This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the heated seat module in a 2025 Rivian EDV 500 commercial delivery van, requiring access to the underside of the seat assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Heated seat module × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Seat wiring harness connector seals (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Turn off all vehicle systems and remove key/key fob from vehicle interior
3. Open driver side door and locate 12V battery access panel in cargo area
4. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait minimum 2 minutes
5. Move seat to full forward position for easier access to rear mounting bolts
6. Take photographs of connector locations and wire routing for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove seat side trim panels
   Using trim panel removal tools, carefully pry off the plastic trim covers on both sides of the seat base. These covers conceal the seat track mounting bolts. Start at the rear edge and work forward, releasing the retaining clips without breaking them. Set trim panels aside in a clean area.
2. 2

   Disconnect seat electrical connectors
   Locate the main seat wiring harness connector under the front of the seat on the inboard side. Press the red secondary lock tab forward, then squeeze the primary connector release tab while pulling the connector apart. Repeat for the heated seat module connector if separately accessible. Label each connector with tape if multiple connections exist.
3. 3

   Remove seat track mounting bolts
   Using a T40 Torx driver and socket extension, remove the four seat track mounting bolts (two per side, front and rear). Support the seat assembly weight while removing the final bolts. The seat assembly is heavy (approximately 60-80 lbs) and should be handled by two people if possible.
4. 4

   Remove seat assembly from vehicle
   Carefully lift the seat assembly straight up and out of the vehicle. Ensure all electrical connections are fully disconnected and no wiring is snagged. Place the seat assembly on a clean, padded work surface with the bottom facing up for access to the heated seat module.
5. 5

   Remove seat bottom upholstery retainers
   With the seat inverted, locate the upholstery retaining clips or hog rings around the perimeter of the seat bottom. Use trim tools or hog ring pliers to release the upholstery from the seat frame. Only release enough upholstery to access the heated seat module mounting area; full removal is not necessary.
6. 6

   Locate and disconnect heated seat module
   Identify the heated seat module attached to the underside of the seat cushion or seat frame. It will be a rectangular electronic control unit with multiple wire connections leading to the heating elements in the seat cushion and seat back. Disconnect all electrical connectors from the module, noting their positions and colors.
7. 7

   Remove heated seat module mounting fasteners
   Using a T30 Torx driver or 10mm socket as applicable, remove the mounting bolts or screws securing the heated seat module to the seat frame. Most Rivian modules use three or four mounting points. Carefully route any attached wiring free from mounting brackets while supporting the module.
8. 8

   Remove old heated seat module
   Carefully extract the old heated seat module from its mounting location. Inspect all wiring connectors and heating element connections for signs of damage, corrosion, or burning. Check the heating element mat surfaces in the seat cushion for any tears or damage that may have caused module failure.
9. 9

   Install new heated seat module
   Position the new heated seat module in the exact mounting location of the old unit. Ensure all wiring harnesses route cleanly without pinching or stretching. Verify the module orientation matches the original installation, with connectors facing their respective mating connections.
10. 10

    Secure heated seat module mounting fasteners
    Install and hand-tighten all mounting bolts or screws for the heated seat module. Tighten fasteners in a cross-pattern to ensure even mounting pressure. While no specific torque is specified, use moderate hand-tightening (approximately 35-45 in-lbs equivalent) to avoid cracking the module housing.
11. 11

    Reconnect heated seat module connectors
    Connect all electrical connectors to the new heated seat module, ensuring each connector clicks fully into place. Verify connector lock tabs engage properly. Route all wiring back through original paths and secure with any existing wire retaining clips or ties.
12. 12

    Reinstall seat bottom upholstery
    Pull the seat upholstery back into position over the seat cushion and frame. Reinstall all hog rings or retaining clips in their original positions, ensuring the upholstery is properly tensioned and aligned without wrinkles or binding over the heating elements.
13. 13

    Reinstall seat assembly in vehicle
    With assistance if needed, carefully lower the seat assembly back into the vehicle, aligning the seat track mounting holes with the floor mounting points. Ensure no wiring is trapped under the seat base before setting it fully in position.
14. 14

    Install seat track mounting bolts
    Install all four seat track mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Then tighten bolts in a diagonal pattern using the T40 Torx driver. While no specific torque is provided, ensure bolts are secure but do not over-tighten to avoid stripping threads in the floor mounting points.
15. 15

    Reconnect seat electrical connectors
    Connect the main seat wiring harness connector under the seat, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Press the red secondary lock tab back to the locked position. Verify connection security by gently tugging on the connector housing. Reconnect any additional connectors that were separated during removal.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both seat side trim panels by aligning clips and pressing firmly until all clips engage
2. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and tighten securely
3. Verify seat moves freely through full range of adjustment in all directions
4. Test all seat functions including power adjustment, lumbar support, and position memory if equipped

Verification

• Turn vehicle to ON position without starting (ready mode for EV)
• Access the climate control menu on the center display and select the heated seat function for the repaired seat
• Increase heated seat setting to maximum and verify the seat begins warming within 2-3 minutes
• Check for any warning messages or fault codes related to the heated seat system using the vehicle's onboard diagnostics
• Verify both seat cushion and seat back heating zones function correctly if separately controlled
• Perform a test drive to ensure seat remains secure and all functions operate normally under dynamic conditions
• Use a multimeter to verify proper voltage at the heating elements if heating performance seems inadequate (should see approximately 12V when activated)

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