Remove and replace the roof-mounted antenna assembly on the 2025 Rivian EDV 500, including disconnecting the communication module and installing a new antenna unit.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Roof antenna assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Antenna base seal/gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Headliner retaining clips × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Antenna connector boot × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface in a well-lit area with adequate overhead clearance
2. Ensure vehicle is in Park with parking brake engaged
3. Power down the vehicle completely using the center display
4. Disconnect the 12V battery negative terminal located in the front trunk compartment and wait 2 minutes
5. Clean the roof area around the antenna to prevent debris from entering the headliner cavity
6. Protect surrounding roof paint with masking tape if desired

Procedure

1. 1

   Access interior headliner
   From inside the vehicle, locate the headliner access point directly below the antenna location near the rear cargo area. Carefully pull down the headliner edge using plastic trim tools to expose the antenna mounting area. Support the headliner to prevent damage.
2. 2

   Disconnect antenna electrical connectors
   Locate the antenna module connector bundle above the headliner. There are typically 2-3 connectors: GPS/navigation (gray), cellular/LTE (black), and satellite radio (blue if equipped). Press the connector release tabs and carefully disconnect each connector. Note the routing and connector positions for reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove interior antenna mounting hardware
   Using a T30 Torx driver, remove the four mounting nuts securing the antenna base from inside the vehicle. These are accessible through the headliner opening. Support the antenna from outside while removing the final nut to prevent it from falling.
4. 4

   Remove exterior antenna assembly
   From outside the vehicle, carefully lift the antenna assembly straight up from the roof. The base seal will provide resistance. Gently rock the antenna forward and aft while pulling upward to break the seal. Remove the antenna and set aside on a clean surface.
5. 5

   Inspect and clean mounting surface
   Inspect the roof mounting surface for any damage, corrosion, or debris. Check that the paint around the mounting holes is intact. Clean the mounting surface thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol and allow to dry completely. Inspect the antenna cable routing path for any damage.
6. 6

   Remove old gasket and prepare surface
   Remove the old antenna base gasket completely from the roof mounting area. Clean any remaining adhesive residue with isopropyl alcohol. Ensure the mounting surface is completely clean and dry before proceeding. Inspect the roof for any water intrusion or damage.
7. 7

   Install new base gasket
   Position the new antenna base gasket onto the roof mounting area, ensuring proper alignment with the four mounting holes. The gasket should sit flat against the roof surface with no gaps or wrinkles. Verify orientation matches the antenna base profile.
8. 8

   Position new antenna assembly
   From outside the vehicle, carefully lower the new antenna assembly onto the mounting surface, aligning the base studs with the four mounting holes. Ensure the gasket remains properly positioned and that the antenna orientation matches the original installation with connectors facing rearward.
9. 9

   Thread cables through headliner opening
   From inside the vehicle, guide the antenna cable bundle through the headliner opening, ensuring cables are not twisted or kinked. Verify sufficient cable length is available to reach all connectors without tension. Route cables following the original path.
10. 10

    Install mounting hardware
    From inside the vehicle, thread the four T30 mounting nuts onto the antenna base studs by hand. Tighten in a cross pattern (opposite corners) to ensure even seating of the gasket. Start with finger tight, then snug each nut gradually in multiple passes until fully seated. Do not overtighten as this may crack the antenna base.
11. 11

    Connect electrical connectors
    Connect each antenna connector to its corresponding module connector, matching colors and keying. Push each connector firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Apply light dielectric grease to weather-sensitive connections if desired. Verify each connection is secure by gently tugging on the cable.
12. 12

    Reinstall headliner
    Carefully guide the headliner back into position, ensuring no cables are pinched or trapped. Secure headliner retaining clips by pressing firmly until they click into place. Verify the headliner sits flush with no gaps or sagging.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and initialize systems
    Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal in the front trunk. Close all doors and power on the vehicle. Allow the vehicle communication systems to initialize, which may take 2-3 minutes. The center display should show normal operation without antenna-related warnings.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before closing headliner
2. Verify antenna mounting nuts are tightened evenly in a cross pattern to prevent water leaks
3. Check that headliner is properly secured with no sagging or visible gaps
4. Confirm no tools or parts are left in the headliner cavity before final closure

Verification

• Power on the vehicle and verify no communication system warnings appear on the center display
• Test GPS navigation function by entering a destination and confirming satellite acquisition
• Test cellular connectivity by checking vehicle connectivity status in settings menu
• If equipped, test satellite radio functionality by selecting a satellite radio station
• Inspect antenna installation from outside for proper seating and alignment with roof surface
• Check for water leaks by lightly spraying water around the antenna base and inspecting interior for moisture
• Verify headliner is properly secured with no rattles or loose sections when driving over bumps

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