Power Antenna Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the power antenna motor assembly on a 2024 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power antenna motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Antenna mast seal/grommet × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Interior trim panel clips × 5 — Replacement for damaged clips

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for system shutdown
3. Identify antenna location on roof or rear pillar depending on EDV 500 configuration
4. Gather all required tools and replacement parts
5. Document antenna mast extension position if partially extended

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove interior headliner or pillar trim
   Depending on antenna location, carefully remove the rear interior headliner section or D-pillar trim panel to access the antenna motor mounting area. Use trim removal tools to release push clips starting from the edges. Work slowly to avoid breaking clips or creasing headliner material. Set trim panels aside in a clean area.
2. 2

   Locate and access antenna motor assembly
   Identify the power antenna motor assembly mounted to the roof or pillar structure. It will be a cylindrical unit approximately 8-12 inches long with electrical connector and mounting bracket. Clear any insulation or sound deadening material blocking access to the mounting hardware.
3. 3

   Disconnect antenna motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the antenna motor. Press the connector release tab and carefully pull the connector straight off the motor terminals. If connector is difficult to access, use an electrical connector removal tool. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage.
4. 4

   Disconnect antenna coaxial cable
   Locate the coaxial antenna cable connection at the base of the motor assembly. Unthread the coaxial connector by rotating counterclockwise. Note the routing of the cable for reinstallation. Support the cable to prevent it from falling into the roof cavity.
5. 5

   Remove external antenna mast
   From outside the vehicle, carefully unscrew the antenna mast by rotating counterclockwise. If mast is seized, apply penetrating lubricant and allow to soak for 10 minutes. Avoid excessive force that could damage the motor assembly below.
6. 6

   Remove antenna motor mounting fasteners
   Remove the mounting bolts or screws securing the antenna motor to the vehicle body. Typically 3-4 fasteners secure the mounting bracket. Support the motor assembly with one hand while removing the final fastener to prevent it from dropping.
7. 7

   Remove antenna motor assembly from vehicle
   Carefully guide the antenna motor assembly out through the roof opening. The motor shaft will extend through the roof aperture. Angle the assembly as needed to clear any obstructions. Remove the rubber grommet or seal from the roof opening and inspect for damage.
8. 8

   Inspect mounting area and clean surfaces
   Examine the roof mounting surface for rust, corrosion, or damage. Clean the mounting area with isopropyl alcohol. Check the roof opening for proper drainage and ensure drain tubes are not blocked. Verify the mounting bracket is not bent or damaged.
9. 9

   Install new antenna mast seal
   Place the new rubber grommet or seal into the roof opening. Ensure it is properly seated in the mounting flange with no gaps or misalignment. This seal prevents water intrusion into the vehicle interior.
10. 10

    Position new antenna motor assembly
    Guide the new antenna motor assembly up through the roof opening from inside the vehicle. Align the motor shaft with the seal opening and the mounting bracket with the factory mounting holes. Ensure the motor orientation matches the original installation position.
11. 11

    Install mounting fasteners
    Install and hand-tighten all mounting fasteners to secure the antenna motor bracket to the vehicle body. Tighten fasteners in a cross pattern to ensure even clamping force. Verify the motor assembly is secure with no movement.
12. 12

    Connect coaxial antenna cable
    Thread the coaxial cable connector onto the antenna motor base connection by rotating clockwise. Hand-tighten until snug, then add an additional 1/4 turn. Do not overtighten as this can damage the connector. Verify the cable routing matches the original path.
13. 13

    Connect electrical connector
    Plug the electrical connector onto the antenna motor terminals until it clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked. Ensure no wires are pinched or under strain.
14. 14

    Install antenna mast
    From outside the vehicle, thread the antenna mast onto the motor shaft by rotating clockwise. Tighten until the mast base seats against the rubber seal. Do not overtighten as this may damage the motor gears.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall interior headliner or pillar trim panels using original or replacement clips
2. Ensure all trim panels are fully seated with no gaps or misalignment
3. Reconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal
4. Reset vehicle clock and radio presets if necessary

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and test antenna extension and retraction using radio power cycle
• Verify antenna extends and retracts smoothly without binding or unusual noise
• Test AM/FM radio reception quality with antenna fully extended
• Check for water leaks around antenna base during car wash or water test
• Confirm no warning lights or error messages related to antenna system on instrument cluster
• Verify interior trim panels are secure with no rattles or loose clips

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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