ev-cooling
EV Coolant Lines
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
3.0 h
Tools
11
Steps
15
✓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.
Replace or repair coolant lines in the EV battery and motor thermal management system, including draining and refilling the cooling system.
Warnings
⚠️High voltage system present. Verify HV system is disabled and locked out before beginning work. Failure to do so can result in severe injury or death.
⚠️EV coolant may be under pressure even when vehicle is off. Allow system to cool completely before opening any connections.
⚠EV coolant is toxic and must be handled and disposed of according to local environmental regulations.
⚠Do not mix different types of coolant. Use only specified EV Battery/Motor Coolant.
ℹ️This procedure requires access to Rivian diagnostic software to properly bleed the cooling system and clear fault codes.
Tools required
Coolant drain pan (minimum 12 quart capacity)Essential
Torque wrenchEssential
Socket set (metric)Essential
Hose clamp pliersEssential
Trim panel removal tools
Wire brush or abrasive pad
Coolant pressure testerEssential
Diagnostic scan tool compatible with Rivian systemsEssential
Safety jack stands rated for vehicle weightEssential
Floor jackEssential
Gloves rated for coolant exposureEssential
Parts
- EV coolant line assembly (as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Coolant line quick-connect fittings (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification
- Hose clamps (if applicable) × 4 — Use OEM specification
- O-rings for coolant connections × 6 — Use OEM specification
Fluids
- EV Battery/Motor Coolant — 10 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Allow cooling system to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after last operation)
- Raise vehicle using appropriate lifting points and support securely on jack stands
- Remove underbody shields to access coolant lines (specific panels depend on which lines are being replaced)
- Connect diagnostic scan tool and verify high voltage system status
- Using scan tool, disable high voltage system and confirm lockout status
- Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes
- Place coolant drain pan beneath work area
- Photograph coolant line routing before disassembly for reference during reassembly
Procedure
- 1Access coolant system service portLocate the coolant system service port on the cooling system reservoir. Remove the service port cap slowly to relieve any residual pressure. Listen for pressure release and wait until all pressure is relieved before fully removing cap.
- 2Drain cooling systemUsing the diagnostic scan tool, activate the coolant drain procedure to open system valves. Locate the coolant drain valve on the battery thermal management system (typically on driver side of battery pack). Attach appropriate drain hose and open drain valve. Allow system to drain completely into collection pan. Expect approximately 10 quarts of coolant.
- 3Disconnect electrical connectorsIdentify any coolant temperature sensors or flow sensors on the coolant lines being replaced. Carefully disconnect electrical connectors by releasing locking tabs. Secure connectors away from work area to prevent damage.
- 4Release coolant line connections at battery packLocate the quick-connect fittings where coolant lines attach to the battery thermal management system. Using hose clamp pliers or appropriate tool, compress the retaining tabs on each quick-connect fitting. Pull coolant line straight away from connection point. If lines are stuck, gently rotate while pulling. Inspect O-rings for damage and replace if necessary.
- 5Release coolant line connections at motor/inverterTrace coolant lines to the motor and inverter cooling connections. Release quick-connect fittings at these locations using the same method as battery connections. Note that dual motor systems will have connections at both front and rear motor assemblies. Mark each line position if lines are similar to prevent incorrect routing.
- 6Remove coolant line mounting bracketsIdentify all mounting brackets and clips securing coolant lines to vehicle chassis and components. Remove fasteners securing brackets and carefully release lines from all mounting points. Keep track of bracket locations and hardware for reinstallation.
- 7Remove damaged coolant linesCarefully extract coolant lines from vehicle, noting routing path through chassis and around other components. Inspect routing path for any sharp edges or potential interference points that may have caused the original failure. Address any issues before installing new lines.
- 8Prepare new coolant linesUnpack new coolant line assemblies and verify correct part numbers against service documentation. Inspect all quick-connect fittings and ensure O-rings are properly seated. Apply a small amount of EV coolant to O-rings to aid installation. Clean any debris from connection points on vehicle.
- 9Install new coolant linesRoute new coolant lines along the original path, ensuring proper clearance from all moving parts, sharp edges, and heat sources. Begin installation at the battery pack end and work toward motor/inverter connections. Ensure lines follow natural curves without kinking or excessive tension.
- 10Connect coolant lines to componentsPush each quick-connect fitting straight onto its mating connection point until an audible click is heard. Verify proper engagement by pulling gently on each line - it should not separate. Install all connections at battery pack, front motor, rear motor, and inverter as applicable.
- 11Reinstall mounting brackets and clipsSecure all coolant line mounting brackets and clips according to documented locations. Ensure lines are properly supported but not over-tightened in brackets. Verify adequate clearance from suspension components, drive shafts, and steering components through full range of motion.
- 12Reconnect sensors and close drain valveReconnect all coolant temperature and flow sensor electrical connectors. Ensure locking tabs are fully engaged. Close the coolant drain valve and verify it is secure. Remove drain hose.
- 13Refill cooling systemFill cooling system with new EV Battery/Motor Coolant through service port. Add coolant slowly to minimize air introduction. Fill to approximately 8 quarts initially. Using diagnostic scan tool, activate coolant fill assist function which will open valves and run pumps to distribute coolant through system. Monitor coolant level and add additional coolant as system accepts it until reaching proper level (total approximately 10 quarts).
- 14Bleed cooling systemUsing diagnostic scan tool, initiate the coolant system bleed procedure. This will cycle coolant pumps and open bleed valves in a specific sequence to purge air from the system. Monitor coolant level during bleeding process and top off as needed. Continue bleeding procedure until no air bubbles are visible and coolant level stabilizes. Install service port cap.
- 15Pressure test cooling systemConnect coolant pressure tester to service port. Pressurize system to specification shown on diagnostic scan tool (typically 15-20 psi). Monitor pressure for 10 minutes. Pressure should not drop. Inspect all new connections for leaks. If leaks are found, release pressure, repair connection, and retest.
Reassembly
- Reinstall all underbody shields and panels removed for access
- Reconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal
- Using diagnostic scan tool, clear any cooling system fault codes
- Enable high voltage system through scan tool
- Lower vehicle from jack stands
Verification
- Using diagnostic scan tool, verify all cooling system sensors are reading normal values
- Check coolant level at service port - should be at proper cold fill level
- Start vehicle and allow cooling system to reach operating temperature while monitoring with scan tool
- Verify coolant pumps activate and temperature readings are within normal range for all zones (battery, front motor, rear motor, inverter)
- Perform visual inspection of all coolant line connections for leaks after system reaches operating temperature
- Check coolant level again after system has cooled - top off if necessary
- Test drive vehicle and monitor cooling system temperatures through multiple drive cycles
- Recheck all connections and coolant level after 24 hours of operation