This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the heater core in a 2025 Rivian EDV 500, requiring partial dashboard disassembly and coolant system drainage.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Heater core × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Heater core inlet/outlet O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Dashboard trim panel clips × 1 — Replacement set recommended
• Coolant hose clamps × 2 — Use OEM specification
• HVAC case foam seal × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• EV Battery/Motor Coolant — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and ensure cooling system is completely cool
2. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait minimum 5 minutes
3. Remove driver and passenger front floor mats and protect carpet with plastic sheeting
4. Position coolant drain pan under vehicle below coolant drain location
5. Access vehicle service mode through touchscreen: Settings > Service > Service Mode
6. Document or photograph all electrical connector locations before removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Locate coolant drain valve on underside of vehicle near front subframe. Open drain valve and allow complete drainage of cooling system into appropriate collection container. Once drained, close drain valve. Note: System capacity is approximately 10 quarts.
2. 2

   Remove lower dashboard trim panels
   Remove lower driver side dashboard trim panel by releasing clips along bottom edge and pulling outward. Remove lower passenger side trim panel using same technique. Disconnect any courtesy light connectors. Remove center console lower trim piece by removing Torx fasteners and releasing clips.
3. 3

   Disconnect heater core hoses in engine bay
   Open front trunk (frunk) and locate heater core inlet and outlet hoses on firewall passenger side. Use hose clamp pliers to release spring clamps on both hoses. Carefully twist and pull hoses from heater core tubes. Have towels ready to catch residual coolant. Cap open hose ends to prevent contamination.
4. 4

   Remove steering column trim and instrument cluster surround
   Remove upper and lower steering column trim covers by releasing clips and removing Torx fasteners. Remove instrument cluster surround trim by carefully pulling outward from top edge and releasing clips around perimeter. Disconnect any switches or connectors attached to removed trim pieces.
5. 5

   Remove main dashboard center trim assembly
   Starting from bottom, carefully release clips securing center touchscreen/dashboard trim assembly. Work around perimeter releasing all clips. Once clips are released, pull assembly forward approximately 2 inches. Disconnect all electrical connectors on rear of assembly including touchscreen, climate controls, and USB ports. Remove assembly from vehicle.
6. 6

   Access HVAC housing
   Locate HVAC housing behind center dashboard area. Remove metal bracket securing HVAC housing (typically 2-3 bolts on passenger side). Disconnect electrical connectors from blend door actuators and temperature sensors on HVAC housing. Label all connectors for proper reinstallation.
7. 7

   Remove HVAC housing cover
   Locate fasteners securing HVAC housing cover (combination of screws and clips). Remove all fasteners and carefully separate housing cover. The heater core is contained within the housing near the firewall on passenger side. Note position of any foam seals or insulation.
8. 8

   Remove heater core mounting hardware
   Locate heater core mounting bracket and remove securing screws or bolts. Release any retaining clips holding heater core in position. Carefully note routing of any thermal sensors attached to heater core tubes.
9. 9

   Extract heater core
   Carefully slide heater core out of HVAC housing toward passenger footwell area. Work slowly to avoid damaging surrounding components or bending heater core tubes. Have towels ready as residual coolant will drain from core. Inspect heater core tubes at firewall for any remaining O-rings or seals and remove.
10. 10

    Prepare and install new heater core
    Inspect HVAC housing for any debris or old seal material and clean thoroughly. Install new O-rings on new heater core inlet and outlet tubes with light coating of fresh coolant as lubricant. Install new foam seal on heater core if applicable. Carefully slide new heater core into HVAC housing, ensuring proper alignment with firewall penetrations.
11. 11

    Secure heater core and reassemble HVAC housing
    Install heater core mounting bracket and secure with fasteners. Reconnect any thermal sensors to heater core tubes. Reinstall HVAC housing cover, ensuring all foam seals are properly positioned. Secure cover with all original fasteners. Reconnect blend door actuators and temperature sensor connectors.
12. 12

    Reconnect heater core hoses
    From engine bay, reconnect heater core inlet and outlet hoses to heater core tubes at firewall. Ensure hoses are fully seated on tubes. Install new spring clamps or reuse original clamps if in good condition. Verify connections are secure.
13. 13

    Refill cooling system
    Add EV Battery/Motor Coolant to cooling system through fill port. Fill slowly to allow air to escape. Total system capacity is 10 quarts. If available, use vacuum fill tool to ensure complete fill and eliminate air pockets. Fill to proper level on expansion tank.
14. 14

    Bleed cooling system
    With cooling system filled, reconnect 12V battery. Start vehicle and activate climate control to maximum heat setting. Allow system to run for 10 minutes while monitoring coolant level. Add coolant as needed. Check for leaks at heater core connections in engine bay and observe temperature readings on vehicle display for proper operation.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all dashboard trim panels in reverse order of removal, ensuring all clips are properly seated
2. Reinstall steering column trim and instrument cluster surround
3. Reconnect all electrical connectors, verifying proper seating
4. Reinstall center dashboard assembly, connecting all electrical connectors before securing trim
5. Verify all HVAC controls and touchscreen functions operate correctly
6. Exit service mode through vehicle touchscreen settings

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify no warning lights or error messages related to cooling system or HVAC
• Test heater operation at all temperature settings and fan speeds, confirming warm air delivery
• Check for coolant leaks at heater core hose connections in engine bay with system at operating temperature
• Verify coolant level is correct in expansion tank after system has reached operating temperature
• Monitor vehicle thermal management system through service menu to confirm proper coolant flow and temperature regulation
• Inspect passenger floor area for any signs of coolant leakage over next several drive cycles
• Test defrost function to ensure proper airflow distribution

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