Sunroof Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the sunroof motor assembly on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Sunroof motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Headliner trim clips (replacement set) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Motor mounting grommets × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake
2. Disconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and wait 3 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
3. Close the sunroof completely if operational before beginning work
4. Remove all items from the cabin that could be damaged by falling debris
5. Cover the front seats with protective material to prevent damage during overhead work

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove overhead console assembly
   Using the trim panel removal tool, carefully pry down the overhead console starting at the rear edge. Release the retaining clips along both sides. Disconnect the wire harness connectors for interior lighting and any other integrated functions. Lower the console and set aside in a safe location.
2. 2

   Lower headliner sections
   Remove the front sun visor mounting screws using the T30 Torx driver. Remove the A-pillar trim covers on both sides using the trim removal tool. Carefully pull down the headliner forward section approximately 6-8 inches to access the sunroof motor area. Use headliner support stands or have an assistant support the headliner to prevent stress on the material.
3. 3

   Access sunroof motor compartment
   Locate the sunroof motor access panel near the front of the sunroof opening. Remove the T20 Torx screws securing the protective cover (typically 4-6 screws). Carefully remove the cover and set aside with hardware. The sunroof motor assembly will now be visible mounted to the sunroof track mechanism.
4. 4

   Disconnect motor electrical connector
   Locate the wire harness connector on the sunroof motor. Use masking tape to mark the connector orientation. Press the release tab on the connector and carefully disconnect it from the motor. If equipped with a secondary ground wire, remove the 10mm nut securing the ground connection.
5. 5

   Release motor drive cable
   Identify the drive cable connection point on the motor output shaft. The cable typically has a quick-release clip mechanism. Compress or release the retaining clip and slide the drive cable off the motor output gear. Note the cable routing for reinstallation.
   ⚠Do not force the cable release. Inspect for a secondary locking mechanism if it does not release easily
6. 6

   Remove motor mounting fasteners
   Using the T30 Torx driver or 10mm socket as applicable, remove the mounting bolts securing the sunroof motor to the track assembly (typically 3-4 bolts). Support the motor with one hand while removing the final fastener to prevent it from falling.
7. 7

   Extract sunroof motor
   Carefully maneuver the motor assembly out of the mounting bracket, taking care not to damage surrounding components or wiring. Inspect the mounting location for debris, damaged grommets, or wear on the track mechanism. Clean the mounting surface if necessary.
8. 8

   Install new motor mounting grommets
   If the motor mounting grommets are worn or damaged, replace them with new ones. Press the new grommets firmly into the mounting holes on the track assembly until fully seated.
9. 9

   Position and mount new motor
   Position the new sunroof motor into the mounting bracket, aligning the mounting holes. Install the mounting bolts hand-tight initially, ensuring proper alignment. Tighten the mounting bolts in a cross pattern to ensure even seating. Since no torque specifications are provided, tighten securely but do not over-torque the fasteners.
10. 10

    Connect drive cable
    Align the drive cable with the motor output gear following the routing noted during disassembly. Push the cable onto the gear until the retaining clip engages with an audible click. Verify the connection is secure by gently pulling on the cable.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Reconnect the wire harness connector to the sunroof motor, ensuring proper orientation based on the marks made during removal. The connector should click into place. If equipped, reinstall the ground wire and secure with the 10mm nut, tightening securely.
12. 12

    Reinstall motor access cover
    Position the protective access cover over the motor assembly and secure with the T20 Torx screws. Ensure all screws are properly started before final tightening to avoid cross-threading.

Reassembly

1. Carefully raise the headliner back into position, ensuring no wiring is pinched
2. Reinstall the A-pillar trim covers by pressing firmly until all clips engage
3. Reinstall the sun visors and tighten mounting screws securely
4. Reconnect all wire harness connectors to the overhead console
5. Install the overhead console by aligning the clips and pressing upward until all clips engage
6. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal

Verification

• Turn the ignition to ON position and verify the sunroof control panel illuminates properly
• Test sunroof operation through its full range of motion: tilt open, fully open, and fully closed
• Verify sunroof stops correctly at all preset positions and end-of-travel points
• Listen for unusual noises during operation that might indicate improper drive cable connection
• Test the sunroof motor from both the driver's control and any secondary control locations
• Perform a sunroof initialization/calibration procedure if required per Rivian service information
• Verify no error codes are present in the vehicle's system using the dashboard display
• Check that all interior trim pieces are properly secured and aligned

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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