This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the tail light assembly on a 2024 Rivian EDV 500 commercial delivery van, including interior trim removal and electrical connector access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Tail light gasket/seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trim panel clips (if damaged) × 5 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
3. Open rear cargo doors for interior access to tail light mounting area
4. Verify replacement tail light part number matches original assembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove interior cargo area trim panel
   From inside the cargo area, locate the interior trim panel on the side of the tail light being replaced. Use trim panel removal tools to carefully release the retaining clips starting from the bottom and working upward. There are typically 5-7 clips securing the panel. Pull the panel away gently once all clips are released.
2. 2

   Access tail light mounting area
   With the interior trim panel removed, locate the rear of the tail light assembly. You should see the electrical connector and mounting hardware. Use a flashlight to inspect the area and identify all mounting fasteners.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the main electrical connector at the back of the tail light assembly. Press the locking tab on the connector while pulling it straight back from the tail light assembly. If connector is difficult to remove, check for secondary locking tabs or corrosion. Clean connector contacts with electrical contact cleaner if corrosion is present.
4. 4

   Remove interior mounting fasteners
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the three mounting nuts or bolts securing the tail light assembly from the interior side. Keep these fasteners organized as they will be reused. Support the tail light assembly from the exterior to prevent it from falling once fasteners are removed.
5. 5

   Remove tail light assembly from exterior
   From the exterior of the vehicle, gently pull the tail light assembly straight back from the vehicle body. The assembly should slide out of its mounting location. If resistance is felt, check for any remaining fasteners or clips. Remove and inspect the seal/gasket for damage.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surface
   Clean the mounting surface on the vehicle body where the tail light seals. Remove any old gasket material, dirt, or debris. Ensure the surface is dry and free from corrosion. Inspect the mounting holes and studs for damage.
7. 7

   Install new gasket on replacement tail light
   Place the new tail light gasket/seal onto the replacement tail light assembly, ensuring it is properly seated in its channel. The gasket should sit flush against the mounting surface of the tail light without gaps or wrinkles.
8. 8

   Position new tail light assembly
   From the exterior, carefully align the new tail light assembly with the mounting location on the vehicle body. Ensure the mounting studs or holes align properly. Gently press the assembly into position, making sure the gasket seats evenly against the body.
9. 9

   Install interior mounting fasteners
   From inside the cargo area, thread the mounting nuts or bolts onto the tail light assembly studs by hand. Once all fasteners are started, tighten them in a cross pattern using a 10mm socket. Tighten evenly to avoid distorting the tail light housing or compressing the gasket unevenly. Snug firmly but do not overtighten plastic mounting points.
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector firmly into the back of the tail light assembly until you hear or feel it click into place. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged. Gently tug on the connector to confirm it is secured.
11. 11

    Reinstall interior trim panel
    Position the interior trim panel back into place, aligning the clip locations with their receptacles. Press firmly on each clip location until all clips snap into place. Ensure the panel sits flush and does not have gaps.
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and clear fault codes
    Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal. Use a scan tool compatible with Rivian vehicles to check for and clear any lighting system fault codes that may have been set during the repair. If no scan tool is available, the codes may clear after several drive cycles.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify tail light assembly is flush with body panel and gasket is properly sealed
3. Check that all interior trim panels are securely clipped and properly aligned
4. Confirm no tools or parts are left in the cargo area

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and activate all lighting functions: running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights
• Walk around vehicle and verify all tail light functions operate correctly on the replaced assembly
• Check for proper light output and no condensation inside the lens
• Verify no warning lights or messages appear on the instrument cluster
• Inspect tail light assembly from exterior to ensure proper sealing and alignment with body panels
• Test drive vehicle and verify turn signals and brake lights function normally
• If scan tool is available, verify no active fault codes in the lighting system module

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