Drive Unit Fluid Change

This procedure involves draining and refilling the electric drive unit fluid in both front and rear drive units on the Rivian EDV 500 dual motor AWD electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front drive unit drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front drive unit fill plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear drive unit drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear drive unit fill plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• EV Transmission Fluid — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow drive units to cool to ambient temperature (below 100°F/38°C) if vehicle was recently operated
3. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal located in front trunk area
4. Place vehicle in service mode using Rivian diagnostic tool to prevent accidental motor activation
5. Lift vehicle on commercial-rated lift or jack stands ensuring all wheels are off ground
6. Remove belly pan and skid plate sections to access both front and rear drive units
7. Clean drain and fill plug areas on both drive units with brake cleaner to prevent contamination
8. Have fluid catch containers and transfer pump ready

Procedure

1. 1

   Verify fluid temperature and condition
   Use infrared thermometer to confirm drive unit housings are below 100°F. Inspect for any external leaks, damage, or contamination around seals and breather assemblies on both front and rear drive units.
2. 2

   Access and identify front drive unit service points
   Locate the front drive unit fill plug on the passenger side of the unit housing and the drain plug on the bottom center of the housing. Note the plug orientation and accessibility before proceeding.
3. 3

   Remove front drive unit fill plug first
   Using appropriate socket, carefully loosen and remove the front drive unit fill plug. Always remove fill plug before drain plug to ensure unit can be refilled if drain plug is seized. Inspect plug washer and replace if damaged or compressed.
4. 4

   Drain front drive unit fluid
   Position drain pan under front drive unit drain plug. Remove drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely (approximately 15-20 minutes). Inspect drained fluid for metal particles, discoloration, or contamination. Note fluid volume for comparison with specification.
5. 5

   Clean and reinstall front drive unit drain plug
   Clean drain plug threads and magnetic tip thoroughly. Install new drain plug washer. Thread drain plug by hand first to ensure proper engagement, then torque to specification. Record actual torque value applied for service records.
6. 6

   Refill front drive unit
   Using fluid transfer pump, slowly fill front drive unit through fill hole with EV transmission fluid until fluid begins to drip from fill hole opening. Capacity is approximately half of total 10 quart specification. Allow time for fluid to settle and top off as needed.
7. 7

   Reinstall front drive unit fill plug
   Clean fill plug threads and install new fill plug washer. Thread fill plug by hand to ensure proper thread engagement, then torque to specification. Wipe area clean of any spilled fluid.
8. 8

   Access rear drive unit service points
   Move to rear of vehicle and locate rear drive unit fill plug on driver side of unit housing and drain plug on bottom of housing. Clear work area and position drain pan.
9. 9

   Remove rear drive unit fill plug
   Using appropriate socket, loosen and remove rear drive unit fill plug. Always remove fill plug before drain plug to verify ability to refill. Inspect and set aside plug with new washer for reinstallation.
10. 10

    Drain rear drive unit fluid
    Position drain pan under rear drive unit drain plug. Remove drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely (approximately 15-20 minutes). Inspect drained fluid condition and volume. Rear unit typically holds slightly more fluid than front unit.
11. 11

    Reinstall rear drive unit drain plug
    Clean drain plug threads and magnetic tip. Install new drain plug washer. Hand-start drain plug to verify thread engagement, then torque to specification per service data.
12. 12

    Refill rear drive unit
    Using fluid transfer pump, fill rear drive unit through fill hole with EV transmission fluid until fluid level reaches bottom of fill hole and begins to overflow. This will use remaining fluid from the 10 quart total specification. Top off as needed after fluid settles.
13. 13

    Reinstall rear drive unit fill plug
    Install new fill plug washer on rear drive unit fill plug. Hand-start plug and torque to specification. Clean any spilled fluid from housing and surrounding components.
14. 14

    Perform system verification
    Connect Rivian diagnostic tool and clear service mode. Reconnect 12V battery. Start vehicle and allow drive units to circulate fluid for 2-3 minutes in Park mode. Monitor for any warning lights or diagnostic codes related to drive units.
15. 15

    Final inspection and test drive
    Lower vehicle and perform final inspection of all plug areas for leaks. Test drive vehicle at various speeds and load conditions for minimum 10 minutes. Re-check fluid levels after test drive while vehicle is at operating temperature and on level surface. Top off if necessary.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all belly pan and skid plate sections removed for access, ensuring proper fastener torque
2. Clean work area and dispose of used EV transmission fluid according to local environmental regulations
3. Reset service interval counter in vehicle system using diagnostic tool
4. Document fluid condition, quantity drained from each unit, and any observations in service records

Verification

• Verify no fluid leaks from drain or fill plugs on either drive unit after test drive
• Confirm no diagnostic trouble codes related to drive units using Rivian diagnostic tool
• Verify smooth operation with no unusual noises, vibrations, or performance issues during acceleration and deceleration
• Check that fluid level is correct at both front and rear drive units when vehicle is at operating temperature on level surface
• Confirm service mode has been properly exited and all vehicle systems are functioning normally

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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