This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the HVAC control panel in the 2025 Rivian EDV 500, including dashboard trim removal and electrical disconnection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• HVAC Control Panel × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Dashboard trim clips × 1 — Replace any broken clips
• Electrical connector seals × 1 — Replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off all vehicle systems and remove key fob from cabin
3. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 15 minutes for system discharge
4. Set steering wheel to straight-ahead position
5. Photograph or document all connector orientations before disconnection
6. Ensure ambient temperature is between 50-80°F for proper trim panel flexibility

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower steering column cover
   Using T20 Torx driver, remove the two screws securing the lower steering column cover. Gently pull the cover away from the column, releasing the snap clips at the rear. Set cover aside in a protected area to avoid scratches.
2. 2

   Remove instrument cluster bezel
   Starting at the top edge, use plastic pry tools to release the clips securing the instrument cluster bezel. Work carefully around the perimeter, releasing approximately 8 clips. Once all clips are released, pull the bezel forward and disconnect the ambient light connector on the back side. Remove bezel from vehicle.
3. 3

   Remove center console side panels
   Use trim removal tools to release the side panels on both left and right sides of the center console. These panels are held by 4 clips each. Pull outward gently to release each clip in sequence from front to back. Remove both panels completely to access the lower mounting points.
4. 4

   Disconnect center screen assembly
   Remove the four T25 Torx screws securing the center touchscreen assembly (two at top, two at bottom behind lower trim). Carefully pull the screen assembly forward approximately 2 inches. Locate and disconnect the three electrical connectors on the rear: main display connector, USB hub connector, and touch panel connector. Support the screen assembly and set aside on a soft surface.
5. 5

   Access HVAC control panel mounting
   With the center screen removed, the HVAC control panel is now visible in the lower center stack. Identify the panel location directly below where the screen was mounted. Locate the two T25 Torx mounting screws at the top edge of the HVAC control panel bracket.
6. 6

   Remove HVAC control panel fasteners
   Remove the two T25 Torx screws at the top of the HVAC control panel bracket. Locate and remove the two additional T20 Torx screws at the bottom edge, accessible from below through the center console opening. The panel should now be free to move forward.
7. 7

   Disconnect HVAC control panel connectors
   Carefully pull the HVAC control panel forward approximately 3-4 inches. Locate the main control connector (large gray 24-pin connector) and the secondary temperature sensor connector (small black 4-pin connector). Press the release tabs on each connector and carefully disconnect. Note the routing of the wiring harness for reinstallation.
8. 8

   Remove HVAC control panel
   With all electrical connections disconnected, remove the HVAC control panel from the dashboard. Inspect the mounting bracket and surrounding area for any damage or debris. Clean the mounting area if necessary before installing the new panel.
9. 9

   Install new HVAC control panel
   Position the new HVAC control panel near the mounting location. Connect the secondary temperature sensor connector first (4-pin black connector), then connect the main control connector (24-pin gray connector). Ensure both connectors click firmly into place. Verify proper seating by gently tugging on each connector.
10. 10

    Secure HVAC control panel
    Route the wiring harness to match the original configuration. Push the HVAC control panel into position, aligning the mounting holes. Install the two bottom T20 Torx screws hand-tight first, then the two top T25 Torx screws. Tighten all four screws in a cross pattern to ensure even seating of the panel. Do not overtighten.
11. 11

    Reinstall center screen assembly
    Connect the three electrical connectors to the rear of the center touchscreen assembly: touch panel connector, USB hub connector, and main display connector. Carefully position the screen assembly back into the dashboard opening. Install the four T25 Torx screws (two top, two bottom) and tighten evenly.
12. 12

    Reinstall trim panels
    Reconnect the ambient light connector to the instrument cluster bezel and position the bezel back onto the dashboard. Press firmly around all edges to engage the 8 retention clips. Install both center console side panels by aligning and pressing until all clips engage. Install the lower steering column cover and secure with the two T20 Torx screws.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and initialize system
    Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal. Enter the vehicle and power on the system using the brake pedal and power button. Allow the vehicle systems to initialize for approximately 2 minutes. The HVAC control panel display should illuminate and show the default climate settings.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the main procedure steps above
2. Ensure all trim panels are properly seated with no gaps or misalignment
3. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
4. Replace any damaged trim clips discovered during disassembly

Verification

• Power on the vehicle and verify the HVAC control panel display illuminates correctly
• Test all climate control functions: temperature adjustment, fan speed, mode selection, and defrost
• Verify automatic climate control responds properly to temperature changes
• Check for any fault codes using vehicle diagnostics or instrument cluster warnings
• Test heated and ventilated seat controls if integrated with HVAC panel
• Verify proper operation of recirculation and fresh air modes
• Confirm all touch inputs or buttons respond correctly with no dead zones
• Check that climate settings sync properly with the main touchscreen display
• Verify no rattles or loose panels when driving over rough surfaces
• Confirm proper ambient lighting function if equipped

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