This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the tail light assembly on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, including disconnecting electrical connectors and removing interior trim panels for access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Tail light gasket/seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Retaining clips (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
3. Open rear cargo doors for interior access to tail light mounting area
4. Clean exterior area around tail light assembly to prevent dirt from entering vehicle during removal
5. Take photos of connector routing and tail light position for reinstallation reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Access interior trim panel
   From inside the cargo area, locate the interior trim panel covering the tail light mounting area on the affected side. Use trim removal tools to carefully release the plastic clips securing the lower rear corner trim panel. Start at the bottom edge and work upward to avoid breaking clips.
2. 2

   Remove interior trim panel
   Once all clips are released, pull the trim panel away from the body to expose the tail light mounting nuts and electrical connector. Set the panel aside in a safe location to prevent damage.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the tail light electrical connector behind the assembly. Press the locking tab on the connector and carefully pull it straight out from the tail light assembly. Inspect the connector for corrosion or damage to pins.
4. 4

   Remove mounting fasteners
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the three mounting nuts securing the tail light assembly to the body from inside the cargo area. Keep nuts in a secure location for reinstallation. Note the position of any ground wires or brackets attached to the studs.
5. 5

   Release exterior clips
   Move to the exterior of the vehicle. Gently pull the outer edge of the tail light assembly away from the body while applying slight outward pressure. The assembly is secured by alignment pins and may have additional retaining clips on the outer edge that need to disengage.
6. 6

   Remove tail light assembly
   Carefully pull the tail light assembly straight back away from the vehicle body, ensuring all mounting studs clear their holes. Be careful not to scratch the surrounding paint. Inspect the mounting studs on the back of the assembly for damage.
7. 7

   Inspect and clean mounting area
   Examine the body mounting surface for damage, corrosion, or debris. Clean the mounting surface with a lint-free cloth. Check the condition of the tail light gasket/seal groove in the body panel and remove any old gasket material if present.
8. 8

   Prepare new tail light assembly
   Unpack the new tail light assembly and verify it matches the original part number and configuration. Install the new gasket/seal onto the back of the tail light assembly, ensuring it seats properly in the groove around the perimeter.
9. 9

   Install new tail light assembly
   From the exterior, carefully align the mounting studs on the new tail light assembly with the holes in the body panel. Insert the assembly straight into the opening, ensuring the gasket seats flush against the body and all three mounting studs protrude through to the interior side.
10. 10

    Secure mounting fasteners
    From inside the cargo area, thread the three 10mm mounting nuts onto the studs by hand. Tighten nuts in a cross pattern to ensure even pressure on the gasket. Tighten securely but do not overtighten to avoid cracking the tail light housing.
11. 11

    Connect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector firmly into the back of the tail light assembly until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
12. 12

    Reinstall interior trim panel
    Position the interior trim panel back into place, aligning all mounting clips with their respective holes. Press firmly along all edges until all clips snap into place. Ensure the panel sits flush with no gaps.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal and ensure secure connection
2. Verify all trim panels are properly secured with no rattles or gaps
3. Check that the tail light assembly sits flush with the body panel and the gasket is properly sealed

Verification

• Turn the ignition to ON position and activate all lighting functions: running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights
• Walk around the vehicle and visually confirm the new tail light assembly illuminates properly in all modes
• Check for proper operation of all individual LED segments within the tail light assembly
• Verify no warning lights or fault codes appear on the instrument cluster related to lighting systems
• Inspect the exterior seal for proper fitment with no light leakage around the edges
• Test turn signal operation and verify proper flash rate indicating correct electrical connection

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