Power Seat Motor

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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power seat motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification - specify which motor (horizontal, vertical, recline, etc.)
• Seat track grease × 1 — Lithium-based seat track lubricant

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect the 12V negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for airbag system capacitors to discharge
3. Move seat to full forward or rearward position (whichever provides better access to motor being replaced)
4. If available, use the manual seat override to position seat for optimal access
5. Photograph or document electrical connector orientations before disconnection

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove seat lower trim panels
   Use trim panel removal tools to carefully pry away the lower seat trim covers on both sides of the seat base. These covers conceal the seat mounting bolts and motor access points. Start at the rear edge and work forward, releasing the plastic clips without breaking them.
2. 2

   Disconnect seat electrical connector
   Locate the main seat electrical connector under the seat near the center mounting point. Press the connector locking tab and carefully pull apart the connector halves. This connector supplies power to all seat motors and heated seat elements if equipped.
3. 3

   Remove seat mounting bolts
   Remove the four seat mounting bolts (typically T40 or T50 Torx) securing the seat track assembly to the floor. There are two bolts at the front of each track and two at the rear. Support the seat weight while removing the final bolts.
   ⚠Seat assembly weighs approximately 50-70 lbs. Use proper lifting technique or have an assistant help remove it from the vehicle
4. 4

   Remove seat from vehicle
   With all mounting bolts removed and electrical connections disconnected, carefully lift and tilt the seat assembly to remove it from the vehicle. Place the seat upside down on a protected work surface (use blankets or cardboard to prevent damage to seat covering).
5. 5

   Locate and access the defective motor
   Inspect the underside of the seat to identify the specific motor needing replacement. Motors are typically labeled or identifiable by their position: horizontal track motor (usually at front of track), vertical height motor (typically mid-track), or recline motor (at seat back hinge point). Remove any protective covers or shields using Torx screws.
6. 6

   Disconnect motor electrical connection
   Locate the individual motor electrical connector. Press the locking tab and disconnect the motor from the seat wiring harness. Note the connector orientation and any wire routing clips that need to be released.
7. 7

   Remove motor drive cable or gear connection
   Disconnect the motor output from the seat mechanism. For cable-driven motors, release the cable end from the motor drive gear and from any cable housing clamps. For direct-drive motors, note the gear mesh position and any alignment marks before separation.
8. 8

   Remove motor mounting fasteners
   Remove the motor mounting screws or bolts (typically 3-4 fasteners, usually T30 or T40 Torx or 8-10mm bolts). Support the motor while removing the last fastener to prevent it from falling and damaging the gear mechanism.
9. 9

   Remove failed motor
   Carefully extract the motor from its mounting bracket. Note the motor orientation, any shims or spacers, and the routing of cables or wires. Take photos if necessary for reference during installation of the new motor.
10. 10

    Prepare and install new motor
    Compare the new motor to the old unit to verify correct replacement part. Transfer any brackets, shims, or adapters from the old motor if they are not included with the new unit. Position the new motor in the mounting bracket with correct orientation and alignment.
11. 11

    Install motor mounting fasteners
    Install the motor mounting screws or bolts and tighten in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating. Tighten securely but do not overtighten as this may strip threads in the seat frame or crack mounting brackets.
12. 12

    Reconnect motor drive mechanism
    Reconnect the motor output to the seat adjustment mechanism. For cable systems, ensure the cable end is properly seated in the motor drive gear and that cable housing is secured in all mounting clips. For gear-driven systems, verify proper mesh and alignment before securing.
13. 13

    Connect motor electrical connector
    Plug the motor electrical connector into the seat wiring harness, ensuring it clicks fully into place and the locking tab is engaged. Route the wire through original clips and secure any loose wiring.
14. 14

    Reinstall seat assembly
    Carefully lift the seat assembly and position it over the floor mounting points in the vehicle. Align all four mounting holes and start all four mounting bolts by hand before tightening any of them. This ensures proper alignment.
15. 15

    Secure seat and reconnect electrical system
    Tighten the four seat mounting bolts securely in a cross pattern. Reconnect the main seat electrical connector under the seat, ensuring the locking tab clicks into place. Reinstall any lower trim panels removed during disassembly.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal
2. Apply a small amount of seat track grease to visible track surfaces if they appear dry
3. Verify all trim panels are securely clipped in place and no fasteners remain loose
4. Ensure no tools or parts are left under or around the seat

Verification

• Turn vehicle to accessory mode and test all seat adjustment functions (fore/aft, up/down, recline) to verify the new motor operates correctly
• Listen for any unusual grinding or binding noises during seat operation which may indicate improper motor installation or cable routing
• Verify seat moves smoothly through full range of motion in all directions
• Check that seat mounting is secure with no movement or rattling when pushing on seat
• Test seat position memory functions if equipped to ensure full seat electrical system is functioning
• Verify no warning lights or error messages appear on the instrument cluster related to seat systems

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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