Wiper Motor - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wiper motor on the 2022 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wiper motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear wiper motor mounting gasket/seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Interior trim panel clips (if damaged) — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake.
2. Ensure rear wiper is in the parked position.
3. Open rear cargo doors for access.
4. Disconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for system power-down.
5. Gather all required tools and replacement parts.
6. Clean the rear wiper arm and surrounding area to prevent debris from entering the mechanism.

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark and remove rear wiper arm
   Use masking tape to mark the exact position of the wiper blade on the glass for proper alignment during reinstallation. Lift the wiper arm away from the glass and locate the small release tab at the base of the arm near the pivot. Press the release tab while pulling the wiper arm straight off the splined shaft. If stuck, gently rock the arm while pulling.
2. 2

   Remove wiper arm cover cap
   Carefully pry off the plastic cover cap at the base of the wiper spindle using a trim removal tool or small flathead screwdriver. This cap covers the wiper motor mounting hardware. Set the cap aside in a safe location.
3. 3

   Remove exterior trim nut
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the spindle nut on the exterior of the rear door. This nut secures the wiper motor spindle through the door skin. Keep the nut and any washers in a safe place for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove rear door interior trim panel
   From inside the cargo area, locate all trim panel fasteners on the rear door interior panel. Use a trim removal tool to carefully release the panel clips starting from the bottom corners and working upward. Gently pull the panel away from the door frame. There may be electrical connectors for door switches or sensors that need to be disconnected before fully removing the panel.
5. 5

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor electrical connector behind the door panel. Press the locking tab on the connector and carefully pull it straight out from the wiper motor. If equipped with a secondary locking tab, release it first before attempting to disconnect the main connector.
6. 6

   Remove wiper motor mounting fasteners
   Using a T30 Torx driver, remove the three mounting bolts securing the wiper motor assembly to the rear door structure. Support the motor with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from dropping. Note the position of any ground wires or brackets attached to the mounting bolts.
7. 7

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully maneuver the wiper motor assembly away from the door skin, guiding the spindle through the mounting hole. The motor may need to be angled or rotated slightly to clear internal door structures. Remove the motor from the door cavity and inspect the mounting gasket/seal.
8. 8

   Clean mounting surface and inspect components
   Clean the mounting surface on the door skin where the motor seals, removing any old gasket material, dirt, or debris. Inspect the door structure for any signs of water intrusion or damage. Check the wiper spindle hole for any cracks or deformation. Clean the spindle shaft threads with a shop towel.
9. 9

   Install new wiper motor gasket
   Install the new mounting gasket/seal onto the replacement wiper motor assembly, ensuring it is properly seated in the motor's mounting flange groove. Verify the gasket is oriented correctly with any drainage channels or alignment features positioned as designed.
10. 10

    Install new wiper motor assembly
    Guide the wiper motor spindle through the mounting hole in the door skin from the interior side. Align the motor mounting holes with the door structure mounting points. Ensure the motor is oriented correctly with the electrical connector accessible and facing the proper direction.
11. 11

    Install motor mounting fasteners
    Install the three T30 Torx mounting bolts through the motor mounting bracket into the door structure. Reattach any ground wires or brackets to their original mounting positions. Tighten the bolts in a cross pattern to ensure even gasket compression and proper sealing. Tighten securely but do not over-torque plastic mounting bosses.
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Reconnect the wiper motor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Verify the locking tab is engaged. Gently tug on the connector to confirm it is secure.
13. 13

    Reinstall exterior spindle nut
    From the exterior, install any washers and the 10mm spindle nut onto the wiper motor shaft. Tighten the nut securely to prevent spindle play, but do not over-tighten as this can bind the motor mechanism.
14. 14

    Test wiper motor operation before final assembly
    Temporarily reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal. Turn the ignition to ON and activate the rear wiper to verify proper motor operation in all speed settings and ensure the motor parks correctly in the rest position. Check for any unusual noises or binding. Disconnect the battery again before proceeding.
15. 15

    Reinstall interior trim panel and wiper arm
    Reconnect any electrical connectors for the door panel components. Align the trim panel with the door and firmly press it into place to engage all retaining clips. Install the wiper arm onto the splined shaft, aligning it with the position marks made during removal. Install the cover cap over the spindle base.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all interior trim panels and ensure all clips are fully seated.
2. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and allow the vehicle systems to initialize.
3. Verify wiper arm is positioned correctly in the park position before first use.

Verification

• Reconnect the 12V battery and start the vehicle.
• Test the rear wiper in all operational modes: single wipe, intermittent, and continuous operation.
• Verify the wiper parks in the correct position when turned off.
• Check for proper wiper blade contact across the entire sweep pattern.
• Inspect around the wiper motor mounting area for any water leaks during or after the next vehicle wash.
• Ensure all interior trim panels are secure with no rattles or gaps.
• Verify no warning lights or error messages appear on the instrument cluster related to the rear wiper system.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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