Wiper Motor - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wiper motor assembly on the 2023 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wiper motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Interior trim panel clips (assorted) × 1 — Replace any damaged clips
• Wiper motor mounting seal/gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Open rear cargo doors for access to interior panels
3. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
4. Clean the exterior rear window and wiper area to prevent dirt contamination during interior panel removal
5. Have a container ready to organize fasteners and clips by location

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear interior trim panel
   Using trim panel removal tools, carefully pry and release the rear cargo area interior panel that provides access to the rear wiper motor. Start at the bottom corners and work upward to release the push-pin clips. Remove any visible Torx screws securing the panel, typically T25. Disconnect any electrical connectors for interior lighting or other accessories attached to the panel before fully removing it.
2. 2

   Access wiper motor mounting area
   With the interior panel removed, locate the rear wiper motor assembly mounted to the rear door or hatch from the inside. Remove any sound deadening material or protective covers that may obstruct access to the motor mounting bolts and electrical connector. Note the wire harness routing path.
3. 3

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor electrical connector. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the connector from the motor. If equipped with a secondary ground wire, remove the fastener securing the ground wire to the motor or body. Verify no voltage is present using a multimeter if desired.
4. 4

   Remove exterior wiper arm
   From the exterior of the vehicle, lift the wiper arm away from the glass. Locate the retaining nut at the base of the wiper arm (typically 13mm or 15mm). Remove the nut and pull the wiper arm straight off the motor shaft using a rocking motion. Some force may be required due to spline fit. Mark the wiper arm position on the glass with tape for proper reinstallation alignment.
5. 5

   Remove exterior trim and seal
   From the exterior, remove any decorative trim cap or cover over the wiper motor shaft area. Remove the rubber seal or grommet around the wiper shaft where it penetrates the rear glass or hatch. This may require gentle prying with a flathead screwdriver.
6. 6

   Remove wiper motor mounting fasteners
   From the interior, locate and remove all mounting bolts securing the wiper motor assembly to the rear hatch or door. These are typically three to four bolts in a circular pattern around the motor housing. Use appropriate socket size, likely 10mm or T30 Torx. Support the motor assembly as you remove the final fastener.
7. 7

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully pull the wiper motor assembly inward from the mounting location. Guide the motor shaft through the hole in the hatch panel. Take care not to damage the mounting surface or surrounding paint. Inspect the mounting seal for damage and replace if necessary.
8. 8

   Prepare new wiper motor
   Unpack the new rear wiper motor assembly and verify it matches the original unit. Install a new mounting seal or gasket onto the new motor if supplied separately. Ensure the motor is in the parked position before installation. Compare wire harness connector to ensure compatibility.
9. 9

   Install new wiper motor assembly
   From the interior, guide the new wiper motor shaft through the mounting hole in the rear hatch panel. Align the motor mounting holes with the threaded inserts or mounting surface. Ensure the seal is properly positioned to prevent water intrusion. Thread all mounting bolts by hand before tightening any fully.
10. 10

    Secure wiper motor mounting bolts
    Tighten all wiper motor mounting bolts in a cross pattern to ensure even seating. Tighten securely but avoid overtightening into plastic or composite materials. Verify the motor housing sits flush against the mounting surface with no gaps in the seal.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Reconnect the wiper motor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks firmly into place and the locking tab engages. Reattach any ground wire connections if present. Route the wire harness following the original path and secure with any clips that were removed.
12. 12

    Install exterior seal and wiper arm
    From the exterior, install the rubber seal or grommet around the wiper shaft. Replace any decorative trim cap. Align the wiper arm with the position mark made earlier (typically pointing toward passenger side when parked). Slide the wiper arm fully onto the splined shaft and install the retaining nut. Tighten the nut securely.
13. 13

    Reinstall interior trim panel
    Route any electrical connectors through the interior panel and reconnect them. Align the panel with the mounting location and press firmly to engage all push-pin clips. Reinstall any Torx screws that secure the panel. Verify the panel is secure and sits flush with no gaps.
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and initialize system
    Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal. The vehicle may require a brief initialization period. Access the vehicle infotainment system and verify no fault codes are present related to the rear wiper system.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all interior trim panels are properly secured with all clips fully engaged
2. Verify exterior wiper arm is tight and properly positioned in the park position
3. Check that all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
4. Inspect the seal around the wiper motor shaft for proper seating and no visible gaps

Verification

• Turn the vehicle to ON mode and test rear wiper operation in all speed settings (intermittent, low, high if equipped)
• Verify wiper arm returns to correct park position when turned off
• Spray washer fluid and verify wiper motor operates correctly with washer function
• Inspect for any water leaks around the wiper motor mounting area during testing
• Listen for any abnormal noises during wiper operation that could indicate improper installation
• Verify no warning lights or fault codes appear on the instrument cluster

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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