Airbag - Side

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a side curtain airbag module on the 2025 Rivian EDV 500, including proper disarming of the supplemental restraint system (SRS) and connector servicing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side curtain airbag assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Airbag connector seal (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• A-pillar/B-pillar trim panel clips × 4 — Replacement clips as needed
• Headliner clips × 6 — Replacement clips as needed

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off all vehicle systems using the center console power menu
3. Ensure vehicle is in Park mode and all doors are closed
4. Verify ignition is OFF and remove key fob from vehicle interior (at least 15 feet away)
5. Open rear cargo area to access 12V battery compartment (driver side rear panel)
6. Disconnect negative (-) terminal of 12V battery, then positive (+) terminal
7. Wait minimum 3 minutes for SRS backup capacitors to discharge before proceeding
8. Wear anti-static wrist strap connected to vehicle chassis ground point
9. Document any existing SRS fault codes with diagnostic scanner
10. Photograph trim panel locations and connector orientations for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove A-pillar trim panel
   Starting at the bottom of the A-pillar trim, carefully insert trim removal tool behind panel edge. Work upward, releasing retaining clips progressively. The panel is secured by approximately 4-6 push-clips. Lift panel away once all clips are released, being mindful of any wire harnesses attached to the panel.
2. 2

   Remove B-pillar upper trim panel
   Remove the B-pillar upper trim panel by releasing retaining clips starting from top edge. Use trim removal tool to gently pry panel away from pillar. This panel typically has 5-7 clips. If equipped with courtesy lighting, disconnect the electrical connector before fully removing panel.
3. 3

   Partially lower headliner edge
   Carefully pull down the headliner edge along the roofline between A-pillar and B-pillar locations. The side curtain airbag is mounted above the headliner in this area. Pull down only enough to access mounting hardware (approximately 4-6 inches). Support headliner to prevent sagging or damage.
4. 4

   Locate and disconnect side airbag connector
   Locate the side curtain airbag electrical connector near the B-pillar area. The connector will have a yellow or orange SRS identification. Carefully unlock the connector by sliding the secondary lock (red tab) to the unlock position, then depress the primary lock tab and disconnect. Handle only by the connector body, never pull on wires.
   ⚠️Ensure 3 minutes have elapsed since battery disconnect before touching any SRS connector. Verify no voltage present with multimeter if uncertain.
5. 5

   Remove side curtain airbag mounting fasteners
   Locate all mounting fasteners securing the side curtain airbag to the roof structure. Typically there are 4-6 Torx fasteners (T30) spaced along the roofline. Remove each fastener completely and store safely. Note the location and orientation of any brackets or spacers for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove side curtain airbag module
   Carefully guide the side curtain airbag module down from the roof cavity, feeding the wiring harness through any routing clips. Support the module throughout removal to prevent dropping or impact. Once free, immediately place the module with the deployment cushion side facing UP on a clean, flat surface at least 5 feet from work area.
   ⚠️Never place airbag module face down. Always store with deployment side UP to minimize injury risk if accidental deployment occurs.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting surfaces and harness routing
   Examine the roof mounting surface for any damage, corrosion, or deformation. Verify all mounting studs or clip locations are intact. Inspect the wiring harness routing path for any pinch points, abrasion, or damage. Check that routing clips are not broken. Clean mounting surface of any debris.
8. 8

   Prepare new side curtain airbag module
   Remove new side curtain airbag module from sealed packaging only when ready to install. Verify part number matches vehicle specification and side (driver/passenger). Inspect new module for any shipping damage. Do NOT remove protective covers from connector until ready to connect.
   ⚠Verify replacement airbag is the correct part number for vehicle side and model year. Installation of incorrect airbag can result in malfunction or improper deployment.
9. 9

   Install new side curtain airbag module
   Route the wiring harness through the roof cavity following original path and secure in all routing clips. Position the side curtain airbag module into the roof mounting location, aligning all mounting holes. Ensure the airbag deploys toward the side window area and is not twisted or kinked. The module should sit flush against mounting surface.
10. 10

    Install mounting fasteners
    Install all Torx mounting fasteners with any required brackets or spacers in their original locations. Hand-tighten fasteners first to ensure proper alignment, then tighten in a sequential pattern from center outward. Tighten firmly but do not overtighten as this can damage mounting threads in roof structure. Verify module is secure and properly positioned.
11. 11

    Connect side airbag electrical connector
    Remove protective cover from new airbag connector. Inspect connector pins for any damage or contamination. Align connector halves and press together firmly until primary lock clicks into place. Slide secondary lock (red tab) to fully locked position. Gently tug on connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
12. 12

    Reinstall headliner and trim panels
    Carefully reposition headliner edge to original location, ensuring it fully seats into retaining channels and does not interfere with airbag module. Reinstall B-pillar upper trim panel, reconnecting any courtesy light connectors and seating all retaining clips. Reinstall A-pillar trim panel, ensuring all clips engage properly. Verify all panels are flush and secure.
13. 13

    Reconnect 12V battery
    Access the 12V battery in rear cargo compartment. Reconnect positive (+) terminal first, then negative (-) terminal. Ensure terminals are clean and connections are tight. Close battery compartment access panel.
14. 14

    Clear SRS codes and verify system operation
    Connect Rivian-compatible diagnostic scanner to vehicle OBDII port. Power on vehicle systems. Clear all stored SRS fault codes from memory. Perform SRS system verification test according to scanner prompts. Verify airbag warning light illuminates briefly during startup then extinguishes within 5 seconds. Document that no active SRS fault codes remain.
    ⚠If airbag warning light remains illuminated or SRS codes cannot be cleared, DO NOT return vehicle to service. Further diagnosis required.

Reassembly

1. Verify all trim panels are fully seated with no gaps or misalignment
2. Check that headliner is properly positioned and not sagging or interfering with airbag deployment path
3. Confirm all electrical connectors along pillar trim are reconnected if they were disturbed
4. Test any courtesy lighting that was disconnected to ensure proper operation

Verification

• With ignition ON, verify airbag warning light illuminates briefly (system self-test) then extinguishes within 5 seconds
• Using diagnostic scanner, confirm zero active or pending SRS fault codes
• Perform visual inspection that side curtain airbag area shows no bulges, gaps, or misalignment in trim
• Verify all trim panels are secure and do not rattle or have excessive movement
• Document repair completion with date, mileage, and confirmation of successful system verification
• If any warning lights remain on or codes cannot be cleared, vehicle requires further professional diagnosis before being released

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