Turn Signal Bulb - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear turn signal bulb assembly on the 2024 Rivian EDV 500 delivery van, requiring access through the rear cargo area interior panels.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear turn signal LED module × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Tail light housing seal gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Push-pin trim fasteners × 6 — Rivian OEM trim clips

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off all vehicle systems and remove key fob from vehicle interior
3. Open rear cargo doors and ensure adequate lighting in work area
4. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery using 10mm wrench (negative terminal first, located under driver seat access panel)
5. Wait 5 minutes for capacitive discharge before proceeding
6. Identify which side (driver or passenger) requires bulb replacement
7. Photograph or mark interior panel fastener locations with masking tape for reinstallation reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear interior cargo trim panel
   From inside the cargo area, locate the vertical interior trim panel on the affected side. Using the plastic trim removal tool, carefully pry out the six push-pin fasteners securing the panel, starting from the bottom and working upward. Support the panel as you remove the final fasteners to prevent it from falling.
2. 2

   Disconnect cargo area D-ring anchor
   Remove the two T30 Torx bolts securing the cargo tie-down D-ring anchor that may obstruct access to the tail light assembly. Set the anchor and bolts aside in a clean container for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Access tail light assembly mounting
   With the trim panel removed, locate the rear tail light assembly mounting points. You should see three T25 Torx fasteners and one wiring harness connector. Use the shop light to illuminate the area and identify the turn signal module specifically (typically the amber-lensed section in Rivian EDV tail lights).
4. 4

   Disconnect tail light wiring harness
   Locate the main tail light connector approximately 8 inches inboard from the tail light housing. Press the connector release tab (typically red or gray) while gently pulling the connector apart. If the connector is stiff, use the small flathead screwdriver to carefully release the locking tab, taking care not to damage the connector pins.
5. 5

   Remove tail light assembly mounting fasteners
   Using the T25 Torx driver, remove the three mounting fasteners securing the tail light assembly to the body. Support the tail light assembly from the exterior if possible, or have an assistant hold it to prevent it from falling outward once the fasteners are removed.
6. 6

   Remove tail light assembly from vehicle
   Carefully pull the tail light assembly inward into the cargo area, maneuvering it through the body opening. The assembly may require slight rotation or angling to clear the body panel. Inspect the rubber seal gasket and note its orientation for reinstallation.
7. 7

   Separate turn signal LED module from housing
   Place the tail light assembly on a clean work surface with the interior side facing up. Locate the three T25 Torx screws securing the turn signal LED module circuit board to the housing. Remove these screws and carefully separate the LED module, noting the orientation of any alignment pins or locating tabs.
8. 8

   Install new turn signal LED module
   Position the new turn signal LED module into the tail light housing, ensuring proper alignment with locating pins. The module will only fit in one orientation. Secure with the three T25 Torx screws, tightening in a star pattern to ensure even seating. Do not overtighten as this can crack the circuit board.
9. 9

   Inspect and replace seal gasket
   Examine the rubber seal gasket that sits between the tail light assembly and body panel. If the gasket shows any tears, compression set, or damage, replace it with the new gasket. Clean the body panel mating surface with a lint-free cloth to ensure proper sealing.
10. 10

    Reinstall tail light assembly to vehicle
    Position the seal gasket on the tail light assembly or body panel (depending on gasket design). Guide the tail light assembly through the body opening from inside the cargo area, aligning the mounting holes. Have an assistant position the assembly from outside if available to ensure proper fitment and alignment with body lines.
11. 11

    Secure tail light assembly mounting fasteners
    Install the three T25 Torx mounting fasteners, starting them all by hand first. Tighten in a star pattern to ensure even pressure and proper seating against the seal gasket. Verify the tail light assembly is flush with the surrounding body panel with no gaps.
12. 12

    Reconnect wiring harness
    Reconnect the tail light wiring harness connector, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is securely locked. Route any excess wiring to prevent pinching during trim panel reinstallation.
13. 13

    Reinstall cargo D-ring anchor
    Reposition the cargo tie-down D-ring anchor and secure with the two T30 Torx bolts. Ensure the anchor is properly seated before tightening.
14. 14

    Reinstall interior cargo trim panel
    Align the interior trim panel with the body, ensuring any wiring or components are clear of pinch points. Starting from the top, press the panel into position and install the six push-pin fasteners, ensuring each clicks fully into place. Verify the panel is flush and secure along all edges.
15. 15

    Reconnect 12V battery and initialize systems
    Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery under the driver seat (positive terminal first, then negative). Close all cargo doors. Wait 10 minutes for the vehicle management system to complete self-checks and initialization routines before testing.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all trim fasteners are fully seated to prevent rattles during commercial operation
2. Verify the tail light assembly seal is properly compressed with no visible gaps that could allow water intrusion
3. Check that cargo D-ring anchor is secure and functional for tie-down operations
4. Confirm all wiring harnesses are routed away from sharp edges and moving components

Verification

• Turn the vehicle to ON mode (ready to drive) and verify the instrument cluster shows no warning lights related to exterior lighting
• Activate the turn signal on the repaired side and verify proper flash rate (approximately 1 flash per second)
• Visually inspect the rear turn signal from outside the vehicle to confirm proper illumination with no dark spots or flickering
• Test hazard lights to confirm both rear turn signals flash simultaneously and synchronously
• Have an assistant observe while testing turn signals, brake lights, and running lights to ensure all functions operate correctly
• Perform a visual inspection of the tail light assembly from multiple angles to ensure proper alignment and no gaps in the body panel
• Test drive the vehicle and monitor for any exterior lighting warnings on the instrument cluster

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