This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the side mirror assembly on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500, including disconnection of electrical connections and proper sealing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side mirror assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Door panel trim clips × 3 — Use OEM specification
• Mirror mounting gasket/seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wire ties × 5 — Generic black zip ties

Preparation

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake
2. Disconnect the 12V auxiliary battery located in the front trunk to prevent electrical shorts
3. Wait 2 minutes for electrical systems to fully discharge
4. Lower the affected window completely to provide access to interior mounting points
5. Protect the door panel and paint with masking tape around the mirror base

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel trim cover
   Using the trim panel removal tool, carefully pry off the triangular door panel trim cover at the front upper corner of the door panel where it meets the mirror base. This cover conceals the interior mirror mounting fasteners. Work from the rear edge of the trim piece forward to release the retaining clips without breaking them.
2. 2

   Disconnect mirror electrical connector
   Locate the main electrical connector for the side mirror behind the trim cover. Press the locking tab on the connector housing and carefully pull the connector apart. If the mirror is equipped with cameras or blind spot monitoring, there will be a secondary smaller connector that must also be disconnected using the same method.
3. 3

   Remove wire harness retention clips
   Cut or release any wire ties securing the mirror harness to the door frame. Note the routing path of the harness for reinstallation. The harness typically runs through a rubber grommet in the door frame near the hinge area.
4. 4

   Remove interior mounting fasteners
   Using the T25 Torx driver, remove the three fasteners securing the mirror assembly to the door frame from inside the door panel. Support the mirror assembly from the outside while removing the final fastener to prevent it from falling.
5. 5

   Remove mirror assembly
   While supporting the mirror from outside the vehicle, carefully pull the mirror assembly away from the door. Guide the electrical harness through the door opening as you remove the mirror. Inspect the mounting surface and gasket area for any damage or debris.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surface
   Remove the old gasket material from the door mounting surface using a plastic scraper. Clean the area thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol to ensure proper sealing of the new mirror assembly. Allow the surface to dry completely before proceeding.
7. 7

   Prepare new mirror assembly
   Install the new mounting gasket onto the base of the replacement mirror assembly. Ensure the gasket is properly seated in the groove around the entire perimeter of the mirror base. Route the electrical harness through the door opening from the outside.
8. 8

   Position and align new mirror
   Position the new mirror assembly onto the door mounting surface, ensuring the gasket seats properly against the door. Align the mounting holes with the door frame. The mirror should sit flush against the door with no gaps visible around the gasket.
9. 9

   Install interior mounting fasteners
   From inside the door panel area, install the three T25 Torx fasteners finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Then tighten the fasteners in a cross pattern to ensure even pressure on the gasket. Since no torque specifications are provided in the database, tighten fasteners to secure the mirror firmly without over-tightening, approximately 80-100 in-lbs based on fastener size.
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Connect the main electrical connector to the mirror harness, ensuring you hear and feel a positive click indicating the locking tab has engaged. If equipped, connect the secondary camera/blind spot monitoring connector. Gently tug on each connector to verify they are fully locked.
11. 11

    Secure wire harness
    Route the mirror harness along the original path noted during disassembly. Secure the harness to the door frame using new wire ties at the original retention points. Ensure the harness has adequate slack for door movement and will not be pinched when the trim panel is reinstalled.
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and test mirror functions
    Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery in the front trunk. Start the vehicle and test all mirror functions including power adjustment in all directions, heating elements if equipped, power folding if equipped, and any camera or blind spot monitoring displays. Verify smooth operation without binding or unusual noise.
13. 13

    Reinstall door panel trim cover
    Position the triangular door panel trim cover over the mounting area. Align the retaining clips with their receptacles and press firmly until all clips are fully seated. Verify the trim piece sits flush with no gaps around the edges.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully locked and seated
2. Verify the mirror gasket is properly compressed with no visible gaps that could allow water intrusion
3. Confirm all trim pieces are securely fastened and aligned properly
4. Check that wire harness routing matches factory configuration with proper slack for door operation

Verification

• Test all mirror adjustment functions in all directions to ensure full range of motion
• Verify mirror heating function operates correctly if equipped
• Test power folding function if equipped, ensuring smooth operation in both directions
• Check camera display and blind spot monitoring if equipped for proper operation
• Inspect for water leaks around the mirror base after car wash or rain
• Verify no wind noise or whistling from the mirror area at highway speeds
• Confirm no error messages or warnings related to mirror functions appear on the vehicle display

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