Replacement of tail light bulb assembly on the 2022 Rivian EDV 500 commercial delivery van, requiring removal of interior cargo area panels to access the rear light assemblies.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light bulb assembly × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Interior trim panel clips (if damaged) × 5 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off vehicle completely and remove key fob from interior
3. Open rear cargo doors fully and secure them in open position
4. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal located in front cargo area
5. Allow 5 minutes for vehicle electrical systems to fully discharge
6. Clear cargo area of any items near the affected tail light side
7. Photograph interior trim panel arrangement for reassembly reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Access interior cargo area panel
   From inside the cargo area, locate the interior side panel on the same side as the tail light requiring service. The panel covers the rear pillar and tail light assembly access area.
2. 2

   Remove lower cargo tie-down anchors
   Using the 10mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the lower cargo tie-down anchors that overlap the interior panel. Set hardware aside in a safe location.
3. 3

   Remove interior panel fasteners
   Using the T25 Torx driver, remove the four Torx screws securing the interior side panel. Screws are located along the forward edge and upper section of the panel. Keep screws organized for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Release panel retention clips
   Using trim panel removal tools, carefully pry the panel away from the body starting at the bottom rear corner. Work around the perimeter to release the plastic push clips. There are typically 8-10 clips holding the panel. Pull the panel back gently to avoid breaking clips.
5. 5

   Remove interior panel
   Once all clips are released, carefully pull the panel away from the body. Note the routing of any electrical connections or harness clips attached to the panel. Set the panel aside in a protected area to prevent scratches.
6. 6

   Locate tail light assembly
   With the interior panel removed, locate the tail light assembly mounted to the rear body panel. Identify the electrical connector and mounting hardware. Use the flashlight to inspect the entire assembly and mounting points.
7. 7

   Disconnect tail light electrical connector
   Locate the multi-pin electrical connector attached to the back of the tail light assembly. Press the locking tab and carefully pull the connector straight back to disconnect. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
8. 8

   Remove tail light mounting fasteners
   Using the T30 Torx driver, remove the three Torx bolts securing the tail light assembly to the body from inside the cargo area. Support the tail light assembly from the outside if possible to prevent it from falling.
9. 9

   Remove tail light assembly
   Carefully pull the tail light assembly straight back from the exterior of the vehicle. The assembly is sealed with a rubber gasket, so firm even pressure may be required. Inspect the gasket and body mounting surface for damage or debris.
10. 10

    Inspect and clean mounting area
    Clean the body mounting surface with a clean microfiber cloth. Remove any dirt, debris, or old gasket material. Inspect the mounting holes and electrical connector for corrosion or damage.
11. 11

    Install new tail light assembly
    Position the new tail light assembly into the body opening from the exterior, ensuring the rubber gasket is properly seated. Align the mounting holes and ensure the assembly sits flush against the body.
12. 12

    Install mounting fasteners
    From inside the cargo area, install the three T30 Torx bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Then tighten in a crisscross pattern to ensure even seating. Tighten firmly but do not overtighten as this may crack the assembly housing.
13. 13

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Connect the multi-pin electrical connector to the back of the new tail light assembly. Push firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated.
14. 14

    Test tail light operation
    Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery. Turn on the vehicle and test all tail light functions including running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights. Verify proper operation before reinstalling interior panels.

Reassembly

1. Position the interior side panel back into place, aligning all mounting points
2. Press the panel firmly to engage all push clips, working from the center outward
3. Install the four T25 Torx screws along the panel edges
4. Reinstall the cargo tie-down anchor bolts using the 10mm socket
5. Verify all panel edges are flush and properly seated
6. Test all tail light functions one final time from outside the vehicle

Verification

• With vehicle powered on, verify running lights illuminate properly
• Test brake lights by pressing brake pedal and having assistant verify illumination
• Test turn signals on the replaced side for proper operation and flash rate
• Test reverse lights by shifting into reverse
• Inspect tail light assembly from outside to ensure it is properly seated and flush with body
• Check for any light leaks or gaps around the assembly gasket
• Verify interior panel is securely fastened with no rattles or loose clips
• Clear any fault codes in the vehicle system using diagnostics if warning lights remain

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