This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the tail light bulb assembly on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500 commercial delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light bulb assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Interior cargo trim clips (if damaged) × 4 — Rivian OEM trim clips

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off vehicle and remove key fob from cargo area to prevent accidental door closure
3. Clear cargo area to access interior side panels behind tail light location
4. Open rear cargo doors fully and secure in open position
5. Allow LED assemblies to cool if vehicle was recently operated (wait 10 minutes minimum)

Procedure

1. 1

   Access interior cargo trim panel
   From inside the cargo area, locate the interior side trim panel directly behind the tail light assembly requiring service. This panel covers the rear quarter area on either driver or passenger side depending on which tail light needs replacement.
2. 2

   Remove cargo area D-ring anchors
   Using the 10mm socket, remove the two D-ring cargo anchor bolts located on the lower portion of the trim panel. Store bolts safely for reinstallation. The D-rings can be moved aside but do not need to be fully removed from the vehicle.
3. 3

   Release trim panel clips
   Using plastic pry tools, carefully release the trim panel retaining clips. Start at the bottom rear corner and work upward. There are approximately 8-10 push clips holding the panel. Apply steady outward pressure near each clip location to avoid breaking the clips or panel.
4. 4

   Remove interior trim panel
   Once all clips are released, carefully pull the trim panel away from the body. Note any wiring harness connections for cargo lights or accessories. Disconnect any electrical connectors by depressing the locking tab and pulling straight out. Set panel aside in a protected area.
5. 5

   Locate tail light assembly mounting hardware
   With the trim panel removed, identify the tail light assembly mounting points. The assembly is secured from inside by three T25 Torx fasteners arranged in a triangular pattern around the perimeter of the light housing.
6. 6

   Disconnect tail light electrical connector
   Locate the main electrical harness connector attached to the back of the tail light assembly. Press the red locking tab to release the connector lock, then carefully pull the connector straight back to disconnect. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
7. 7

   Remove tail light mounting fasteners
   Using the T25 Torx driver, remove all three mounting fasteners securing the tail light assembly to the body. Support the light assembly from outside if possible or ensure it won't fall as the last fastener is removed. Keep fasteners organized for reinstallation.
8. 8

   Remove tail light assembly from exterior
   From outside the vehicle, carefully pull the tail light assembly straight back from the body opening. The assembly may have weatherstrip seal material creating resistance. Apply steady pressure and wiggle slightly if needed. Once released, remove the assembly completely from the vehicle.
9. 9

   Inspect mounting area and seals
   Inspect the body opening for any damage, corrosion, or debris. Check the condition of the weatherstrip seal on the body or old assembly. Clean the mounting surface with a lint-free cloth. If the seal remains on the body and is in good condition, it can be reused. If damaged or remains on old assembly, transfer to new unit or install new seal.
10. 10

    Prepare new tail light assembly
    Remove new tail light assembly from packaging. Verify correct part number matches vehicle side (driver or passenger). If weatherstrip seal is separate, install it onto the new assembly now, ensuring it's fully seated in the groove around the perimeter of the housing.
11. 11

    Install new tail light assembly
    From outside the vehicle, carefully align the new tail light assembly with the body opening. Ensure the weatherstrip seal is properly positioned. Push the assembly firmly into place, ensuring it sits flush with the body panel. The mounting studs should protrude through the mounting holes inside the cargo area.
12. 12

    Install mounting fasteners
    From inside the cargo area, thread the three T25 Torx fasteners by hand onto the tail light assembly mounting studs. Tighten in a star pattern (alternating between fasteners) to ensure even seating. Hand-tighten firmly but do not over-torque as the mounting points are plastic. Verify assembly is flush and properly aligned from outside.
13. 13

    Connect electrical harness
    Reconnect the main electrical harness connector to the back of the new tail light assembly. Push firmly until the red locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it's fully locked. Apply dielectric grease to the connection if desired for corrosion protection.
14. 14

    Test tail light operation
    Before reinstalling interior trim, turn on the vehicle and test all tail light functions: running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights. Have an assistant observe from outside or use a mirror. Verify all LED segments illuminate properly. If any function fails, verify connector is fully seated.
15. 15

    Reinstall interior trim panel
    Reconnect any cargo area electrical connectors to the trim panel. Align the trim panel with the body, ensuring all clips align with their mounting holes. Starting at the top, press firmly along each clip location until all clips snap into place. Reinstall the two D-ring cargo anchor bolts using the 10mm socket and tighten securely.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all trim panel clips are fully seated and panel is secure with no gaps
2. Verify D-ring cargo anchors are properly tightened and functional
3. Confirm no tools or fasteners were left in the cargo area or behind trim panels
4. Test rear cargo doors for proper operation and clearance with new tail light assembly

Verification

• Perform complete lighting system check: running lights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, and hazard lights
• Inspect tail light assembly from outside for proper fitment, alignment, and even gaps around perimeter
• Verify weatherstrip seal is making complete contact with no gaps or water intrusion points
• Check interior trim panel for secure installation with no rattles or loose clips
• Test vehicle communication system to ensure no lighting-related fault codes are present
• Take a short test drive and recheck all light functions including brake lights under actual driving conditions

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