS warning light on the instrument cluster. It should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds during self-test, then extinguish. If the light stays on, flashes, or does not illuminate, do not drive the vehicle.
14
Clear SRS fault codes and verify system
Connect the OBD-II scan tool with Rivian SRS capability. Clear any stored airbag fault codes related to the replacement. Perform the SRS system test procedure per scan tool instructions. Verify no active fault codes remain and system reports ready status. This step is mandatory for proper system operation.

Reassembly

Reassembly is included in the main procedure steps
Ensure all trim pieces and access covers are reinstalled
Verify steering wheel controls function properly including horn

Verification

SRS warning light should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds during startup, then extinguish completely
Scan tool shows no active SRS fault codes
Airbag module is secure with no movement or rattles
Steering wheel controls and horn function normally
Test drive vehicle and verify SRS light remains off during operation
If SRS light remains on or returns during driving, stop immediately and seek professional diagnosis

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