Power Seat Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a power seat motor on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power seat motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trim panel clips (if broken) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect the 12V auxiliary battery located in the front compartment
3. Wait at least 2 minutes after battery disconnection for capacitor discharge
4. Move the seat to the full rearward position for easier access to mounting bolts
5. Adjust seat to mid-height position to access motor mounting points
6. Document seat connector positions with photos or labels

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower seat trim panels
   Using trim panel removal tools, carefully pry off the lower seat trim covers on both sides of the seat base. Start at the rear edge and work forward. Remove any Torx screws securing the trim panels before fully removing.
2. 2

   Access seat track mounting area
   Slide the seat fully forward to expose the rear mounting bolts. Remove the plastic covers over the seat track mounting points if present. These typically snap off or require a small flat tool to release.
3. 3

   Disconnect seat electrical connectors
   Locate the main wiring harness underneath the seat. Disconnect all electrical connectors leading to the seat motors and sensors. Press the release tabs and pull connectors straight apart. Note the routing of the wiring harness for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove seat track mounting bolts
   Using a socket and extension, remove the four seat track mounting bolts (two per side, front and rear). These are typically 13mm or 15mm bolts. Support the seat weight while removing the final bolts to prevent it from shifting.
5. 5

   Remove seat assembly from vehicle
   With an assistant, carefully lift the entire seat assembly out of the vehicle. The seat is heavy and awkward. Place it on a clean work surface with the bottom facing up. Use padding to protect the seat covering.
6. 6

   Identify and access the failed motor
   Locate the specific failed power seat motor. Common locations include: vertical motor (height adjustment), horizontal motor (fore/aft), recline motor (backrest angle), and lumbar motors. The motor will be mounted to the seat frame with 2-4 bolts.
7. 7

   Disconnect motor wiring
   Disconnect the electrical connector specific to the motor being replaced. Some motors may have integrated connectors while others connect through the main harness. Note wire colors and positions.
8. 8

   Remove motor mounting hardware
   Remove the bolts or screws securing the motor to the seat frame or gear assembly. These are typically Torx T30 or T40 bolts. Keep track of any spacers, washers, or alignment pins that may be present.
9. 9

   Separate motor from drive mechanism
   Carefully separate the motor from its drive gear or worm gear assembly. Some motors may have a snap-fit connection while others thread directly into the mechanism. Note the orientation and engagement depth for the new motor.
10. 10

    Install new power seat motor
    Install the replacement motor in the exact reverse order. Ensure the drive gear fully engages with the seat mechanism. Align any locating pins or tabs before tightening mounting bolts. Hand-tighten bolts first, then torque evenly in a cross pattern.
11. 11

    Reinstall seat assembly
    With assistance, carefully lower the seat assembly back into the vehicle. Align the seat tracks with the floor mounting points. Start all four mounting bolts by hand before tightening any of them to ensure proper alignment.
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical system
    Reconnect all seat electrical connectors, ensuring each connector clicks fully into place. Route the wiring harness as documented during disassembly to prevent pinching.
13. 13

    Reinstall trim panels
    Reinstall all seat trim panels and covers. Ensure all clips are properly seated and any screws are tightened. Verify no wiring is pinched between trim pieces.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery
2. Before fully securing all fasteners, test the seat operation through its full range of motion
3. Ensure all seat adjustments function smoothly without binding or unusual noise
4. Verify no warning lights appear on the instrument cluster related to seat systems

Verification

• Test all power seat functions including fore/aft, height adjustment, and recline through their complete range
• Verify the seat holds position when the ignition is cycled and does not creep or slip
• Check that all seat position memory functions work correctly if equipped
• Confirm no unusual noises, grinding, or hesitation during seat operation
• Verify the seat belt buckle and all safety systems function properly
• Clear any diagnostic trouble codes that may have been set during the repair

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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