electrical
Headlight Switch
for 2022 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
2.0 h
Tools
9
Steps
15
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the headlight switch assembly on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, including dashboard trim removal and electrical connector access.
Warnings
⚠️Disconnect the 12V battery before beginning work to prevent electrical shorts and airbag deployment
⚠The high voltage system remains active even with 12V battery disconnected. Do not access orange high voltage cables
⚠Dashboard trim clips are fragile and can break easily. Use proper trim removal tools to avoid damage
ℹ️Allow vehicle to sit for at least 5 minutes after 12V disconnect before accessing electrical components
Tools required
Trim panel removal tool setEssential
T20 Torx driverEssential
T25 Torx driverEssential
10mm socketEssential
Ratchet and extension setEssential
Flathead screwdriver (small)
Needle-nose pliers
Digital multimeter
Work lightEssential
Parts
- Headlight switch assembly × 1 — Use OEM Rivian part number
- Dashboard trim clips (if damaged) × 5 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Ensure vehicle is in Park mode and powered off completely
- Open driver's door and leave open for access during procedure
- Locate 12V battery in front compartment under hood
- Disconnect negative terminal of 12V battery using 10mm socket
- Wait minimum 5 minutes for capacitor discharge and system reset
- Adjust steering wheel to lowest and most extended position for dash access
Procedure
- 1Remove lower driver's side knee bolsterUsing T20 Torx driver, remove three screws securing the lower knee bolster panel beneath the steering column. Gently pull the lower edge of the panel to release the retention clips, then lower the panel and set aside.
- 2Remove steering column trim coversLocate and remove the two T20 Torx screws at the bottom of the lower steering column cover. Separate the lower cover from the upper cover by gently pulling apart at the seam. Remove upper column cover by releasing the clip at the top near the instrument cluster and lifting upward.
- 3Access left dashboard end capOpen driver's door fully. Use trim removal tool to carefully pry the left dashboard end cap (located at the door opening edge) by releasing the three retention clips. Start at the rear edge and work forward. Remove end cap completely to expose side mounting points.
- 4Remove instrument cluster bezel screwsLocate and remove four T25 Torx screws securing the instrument cluster bezel. Two screws are located at the top edge near the windshield, and two are accessible from the left side after removing the end cap in the previous step.
- 5Release instrument cluster bezelCarefully pull the instrument cluster bezel away from the dashboard starting at the left side. Work around the perimeter releasing eight retention clips. Be careful around the climate vents to avoid damaging tabs. Once all clips are released, pull bezel forward approximately 2 inches but do not remove completely yet.
- 6Disconnect bezel electrical connectorsReach behind the bezel and locate electrical connectors for hazard switch, climate controls, and any other integrated switches. Press the locking tabs and disconnect each connector. Note orientation of each connector for reassembly. Now remove bezel completely and set aside on protected surface.
- 7Access headlight switch mountingWith the bezel removed, locate the headlight switch assembly on the left side of the dashboard structure. The switch is secured by two T25 Torx screws accessible from the front. Note the position of the switch and any surrounding wiring routing.
- 8Remove headlight switch mounting screwsRemove the two T25 Torx screws securing the headlight switch to the dashboard bracket. Support the switch assembly as you remove the second screw to prevent it from falling and pulling on the electrical connector.
- 9Disconnect headlight switch connectorPull the switch assembly forward carefully until the electrical connector is accessible. Locate the connector locking mechanism (slide lock type on Rivian EDV). Slide the gray locking tab toward the wire side, then squeeze the release tab and pull connector straight off the switch. Inspect connector pins and terminals for corrosion or damage.
- 10Install new headlight switchConnect the electrical connector to the new headlight switch by aligning the connector and pushing firmly until it clicks into place. Slide the gray locking tab back into the locked position. Verify the connection is secure by gently tugging on the wire harness.
- 11Mount new switch assemblyPosition the new headlight switch into the dashboard bracket, ensuring proper alignment with mounting holes and that no wires are pinched. Install the two T25 Torx screws and tighten securely by hand until snug. Do not overtighten as the mounting boss is plastic.
- 12Reconnect 12V battery and testBefore reinstalling trim panels, reconnect the negative terminal of the 12V battery. Close driver's door and power on the vehicle. Test headlight switch through all positions: off, parking lights, low beams, high beams, and auto mode if equipped. Verify switch illumination and detent feel. Also test fog lights if equipped. If any function does not work correctly, power down and recheck connector installation.
- 13Reinstall instrument cluster bezelWith battery still connected for verification, reconnect all electrical connectors to the back of the instrument cluster bezel (hazard switch, climate controls, etc.). Position the bezel over the dashboard, aligning all mounting tabs and clips. Starting at the top, press firmly around the entire perimeter to seat all eight retention clips until you hear them click into place.
- 14Secure bezel with screwsInstall and tighten the four T25 Torx screws to secure the instrument cluster bezel: two at the top edge and two at the left side. Tighten until snug but do not overtighten plastic mounting points.
- 15Reinstall remaining trim panelsReinstall the left dashboard end cap by aligning and pressing firmly to engage the three retention clips. Reinstall the upper steering column cover by positioning it over the column and seating the top clip near the instrument cluster. Install the lower steering column cover and secure with two T20 Torx screws at the bottom. Finally, reinstall the lower knee bolster panel by aligning the clips and pressing into place, then secure with three T20 Torx screws.
Reassembly
- Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before finalizing trim installation
- Verify all dashboard trim panels are flush and gaps are even around the perimeter
- Check that all screws are present and tightened appropriately for plastic components
- Confirm no loose tools or parts remain in dashboard cavity before closing panels
Verification
- Power on vehicle and cycle headlight switch through all positions multiple times
- Verify low beams, high beams, parking lights, and automatic headlight function all work correctly
- Check that headlight switch illumination functions properly when headlights are on
- Test fog lights if equipped on this vehicle
- Exit vehicle and visually confirm all exterior lights respond to switch inputs
- Verify turn signals and hazard lights still function properly after dashboard work
- Check for any dash rattles or loose trim by gently pressing on all reinstalled panels
- Ensure instrument cluster displays no warning lights related to lighting system