Replace the brake light switch on a 2025 Rivian EDV 500, which activates brake lights when the brake pedal is pressed and interfaces with the vehicle's regenerative braking system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake light switch × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Electrical connector seal (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Ensure vehicle is in Park mode and powered completely off
3. Open driver's door and leave open for interior lighting access
4. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
5. Remove driver's side lower dashboard trim panel using panel removal tools
6. Adjust driver's seat to full rearward position for access to pedal assembly
7. Take photos of brake pedal assembly and switch orientation before beginning work

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the brake pedal assembly
   Locate the brake pedal assembly in the driver's footwell. Remove the lower steering column cover by removing two T20 Torx screws at the bottom and pulling downward to release the upper clips. Set aside the cover and screws in a safe location.
2. 2

   Locate the brake light switch
   Using a flashlight, identify the brake light switch mounted on the brake pedal bracket near the top of the pedal arm. The switch is a black cylindrical component with a wiring harness connector and pushrod that contacts the brake pedal lever. Note the position of the adjustment mechanism.
3. 3

   Disconnect the electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the brake light switch. Press the locking tab on the connector and carefully pull it straight off the switch. Do not pull on the wires. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage. If corrosion is present, clean with electrical contact cleaner.
4. 4

   Document switch position
   Before removing the switch, measure and document the distance from the brake pedal stop pad to the switch plunger tip. This measurement is critical for proper adjustment during reinstallation. The switch should typically have 1-3mm of preload when the pedal is at rest.
5. 5

   Remove the brake light switch
   The brake light switch is typically held by a quarter-turn locking collar or mounting bracket. Rotate the switch counterclockwise approximately 30 degrees while gently pulling outward to release it from the mounting bracket. If equipped with a clip-type mount, depress the locking tabs on both sides and slide the switch out of the bracket.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting bracket and pedal stop
   With the switch removed, inspect the mounting bracket for cracks or wear. Check the brake pedal stop pad for deterioration. Verify that the brake pedal return spring is intact and functioning properly. Clean the mounting area of any debris or contamination.
7. 7

   Prepare new brake light switch
   Remove the new brake light switch from packaging. Verify that it matches the removed switch in physical dimensions and connector type. Check that the plunger moves freely and returns to the extended position when released. Do not adjust the plunger position unless necessary.
8. 8

   Install new brake light switch
   Insert the new switch into the mounting bracket, aligning it with the same orientation as the original. Rotate clockwise approximately 30 degrees to lock in place, or ensure mounting clips engage fully with an audible click. Verify the switch is secure and cannot be pulled out without releasing the locking mechanism.
9. 9

   Adjust switch position
   Adjust the switch position so that the plunger contacts the brake pedal arm with 1-3mm of preload when the pedal is fully released. The switch should deactivate (circuit open) when the pedal is at rest and activate (circuit closed) immediately when the pedal is depressed. Use your documented measurements from step 4 as a reference.
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector firmly onto the new brake light switch until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is secure. Ensure no wires are pinched or stressed.
11. 11

    Reconnect battery and initialize system
    Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal. Power on the vehicle to accessory mode (do not start). Wait for the vehicle systems to initialize completely. The instrument cluster may display warning messages during initialization; this is normal.
12. 12

    Test brake light switch function
    With the vehicle in accessory mode, have an assistant observe the brake lights or use a mirror. Press the brake pedal slowly and verify that brake lights illuminate immediately with minimal pedal travel (within 5mm of initial movement). Release the pedal and verify lights extinguish completely. Repeat this test 5-10 times to ensure consistent operation.
13. 13

    Verify system integration
    Using the Rivian diagnostic tool or OBD-II scanner, check for any brake system fault codes. Clear any stored codes related to the brake light switch. Verify that the brake switch signal is being received by the ECU. Test that regenerative braking engages properly when the brake pedal is pressed.
14. 14

    Reinstall interior trim
    Reinstall the lower steering column cover by aligning the upper clips first, then rotating upward and securing with the two T20 Torx screws. Reinstall the driver's side lower dashboard trim panel, ensuring all clips engage properly. Verify no rattles or loose panels.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify all dashboard trim panels and covers are properly installed and secured
3. Return driver's seat to normal position
4. Clear all tools and parts from the vehicle interior

Verification

• With vehicle in accessory mode, press brake pedal and verify brake lights illuminate immediately with minimal pedal travel
• Verify brake lights extinguish completely when pedal is released with no delay
• Check instrument cluster for any brake system warning lights or messages
• Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area and verify regenerative braking functions normally
• Test adaptive cruise control engagement if equipped to ensure brake switch signal is properly integrated
• Verify that the gear selector releases from Park when brake pedal is pressed
• Have another person observe brake lights during an actual driving test to confirm proper operation under real conditions
• Use diagnostic tool to confirm no fault codes are present in brake system or body control module
• Document the repair with date and any relevant notes for future reference

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