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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Tail light gasket/seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Push-pin retainers (if damaged) × 5 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off vehicle and remove key fob from vicinity
3. Open rear cargo doors for interior access
4. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for system discharge
5. Clean tail light area to prevent dirt from entering vehicle during removal
6. Protect surrounding paint with masking tape if desired

Procedure

1. 1

   Access interior trim panel
   From inside the cargo area, locate the interior trim panel adjacent to the tail light assembly. Use plastic trim tools to carefully release the push-pin retainers securing the panel. Start at the bottom edge and work upward to avoid breaking clips. Remove the panel and set aside in a safe location.
2. 2

   Disconnect tail light wiring harness
   Locate the tail light electrical connector behind the trim panel. Press the locking tab on the connector and pull straight back to disconnect. If equipped with multiple connectors for different lighting functions, photograph their positions before disconnecting all connections. Verify 12V battery is disconnected before proceeding.
3. 3

   Remove interior mounting nuts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the mounting nuts accessible from the interior side of the tail light assembly. There are typically 3-4 nuts securing the assembly. Keep nuts organized for reinstallation. Support the tail light assembly from the exterior side if possible to prevent it from falling when final fasteners are removed.
4. 4

   Remove exterior fasteners
   From the exterior of the vehicle, locate any Torx fasteners securing the tail light assembly. Use T20 or T30 driver as appropriate to remove these screws. Check both the outer edge and near the cargo door opening for additional fasteners. Some fasteners may be concealed under small plastic caps that must be pried out first.
5. 5

   Release tail light assembly
   With all fasteners removed, gently pull the tail light assembly straight back from the body. The assembly may have alignment pins or clips that require slight rocking motion to release. Do not force or pry against painted surfaces. If resistance is felt, verify all fasteners have been removed.
6. 6

   Inspect and clean mounting area
   With the old tail light removed, inspect the mounting surface for damage, corrosion, or debris. Clean the mounting flange and body panel with a clean cloth. Check the condition of the wiring harness for any signs of damage, corrosion, or chafing. Inspect alignment pins and grommets in the body panel.
7. 7

   Prepare new tail light assembly
   Remove the new tail light assembly from packaging carefully. Install the new gasket or seal around the perimeter of the assembly, ensuring it seats properly in the groove. Do not reuse the old gasket as this may cause water leaks. Verify all alignment pins and mounting points are clean and undamaged.
8. 8

   Install new tail light assembly
   Position the new tail light assembly to the body panel, aligning the mounting pins with their corresponding holes. Push the assembly firmly into place ensuring the gasket compresses evenly around the entire perimeter. The assembly should sit flush with the body panel with no gaps visible.
9. 9

   Install exterior fasteners
   From the exterior, install and hand-tighten all Torx screws. Do not fully tighten yet. Ensure the tail light remains properly aligned and flush before proceeding. If equipped with plastic caps over fastener holes, set aside for final installation.
10. 10

    Install interior mounting nuts
    From the interior cargo area, install the mounting nuts onto the studs and hand-tighten with a 10mm socket. Tighten in a cross-pattern to ensure even pressure distribution. Snug fasteners firmly but do not overtighten as this may crack the tail light housing or compress the gasket excessively.
11. 11

    Final tighten all fasteners
    Return to exterior and final tighten all Torx screws using appropriate driver. Tighten firmly but avoid excessive force on plastic housings. Verify tail light assembly remains flush and properly aligned after tightening. Install any plastic caps over exposed fastener holes.
12. 12

    Reconnect wiring harness
    From the interior, reconnect all tail light electrical connectors, ensuring each connector clicks firmly into place. Verify connectors are fully seated and locking tabs are engaged. Route wiring to avoid pinch points when reinstalling interior trim.
13. 13

    Reinstall interior trim panel
    Position the interior trim panel and align all push-pin retainer locations. Press firmly around all clip locations to seat the panel securely. Verify the panel sits flush with no gaps or misalignment. Replace any damaged push-pins with new retainers.
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and initialize system
    Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal. The vehicle may require a few minutes to initialize systems. Turn the vehicle to ON position (do not drive) to power up electrical systems and prepare for functional testing.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
2. Verify tail light gasket is properly compressed with no visible gaps
3. Confirm interior trim panel is securely fastened with all clips engaged
4. Check that cargo doors open and close without interference from tail light assembly

Verification

• Turn vehicle to ON position and verify all tail light functions operate correctly: running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights
• Have an assistant operate each lighting function while you verify proper operation from outside the vehicle
• Check for any warning lights or error messages on the instrument cluster related to exterior lighting
• Inspect tail light assembly perimeter for proper sealing and alignment with body panel
• Test vehicle lighting in dark conditions if possible to verify proper light output and aim
• Spray tail light assembly with water to verify gasket seal is waterproof with no leaks visible from interior

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