Third Brake Light

This procedure covers the replacement of the third brake light (center high-mounted stop lamp) on the 2024 Rivian EDV 500 commercial van, including interior trim removal and electrical connector access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Third brake light assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Interior trim panel clips (if broken) — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Turn off vehicle completely using power button
3. Open rear cargo doors for interior access to third brake light mounting area
4. Locate and access the 12V auxiliary battery (typically under driver seat or in front compartment)
5. Disconnect negative terminal of 12V auxiliary battery and wait 5 minutes for systems to discharge
6. Position step stool or ladder safely in cargo area for overhead access
7. Inspect the existing third brake light for visible damage, water intrusion, or connector corrosion
8. Take photos of wiring harness routing before disassembly for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove interior headliner trim panel
   Locate the headliner trim panel covering the third brake light mounting area at the rear of the cargo space. Using trim panel removal tools, carefully pry the edges of the panel starting from the rear corners. Work slowly around the perimeter to release the retaining clips without breaking them. The EDV 500 typically uses 6-8 push clips around this panel. Once clips are released, lower the panel carefully to expose the brake light housing.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the back of the third brake light assembly. Press the locking tab on the connector while pulling it straight away from the light assembly. Do not pull on the wires themselves. If the connector is corroded or difficult to remove, spray with electrical contact cleaner and wait 30 seconds before attempting removal again. Inspect connector pins for damage or corrosion.
3. 3

   Remove mounting fasteners
   Using a T20 Torx driver, remove the fasteners securing the third brake light assembly to the vehicle body. The EDV 500 typically uses 2-4 Torx fasteners depending on the specific configuration. Keep track of any washers or spacers behind the fasteners as these must be reinstalled. Note the exact position and orientation of the assembly before removal.
4. 4

   Remove third brake light assembly
   Carefully pull the third brake light assembly away from the mounting location. It may have a gasket or seal that provides resistance. Pull evenly to avoid bending the mounting tabs. Guide the wiring harness through any grommets or access holes. Inspect the mounting surface and gasket area for damage, water stains, or debris that could compromise the seal.
5. 5

   Clean mounting surface
   Clean the mounting surface on the vehicle body where the brake light seals. Remove any old gasket material, dirt, or corrosion using a clean cloth. Ensure the surface is completely dry before proceeding. Check the mounting holes for any damage or stripped threads. If water intrusion is evident, identify and address the source before installing the new light.
6. 6

   Prepare new third brake light
   Unpack the new third brake light assembly and verify it matches the original part exactly. Check that any gasket or seal is properly positioned on the new assembly. If the gasket is separate, install it on the light assembly with the correct orientation. Do not remove any protective films from the lens until after installation is complete.
7. 7

   Install new assembly
   Route the wiring harness through any grommets or access holes first. Position the new third brake light assembly into the mounting location, ensuring the gasket seats properly against the vehicle body all the way around. Align the mounting holes carefully. Start all mounting fasteners by hand before tightening any of them to ensure proper alignment.
8. 8

   Tighten mounting fasteners
   Using a T20 Torx driver, tighten the mounting fasteners in a cross pattern (if multiple fasteners) to ensure even pressure on the gasket. Tighten to snug specification only - do not overtighten as this can crack the housing or compress the gasket excessively. The fasteners should be firm but not under excessive torque. Visually verify the assembly sits flush against the mounting surface with no gaps.
9. 9

   Connect electrical connector
   Reconnect the electrical connector to the new third brake light assembly. Push the connector fully onto the pins until you hear or feel a distinct click indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on the connector (not the wires) to verify it is locked in place. Ensure no wires are pinched or under tension.
10. 10

    Reinstall headliner trim panel
    Position the headliner trim panel back into place, ensuring it aligns with all surrounding panels. Starting from one side, press firmly on each clip location to seat the retaining clips into their receptacles. Work around the entire perimeter until all clips are fully engaged. Verify the panel sits flush and even with no gaps or misalignment.
11. 11

    Reconnect 12V battery
    Return to the 12V auxiliary battery location and reconnect the negative terminal. Tighten the terminal connection securely. The vehicle systems will begin initialization. You may see warning lights on the dashboard temporarily during the reboot process.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all interior trim panels are fully seated with no gaps or loose clips
2. Remove any protective film from the brake light lens
3. Verify no tools or parts are left in the cargo area
4. Close all cargo doors securely

Verification

• Turn the vehicle to ON position using the power button (engine does not need to start)
• Have an assistant press the brake pedal while you visually confirm the third brake light illuminates fully and brightly
• Verify the light intensity is consistent across the entire lens with no dim or dark spots
• Check that the light turns off completely when the brake pedal is released
• Cycle the brake pedal 5-10 times to confirm consistent operation
• Inspect around the light assembly from outside the vehicle for proper sealing with no visible gaps
• Check the vehicle instrument cluster for any brake system warning lights or faults
• If available, use the vehicle diagnostic system to verify no brake light faults are present in the CAN bus network
• Test drive the vehicle in a safe area and verify brake lights function during actual braking
• Have another person follow you or use a reflective surface to confirm third brake light operation during driving
• If any issues are detected, DO NOT operate the vehicle on public roads until the brake lighting system is fully functional

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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