This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the third brake light (center high-mounted stop lamp) on the 2022 Rivian EDV 500 commercial van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Third brake light assembly × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Weatherstrip seal (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Push-in retaining clips (if broken) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. Turn ignition off and remove key fob from vehicle interior
4. Open rear cargo doors to access interior roof liner
5. Set up stable stepladder or work platform at rear of vehicle for exterior roof access
6. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal (located in front compartment)
7. Wait minimum 5 minutes for system capacitor discharge
8. Photograph existing third brake light wiring connections for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Access interior roof liner
   From inside cargo area, locate the headliner panel directly below the third brake light position. Use plastic trim removal tools to carefully release the push-pin fasteners securing the headliner panel. On EDV 500, there are typically 6-8 fasteners in this section. Work slowly to avoid breaking clips.
2. 2

   Lower headliner panel
   Once fasteners are released, gently lower the headliner panel to expose the back side of the third brake light assembly and wiring harness. Support the panel to prevent stress on any remaining clips or wiring.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the third brake light assembly. Press the locking tab and pull connector straight out. If connector is corroded or difficult to remove, apply electrical contact cleaner and allow to penetrate before attempting removal. Note connector orientation for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Test wiring harness
   With the light disconnected, use a multimeter to verify proper voltage at the harness connector. Have an assistant activate the brake pedal (ignition on, battery reconnected temporarily if necessary for testing). You should read approximately 12-14V DC when brakes are applied. If no voltage is present, diagnose wiring harness issue before proceeding.
5. 5

   Remove exterior mounting fasteners
   From outside on the roof, locate the T25 Torx fasteners securing the third brake light assembly to the roof panel. EDV 500 typically uses 4 fasteners arranged around the perimeter. Remove all fasteners and set aside. Check for any additional adhesive or sealant that may be securing the assembly.
6. 6

   Remove third brake light assembly
   Carefully lift the third brake light assembly away from the roof panel. The weatherstrip seal may cause resistance. Work slowly around the perimeter, using a plastic trim tool if necessary to break the seal. Feed the wiring connector up through the mounting hole as you remove the assembly from exterior.
7. 7

   Clean mounting surface
   Inspect the roof panel mounting surface and remove any old sealant, adhesive residue, or debris. Clean thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol. Check the mounting surface for cracks or damage that could compromise the seal. Inspect the rubber weatherstrip seal on the new light assembly.
8. 8

   Prepare new assembly
   Unpack the new third brake light assembly and verify it matches the original configuration. Check that all mounting holes align and the electrical connector is compatible. Apply a thin coating of dielectric grease to the electrical connector pins to prevent future corrosion.
9. 9

   Install new third brake light
   From inside the vehicle, feed the new wiring connector down through the roof opening. From outside, position the new third brake light assembly onto the roof panel, ensuring proper alignment with mounting holes. Press firmly to seat the weatherstrip seal evenly around the perimeter.
10. 10

    Install mounting fasteners
    Install all four T25 Torx fasteners finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Then tighten in a cross-pattern (opposite corners) to ensure even pressure on the seal. Tighten snugly but do not over-torque, as the composite roof panel can crack. Fasteners should be secure but not deforming the light housing.
11. 11

    Connect electrical harness
    From inside the vehicle, connect the electrical harness to the new third brake light assembly. Ensure the connector seats fully and the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connection to verify it is secure.
12. 12

    Test brake light function
    Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery. Turn the ignition on and have an assistant observe the third brake light while you press the brake pedal. Verify the light illuminates brightly and evenly. Test multiple times to ensure consistent operation. Check for any error messages on the instrument cluster.
13. 13

    Reinstall headliner panel
    Position the interior headliner panel back into place, ensuring no wiring is pinched. Reinstall all push-pin fasteners, working from the center outward. Verify the panel sits flush and all edges are properly secured.
14. 14

    Inspect seal and final verification
    From outside, inspect the weatherstrip seal around the entire perimeter of the third brake light to ensure it is seated properly with no gaps. Check for proper water seal. Perform a final brake light function test from outside the vehicle.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all interior trim panels are fully secured with no loose fasteners
2. Verify no tools or parts are left in the cargo area or on the roof
3. Check that electrical connector is fully seated and locked
4. Confirm weatherstrip seal has no gaps or misalignment that could allow water intrusion

Verification

• With ignition on, press brake pedal and verify third brake light illuminates consistently and brightly
• Check instrument cluster for any brake system warning lights or error messages
• Perform visual inspection of light assembly from rear of vehicle at various distances to ensure proper visibility
• Verify no water leaks around the assembly during next rain or car wash
• Test brake light operation after driving vehicle to ensure no vibration has loosened connections
• If equipped with trailer brake controller, verify third brake light still functions properly with trailer connected

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