Power Seat Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a power seat motor in a 2025 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, requiring seat disassembly and electrical connector service.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power seat motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Seat motor wiring harness connector (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Move seat to full forward and full upward position to access rear mounting bolts
2. Document or photograph any memory seat position settings from vehicle display
3. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for system capacitor discharge
4. Remove seat lower trim panels and covers to access mounting hardware
5. Ensure adequate workspace around driver or passenger seat area

Procedure

1. 1

   Access rear seat mounting bolts
   With seat in full forward position, locate the two rear seat track mounting bolts. Use a 12mm socket to remove both rear mounting bolts. Support the rear of the seat to prevent tipping.
2. 2

   Move seat and access front mounting bolts
   Carefully slide the seat rearward manually to its rearmost position. Locate and remove the two front seat track mounting bolts using a 12mm socket. Keep all mounting bolts organized for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Disconnect seat electrical connectors
   Locate the main seat wiring harness connector beneath the seat. Press the connector lock tab and disconnect. If equipped with additional connectors for heating or additional motors, disconnect all electrical connections. Label connectors if multiple are present.
4. 4

   Remove seat assembly from vehicle
   With assistance or using proper lifting technique, carefully lift the seat assembly straight up and out of the vehicle. Place on a clean protected work surface. The seat assembly weighs approximately 60-80 lbs depending on configuration.
5. 5

   Remove seat cushion and upholstery access panels
   Remove the seat bottom cushion by releasing the retention clips at the front and rear. Use trim panel tools to carefully pry up the cushion. Remove any plastic access covers on the seat frame that provide access to the motor mounting area using appropriate Torx bits.
6. 6

   Locate and identify failed power seat motor
   Identify which motor has failed (horizontal track motor, height adjustment motor, or recline motor). Trace the motor wiring to verify correct component. The track motors are typically mounted to the seat tracks, while height and recline motors mount to the seat frame structure.
7. 7

   Disconnect motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector at the failed motor. Press the locking tab and disconnect the motor connector. If connector is damaged or corroded, mark for replacement. Check connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
8. 8

   Remove motor mounting hardware
   Remove the motor mounting bolts using T25 or T30 Torx bit depending on motor type. Most seat motors use 2-3 mounting bolts. Support the motor while removing the final bolt as some motors have tensioned drive cables that may cause movement.
9. 9

   Disconnect motor drive cable or mechanism
   If the motor uses a flexible drive cable, carefully disconnect it from the motor gear drive. Some motors have direct gear engagement that requires rotating or sliding the motor away from the drive mechanism. Note the orientation and engagement depth for reinstallation.
10. 10

    Remove failed motor
    Extract the failed motor from the seat frame. Compare the new motor with the old unit to verify correct replacement part, checking mounting hole positions, connector type, and drive mechanism configuration.
11. 11

    Install new power seat motor
    Position the new motor into the mounting location. Engage the drive cable or gear mechanism, ensuring proper alignment and full engagement. Verify the motor shaft or drive cable is properly seated before securing the motor.
12. 12

    Secure motor mounting hardware
    Install and hand-tighten all motor mounting bolts, then tighten in a cross pattern to ensure even seating. Tighten securely but do not overtighten the Torx mounting bolts as they thread into aluminum or plastic bosses.
13. 13

    Connect motor electrical connector
    Connect the motor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks fully into place and the locking tab engages. Gently tug on the connector to verify secure connection. If connector was damaged, install new connector and verify proper crimps.
14. 14

    Reinstall seat upholstery and cushion
    Reinstall any plastic access covers and trim panels removed from the seat frame. Reinstall the seat bottom cushion, ensuring all retention clips properly engage. Verify no wiring is pinched between cushion and frame.
15. 15

    Reinstall seat assembly to vehicle
    With assistance, carefully position the seat assembly back into the vehicle, aligning the seat tracks with the floor mounting points. Connect all seat electrical connectors beneath the seat, ensuring proper engagement of locking tabs.
16. 16

    Install seat mounting bolts
    Install all four seat mounting bolts (two front, two rear) and hand-tighten. Tighten all four bolts in a cross pattern using the 12mm socket. Ensure seat is firmly mounted with no movement on the floor.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal
2. Verify all seat electrical connectors are fully engaged and locked
3. Ensure no tools or hardware remain in the vehicle or under the seat
4. Check that seat mounting bolts are tight and seat does not rock on floor mounts

Verification

• Turn vehicle to ON mode and test all seat motor functions including fore/aft movement, height adjustment, and recline operation
• Verify the repaired motor operates smoothly throughout its full range of motion without binding or unusual noise
• Test any memory seat functions if equipped to ensure proper operation
• Confirm no warning lights or seat-related fault codes appear on the instrument cluster
• Check that seat operates at similar speed to other motors and does not draw excessive current (no dimming of lights during operation)
• Verify seat locks securely in all positions and mounting hardware remains tight after operation test

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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