electrical
Antenna
for 2022 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
Moderate
Time
2.0 h
Tools
8
Steps
13
✓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.
Remove and replace the roof-mounted cellular/GPS antenna assembly on the 2022 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery vehicle.
Warnings
⚠️Disconnect 12V battery and wait 5 minutes before beginning work to prevent airbag deployment and electrical system damage
⚠Vehicle must be parked on level ground with parking brake engaged
⚠Do not pull antenna cable forcefully through roof channels as damage to wire harness may occur
ℹ️Antenna replacement may require re-pairing with vehicle telematics system
Tools required
Plastic trim removal tool setEssential
Torx driver set (T20, T25, T30)Essential
Socket set with extensionsEssential
Wire terminal release tool kitEssential
Step ladder or work platformEssential
Shop towels
Masking tape
Multimeter
Parts
- Roof antenna assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Antenna base seal/gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Push-pin retainers × 6 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Disconnect 12V accessory battery located in front compartment
- Wait minimum 5 minutes for capacitor discharge
- Ensure roof surface is clean and dry
- Set up stable ladder or platform for safe roof access
- Mark antenna cable routing with masking tape if replacing entire assembly
Procedure
- 1Access interior headlinerFrom inside the cargo area, locate the headliner panel directly below the antenna location (typically center-rear of roof). Use plastic trim tools to carefully release the headliner retaining clips starting from the rear edge. Lower the headliner panel approximately 6-8 inches to expose the antenna cable routing and mounting hardware. Support the headliner to prevent damage.
- 2Disconnect antenna electrical connectorLocate the antenna cable connector attached to the vehicle wiring harness. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the connector. If equipped with multiple antenna cables (cellular, GPS, AM/FM), label each connection with tape to ensure correct reassembly. Use wire terminal release tool if connector is difficult to separate.
- 3Release cable from interior routing clipsFollow the antenna cable from the connector toward the roof penetration point. Release the cable from all routing clips and wire management channels using the trim removal tool. Note the exact routing path for reinstallation. Carefully free approximately 24 inches of cable length to allow removal through roof opening.
- 4Access exterior antenna baseUsing the step ladder, safely access the vehicle roof. Locate the antenna assembly on the roof surface. Clean any dirt or debris around the antenna base to prevent contamination from falling into the vehicle interior during removal.
- 5Remove antenna mounting fastenersUsing the appropriate Torx driver (typically T25 or T30), remove the fasteners securing the antenna base to the roof panel. Most Rivian EDV antennas use 3-4 fasteners in a circular pattern. Keep fasteners organized for reinstallation. Support the antenna assembly to prevent it from falling.
- 6Extract antenna assembly from roofCarefully lift the antenna assembly from the roof opening. Have an assistant inside the vehicle guide the antenna cable through the roof penetration point to prevent snagging. Remove the assembly completely and inspect the roof opening for damage or debris. Remove the old antenna base gasket.
- 7Inspect and clean mounting surfaceThoroughly clean the roof mounting surface around the antenna opening using shop towels. Remove all old adhesive residue or gasket material. Inspect the roof panel for corrosion, paint damage, or stress cracks. Check that the roof drain channels are clear of debris.
- 8Prepare new antenna assemblyUnpack the new antenna assembly and verify all components are included. Install the new base gasket onto the antenna mounting flange, ensuring proper alignment. If the gasket has adhesive backing, remove the protective liner. Inspect cable connectors for damage or corrosion.
- 9Route new antenna cableFrom the exterior, feed the new antenna cable through the roof opening. Have an assistant inside guide the cable to prevent binding. Route the cable through the same path as the original, securing it in all factory wire management clips and channels. Ensure adequate slack for connection without tension.
- 10Install antenna to roofPosition the new antenna assembly onto the roof mounting location, aligning the mounting holes with the roof panel. Ensure the base gasket is properly seated all around the perimeter. Hand-start all mounting fasteners before tightening. Tighten fasteners in a cross-pattern sequence to ensure even gasket compression. Do not overtighten as this may damage the gasket or roof panel.
- 11Connect interior wiringInside the vehicle, connect the antenna cable to the vehicle harness connector, ensuring a positive lock engagement. Match any labeled connections to their original positions. Verify connections are secure by gently pulling on each connector.
- 12Reinstall headliner panelCarefully raise the headliner panel back into position, ensuring no wires are pinched. Align the panel with all mounting points and press firmly to engage the retaining clips. Verify the headliner is flush and properly seated along all edges.
- 13Reconnect battery and initialize systemReconnect the 12V accessory battery in the front compartment. Turn the vehicle to ON position and allow the electrical system to initialize. Monitor the instrument cluster for any antenna-related fault codes or warnings.
Reassembly
- Ensure all interior trim panels are fully seated with no gaps
- Verify antenna cable has no tension or sharp bends in routing
- Check that roof gasket is uniformly compressed around entire antenna base
- Confirm no water leaks around antenna base by performing water test if possible
Verification
- Turn vehicle to ON position and verify no antenna-related fault codes appear
- Test cellular connectivity by accessing vehicle telematics features (if equipped)
- Verify GPS signal reception using navigation system
- Test AM/FM radio reception if antenna includes radio functionality
- Inspect antenna base from exterior for proper sealing and alignment
- Perform visual inspection of headliner for proper fitment
- If telematics issues occur, vehicle may require dealer programming to re-pair antenna module