Power Window Motor - Front

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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front power window motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Door panel retaining clips × 1 — Replace any broken clips

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery located in front compartment using 10mm socket
3. Wait 2 minutes for capacitive discharge before proceeding
4. Roll front window completely down if motor is still functional
5. Protect door sill area with towel or fender cover

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel
   Use panel removal tool to carefully pry out the door handle trim bezel. Remove the T20 Torx screw behind the bezel. Pry out the power window switch module by releasing the forward clip, then disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Remove T30 Torx screws from the bottom of the door panel (typically 3 screws). Lift the door panel upward to disengage the upper clips, then pull away from door frame.
2. 2

   Remove vapor barrier access
   Carefully peel back the adhesive vapor barrier sheet in the area around the window motor location. Only remove enough to access the motor mounting bolts - typically a 12-inch section in the lower rear quadrant of the door. Take care not to tear the barrier material.
3. 3

   Secure window glass
   If window is not already in the down position, manually raise the glass to approximately 6 inches from full up position. Use painter's tape to secure the glass to the door frame to prevent it from falling when motor is disconnected. Alternatively, install temporary window support blocks in the door channel.
4. 4

   Disconnect window regulator from motor
   Locate the window motor assembly mounted to the inner door structure. Identify the regulator arm connection to the motor drive gear. Remove the T30 Torx bolt securing the regulator arm to the motor sector gear. Carefully disengage the arm from the gear mechanism.
5. 5

   Disconnect motor electrical connector
   Locate the window motor electrical connector with red locking tab. Press the red secondary lock tab down, then press the primary connector release while pulling the connector straight off the motor terminals. Note the connector orientation for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove window motor mounting bolts
   Remove the three T30 Torx bolts securing the window motor to the door frame mounting bracket. Support the motor while removing the final bolt. Carefully maneuver the motor assembly through the door access opening, rotating as needed to clear internal door structures.
7. 7

   Install new window motor
   Position the new window motor assembly into the door cavity, aligning with the mounting bracket holes. Thread in the three T30 Torx mounting bolts by hand, ensuring proper alignment. Tighten bolts in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the motor. Since no torque specification is provided, tighten securely but do not overtighten.
8. 8

   Reconnect motor electrical connector
   Align the electrical connector with the motor terminals, ensuring correct orientation. Press firmly until the primary lock clicks into place. Push the red secondary lock tab up to the locked position. Gently tug on the connector to verify secure connection.
9. 9

   Connect regulator to motor
   Align the window regulator arm with the motor sector gear drive mechanism. Ensure full engagement of the arm into the gear teeth. Install the T30 Torx bolt through the regulator arm and tighten securely.
10. 10

    Test window operation
    Remove the tape or support blocks holding the window glass. Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery. Turn the vehicle to accessory mode and test window operation through full up and down cycles. Verify smooth operation with no binding, unusual noise, or hesitation. If window operates correctly, disconnect battery again for final assembly.
11. 11

    Reinstall vapor barrier and door panel
    Press the vapor barrier sheet firmly back into place, ensuring complete adhesive contact around all edges. Reinstall the door panel by aligning the upper clips and pressing downward, then secure the T30 Torx screws at the bottom. Reconnect the power window switch connector and snap the switch module into place. Install the T20 Torx screw behind the door handle trim and snap the bezel back into position.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with secondary locks engaged
2. Verify vapor barrier is completely sealed to prevent moisture intrusion into door cavity
3. Check that all door panel clips are properly engaged before testing
4. Replace any broken door panel clips to prevent rattles

Verification

• Reconnect 12V auxiliary battery and turn vehicle to accessory mode
• Test window operation through multiple complete up and down cycles from both driver controls and door-mounted switch
• Verify window auto-up and auto-down features function correctly if equipped
• Listen for any unusual noises during window operation
• Confirm window reaches full up position and seals properly against weatherstripping
• Check that window stops at full down position without over-travel
• Verify door panel is secure with no rattles when door is closed

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