Turn Signal Bulb - Front

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front turn signal bulb on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, which requires partial headlight assembly access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front turn signal LED bulb assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Retaining clips (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off all lighting systems and remove key fob from vehicle interior
3. Allow vehicle to sit for at least 5 minutes if recently driven to ensure all electronic systems have entered sleep mode
4. Open hood and secure with prop rod
5. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal (located in front compartment driver side)
6. Wait minimum 2 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
7. Identify which side (driver or passenger) requires bulb replacement

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front wheel well liner access panel
   Turn the steering wheel fully to the opposite side of the bulb being replaced to gain access to the wheel well. Remove the three T20 Torx screws securing the front portion of the wheel well liner. Carefully pull back the liner to expose the rear of the headlight assembly. Use a trim tool if necessary to release any clips without breaking them.
2. 2

   Access headlight assembly mounting points
   From the wheel well opening, locate the two 10mm bolts securing the outboard side of the headlight assembly. These bolts are positioned at the top and bottom of the assembly's outer edge. Do not remove these bolts yet, only identify their location for the next steps.
3. 3

   Remove front grille upper clips
   Open the hood and locate the four plastic clips along the top edge of the front grille section above the headlight. Use a trim panel tool to release these clips by prying upward gently. Remove the clips completely and store in a parts tray. On the EDV 500, these clips are reusable unless damaged.
4. 4

   Disconnect headlight electrical connectors
   Reach behind the headlight assembly from the wheel well access point. Locate the main headlight connector (large gray connector) and the turn signal sub-connector (smaller orange/yellow connector). Press the locking tab on each connector and pull straight back to disconnect. Support the connectors to prevent them from falling into the cavity.
5. 5

   Remove headlight assembly mounting fasteners
   Remove the two 10mm bolts from the wheel well side of the headlight assembly identified earlier. From under the hood, remove the single T25 Torx screw at the top center of the headlight assembly mounting bracket. Keep all fasteners organized by location.
6. 6

   Partially extract headlight assembly
   Carefully pull the headlight assembly forward approximately 2-3 inches. The assembly does not need to be completely removed. Pull gently and evenly to avoid binding on the mounting alignment pins. The turn signal bulb housing will now be accessible from the top and side.
7. 7

   Access turn signal bulb housing
   Locate the turn signal bulb housing on the lower outer corner of the headlight assembly. It is a cylindrical housing approximately 3 inches in diameter with a dust cover. The housing will have a quarter-turn locking ring visible from the rear of the assembly.
8. 8

   Remove turn signal bulb assembly
   Rotate the turn signal bulb housing counterclockwise approximately 90 degrees until it stops. Pull the housing straight back out of the headlight assembly. The LED bulb and connector are integrated into this housing. Inspect the rubber gasket on the housing for damage or deterioration.
9. 9

   Disconnect bulb electrical connector
   The turn signal bulb has a dedicated connector with a sliding lock mechanism. Slide the small locking tab toward the wire side while pulling the connector apart. Do not pull on the wires themselves. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
10. 10

    Install new turn signal bulb assembly
    Remove the new turn signal LED bulb assembly from its anti-static packaging. Connect the electrical connector to the new bulb assembly until you hear and feel a positive click of the locking tab. Inspect the rubber gasket on the new bulb housing to ensure it is properly seated and undamaged.
11. 11

    Reinstall bulb housing into headlight assembly
    Insert the new bulb assembly straight into the headlight housing socket. Align the tabs on the bulb housing with the slots in the headlight assembly. Push in fully, then rotate clockwise 90 degrees to lock. The bulb should be secure with no play or movement.
12. 12

    Reinstall headlight assembly
    Push the headlight assembly back into its original position, ensuring alignment pins engage properly with their mounting points. Install the T25 Torx screw at the top center mounting point first to stabilize the assembly. Then install the two 10mm bolts from the wheel well side. Hand-tighten all fasteners initially, then snug them down evenly.
13. 13

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Reconnect the turn signal sub-connector (orange/yellow) first, followed by the main headlight connector (gray). Ensure both connectors click fully into place and locking tabs engage properly. Gently tug on each connection to verify security.
14. 14

    Reinstall grille clips and wheel well liner
    Reinstall the four plastic clips along the top edge of the grille section. Press each clip firmly until it seats with an audible snap. Reposition the wheel well liner and install the three T20 Torx screws. Ensure the liner sits flush and does not interfere with tire movement.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal
2. Close hood and ensure proper latch engagement
3. Turn steering wheel back to center position
4. Do not force any trim panels or fasteners during reinstallation

Verification

• Turn the vehicle to ON mode (without starting drive motors) using the key fob
• Activate the turn signal for the side that was repaired and verify the front turn signal illuminates with proper amber color and flash rate
• Check that no warning messages appear on the instrument cluster regarding lighting system faults
• Verify the headlight assembly is properly seated with no gaps in the bodywork
• Test all other lighting functions (headlights, running lights, hazards) to confirm no unintended electrical issues
• Perform a walk-around inspection to ensure all trim panels and fasteners are secure
• If available, use Rivian service software to clear any stored fault codes related to the turn signal circuit

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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