Power Seat Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a power seat motor in a 2022 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power seat motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Seat motor wiring harness (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative terminal of 12V auxiliary battery located under driver seat area or front compartment
3. Move seat to full forward and full up position for best access to motor
4. Allow at least 10 minutes after battery disconnect before proceeding with work
5. Place protective covering on seat upholstery to prevent damage during repair

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove seat lower trim panels
   Using trim panel removal tools, carefully pry off the lower seat trim covers on both sides of the seat base. These covers conceal the seat track mounting bolts and motor access. Start at the rear edge and work forward to release the plastic clips without breaking them.
2. 2

   Disconnect seat electrical connectors
   Locate the main seat wiring harness connector under the seat. Press the locking tab and disconnect the main connector. If the affected motor has a separate connector, disconnect it as well. Mark or photograph connector positions for correct reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove seat track mounting bolts
   Using a 13mm socket with extension, remove the four bolts securing the seat tracks to the floor. There are two bolts per track, one at the front and one at the rear. Support the seat weight while removing the final bolts.
   ⚠Seat assembly weighs approximately 60-80 lbs; have an assistant help lift seat or use proper support
4. 4

   Remove seat from vehicle
   With all mounting bolts removed and electrical connections disconnected, carefully lift the seat assembly straight up and out of the vehicle. Place on a protected workbench or clean surface with adequate lighting. Ensure all wiring is clear before removing seat.
5. 5

   Access the seat motor
   With the seat on the workbench, locate the failed motor (horizontal, vertical, or recline motor). The motors are typically mounted on the inboard side of the seat tracks with T30 Torx bolts. Remove any plastic covers or shields that block access to the specific motor being replaced.
6. 6

   Disconnect motor from drive mechanism
   Identify where the motor output shaft or gear engages with the seat adjustment mechanism. This may be a splined connection, gear mesh, or cable drive depending on motor type. Note the orientation and position before disengaging. Some motors may require removal of a retaining clip or collar.
7. 7

   Remove motor mounting fasteners
   Using a T30 Torx bit, remove the bolts securing the motor to the seat track or frame. Most Rivian seat motors use 2-3 mounting bolts. Support the motor as you remove the final fastener to prevent it from falling.
8. 8

   Remove motor electrical connection
   If not already disconnected, remove the electrical connector from the motor itself. Press the locking tab and pull straight back. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage that may have contributed to motor failure.
9. 9

   Install new motor
   Position the new motor in the same orientation as the removed unit. Ensure any drive gears or shafts are properly aligned with the seat mechanism before securing. Connect the electrical connector to the new motor, ensuring it clicks into place.
10. 10

    Secure motor mounting bolts
    Install the T30 Torx mounting bolts and tighten in a crossing pattern to ensure even seating. Tighten securely but do not over-torque as the mounting points may be aluminum or plastic composite. Verify motor is solidly mounted with no movement.
11. 11

    Test motor operation on bench
    Before reinstalling the seat, reconnect the 12V battery and the seat main harness connector. Use the seat controls to verify the new motor operates correctly through its full range of motion. Check for smooth operation without binding or unusual noise. Disconnect battery again before reinstalling seat.
12. 12

    Reinstall seat assembly
    Carefully lift the seat assembly and lower it into position in the vehicle, ensuring all wiring harnesses are routed properly and not pinched. Align the mounting holes in the seat tracks with the floor mounting points.
13. 13

    Install seat mounting bolts
    Install all four 13mm seat track mounting bolts finger-tight first, then tighten in a diagonal pattern to ensure even seating. Tighten securely to prevent seat movement during vehicle operation.
14. 14

    Reconnect electrical system
    Reconnect all seat electrical connectors, ensuring each one clicks securely into place with locking tabs engaged. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall lower seat trim panels by aligning clips and pressing firmly until all clips engage
2. Ensure no wiring is pinched between trim panels and seat structure
3. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked

Verification

• Test all seat adjustment functions (forward/back, up/down, recline) through full range of motion
• Verify seat operates smoothly without binding, hesitation, or unusual noise
• Check that seat locks securely in all positions
• Confirm no warning lights or seat-related fault codes appear on instrument cluster
• Verify seat position memory functions (if equipped) operate correctly
• Perform a final inspection to ensure all trim panels are properly installed and all fasteners are tight

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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