This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front wiper motor assembly on the 2024 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wiper motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wiper linkage bushings (if deteriorated) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cowl seal (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Ensure wiper arms are in the parked (down) position
3. Open the hood and secure with prop rod
4. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal using 10mm wrench and wait 2 minutes
5. Remove any floor mats or protective covering from work area
6. Take reference photos of wiper arm positions and cowl area

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wiper arms
   Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield. Remove the protective cap at the base of each wiper arm. Use a 15mm socket to remove the wiper arm retaining nut on both driver and passenger sides. Mark the position of the arms on the spline with a marker. Carefully pull the wiper arms straight off the spline shafts using a rocking motion. If stuck, use a wiper arm puller tool.
2. 2

   Remove cowl panel and weatherstrip
   Carefully peel back the rubber weatherstrip seal along the rear edge of the hood opening where it meets the cowl. Remove the plastic cowl panel clips using trim removal tools - there are typically 8-10 clips along the cowl panel. Lift the cowl panel upward and toward the windshield to disengage the forward clips. Remove the cowl panel completely and set aside in a safe location.
3. 3

   Disconnect washer fluid hoses
   Locate the washer fluid hoses connected to the wiper assembly area. Press the release tabs on the quick-disconnect fittings and pull the hoses free from the washer nozzles. Have shop towels ready to catch any residual washer fluid. Cap or plug the hoses to prevent leakage.
4. 4

   Remove wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor electrical connector on the motor housing. Press the locking tab and carefully pull the connector straight off the motor. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion or damage. If testing the old motor, use a multimeter to verify no continuity to ground on the motor terminals.
5. 5

   Disconnect wiper linkage from motor arm
   Locate the ball joint connection where the wiper linkage connects to the motor crank arm. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the linkage ball socket off the motor crank arm ball stud. Inspect the ball socket bushing for wear or cracking - replace if damaged.
6. 6

   Remove wiper motor mounting fasteners
   Locate the three or four mounting bolts securing the wiper motor to the mounting bracket. Use a 10mm socket with extension to remove all motor mounting bolts. Support the motor with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
7. 7

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully maneuver the wiper motor assembly out of the cowl area. The motor may need to be tilted and rotated to clear the surrounding structure. Watch for any remaining wire clips or harness ties that may still be attached. Lift the motor clear of the vehicle.
8. 8

   Inspect mounting area and linkage
   With the motor removed, inspect the wiper linkage assembly for worn bushings, binding, or damage. Check the motor mounting bracket for cracks or deformation. Clean any debris, leaves, or dirt from the cowl plenum area. Verify the wiper pivots move smoothly without binding.
9. 9

   Install new wiper motor
   Position the new wiper motor into the mounting location, ensuring the crank arm is oriented in the park position. Align the motor mounting holes with the bracket. Install all mounting bolts hand-tight first, then tighten in a cross pattern. Since no torque specification is provided, tighten mounting bolts firmly and evenly.
10. 10

    Connect linkage to motor arm
    Push the wiper linkage ball socket firmly onto the motor crank arm ball stud until it clicks into place. Verify the connection is secure by attempting to pull it off - it should not release without prying. Ensure the linkage moves freely through its full range of motion.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector firmly onto the wiper motor terminals until the locking tab clicks into place. Tug gently on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
12. 12

    Reconnect washer fluid hoses
    Push the washer fluid hoses onto the nozzle fittings until they click into place. Ensure the hoses are properly routed and not kinked or stretched.
13. 13

    Reinstall cowl panel
    Position the cowl panel into place, engaging the forward clips first near the windshield. Press down firmly along the panel length to engage all retaining clips. Ensure all clips are fully seated. Reinstall the rubber weatherstrip seal along the rear edge of the cowl.
14. 14

    Reinstall wiper arms
    Align the wiper arms with the reference marks made during removal. Push each arm firmly onto the spline shaft in the parked position. Install the retaining nuts and tighten with 15mm socket. The arms should be properly indexed - driver side approximately 2 inches from bottom edge of windshield, passenger side similar. Install protective caps over the nuts.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and tighten securely
2. Verify all cowl panel clips are fully engaged and weatherstrip is properly seated
3. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the cowl plenum area
4. Check that wiper arms are in proper parked position before testing

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and test wiper operation in intermittent, low, and high speed modes
• Verify wipers park correctly in the proper position when turned off
• Test washer fluid spray function to confirm nozzles are connected and functioning
• Listen for any unusual noises from the motor or binding in the linkage
• Verify wiper arms clear the windshield properly and return to park position smoothly
• Check for any fluid leaks at washer hose connections
• Confirm all cowl panel clips are secure and no rattles are present

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