Power Antenna Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the power antenna motor assembly on a 2025 Rivian EDV 500 commercial delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power antenna motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Antenna mast seal gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Plastic trim panel clips × 5 — Replacement for damaged clips

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
3. Identify the power antenna location (typically passenger side rear quarter panel or roof-mounted)
4. Have replacement trim clips available as originals may break during removal
5. Photograph connector orientations and wire routing before disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Access interior trim panel
   Open rear cargo door or passenger side door depending on antenna location. Use trim panel removal tools to carefully release the interior trim panel covering the antenna motor mounting area. Start at the bottom edge and work upward, releasing clips progressively. Remove any cargo tie-down hooks or accessory mounting points first if present.
2. 2

   Remove interior trim panel
   Once all clips are released, gently pull the trim panel away from the body. Disconnect any electrical connectors for lights, speakers, or other accessories integrated into the panel. Set the panel aside in a protected area to prevent scratching.
3. 3

   Locate and document antenna motor assembly
   Identify the power antenna motor assembly mounted to the vehicle body. The motor will have an electrical connector and a cable/mast assembly extending upward through the body panel. Take photos of the wire routing and connector position for reinstallation reference.
4. 4

   Disconnect antenna electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the antenna motor. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the connector. If the connector is difficult to access, you may need to remove additional wire harness clips or routing brackets. Check connector pins for corrosion or damage.
5. 5

   Disconnect antenna cable
   Locate the coaxial antenna cable connection at the base of the motor assembly. Unscrew the coaxial connector by turning counterclockwise. Support the cable to prevent it from dropping into the body cavity. Mark the cable with tape to identify it during reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove antenna mast (if extended)
   If the antenna mast is in the extended position, manually retract it by gently pushing down while rotating clockwise. If the motor is seized, you may need to remove the upper mast section first by unscrewing it counterclockwise from the exterior. Use caution not to damage the paint around the antenna base.
7. 7

   Remove exterior antenna base trim
   From the exterior of the vehicle, locate the decorative trim ring or cover around the antenna base. This may be held by clips or small screws. Remove any fasteners and lift the trim piece away. Set aside with gaskets or seals for potential reuse.
8. 8

   Remove antenna motor mounting fasteners
   From inside the vehicle, remove the mounting bolts or screws securing the antenna motor to the body panel. These are typically 3-4 fasteners arranged in a circular pattern around the motor base. Use the appropriate socket or Torx driver. Support the motor assembly as you remove the final fastener.
9. 9

   Remove antenna motor assembly
   Carefully lower the antenna motor assembly down and away from the mounting hole. Guide the mast and cable through the body opening. The mast may be coiled or segmented; avoid forcing or bending the mechanism. Remove the old gasket or seal from the body panel and clean the mounting surface.
10. 10

    Prepare new antenna motor
    Unpack the new antenna motor assembly. Verify it matches the original unit in terms of connector type, mounting pattern, and mast length. Install a new gasket or seal onto the motor base. Apply a thin layer of dielectric grease to the electrical connector pins on the new motor.
11. 11

    Install new antenna motor assembly
    From inside the vehicle, guide the new antenna motor assembly up through the body opening. Align the mounting holes with the body panel. Ensure the gasket is properly seated and no wires are pinched. Start all mounting fasteners by hand before tightening to ensure proper alignment.
12. 12

    Secure antenna motor mounting fasteners
    Tighten the antenna motor mounting fasteners in a cross pattern to ensure even pressure on the gasket. Snug the fasteners firmly but do not overtighten, as this may crack the motor housing or deform the gasket. Verify the motor sits flush against the body panel with no gaps.
13. 13

    Reconnect antenna cable and electrical connector
    Connect the coaxial antenna cable to the motor base by screwing it on clockwise until hand-tight, then snug an additional quarter turn. Connect the electrical connector to the motor, ensuring it clicks and locks securely. Verify the connector is fully seated.
14. 14

    Test antenna operation
    Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery. Turn the vehicle to accessory or ON mode. Test the antenna motor operation by turning the radio on and off, which should extend and retract the mast. Observe smooth operation without binding or unusual noise. If using a multimeter, verify proper voltage at the motor connector during operation.
15. 15

    Reinstall exterior and interior trim
    Install the exterior antenna base trim ring, ensuring any seals are in place. From inside, route wiring back to original positions and secure with clips. Reconnect any electrical connectors for accessories. Align the interior trim panel and press firmly to engage all clips. Reinstall any removed cargo hooks or accessories.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify antenna mast extends and retracts smoothly through full travel
3. Check that interior trim panel is secure with no rattles or gaps
4. Confirm antenna base seal is properly seated to prevent water intrusion
5. Test radio reception on AM and FM bands to verify antenna functionality

Verification

• Turn radio on and verify antenna extends fully to the top position
• Turn radio off and verify antenna retracts completely into the base
• Test radio reception across multiple stations to confirm proper signal strength
• Inspect exterior antenna base for proper seal and no water leaks
• Verify no warning lights or error messages appear on the instrument cluster
• Check that all interior trim panels are secure and properly aligned

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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