Sunroof Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the sunroof motor assembly on the 2025 Rivian EDV 500, requiring headliner access and electrical disconnection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Sunroof motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Headliner retaining clips (if damaged) × 6 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Ensure sunroof is in fully closed position using existing motor function if operational
3. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery and wait 2 minutes for system capacitor discharge
4. Remove driver and passenger side sun visors
5. Remove both A-pillar trim panels using trim removal tools
6. Remove overhead console assembly by releasing front and rear clips

Procedure

1. 1

   Access headliner area
   Carefully pull down the front section of the headliner near the sunroof opening. Use trim tools to release the retaining clips along the sunroof perimeter. Support the headliner with one hand to prevent excessive sagging or creasing.
2. 2

   Locate and expose sunroof motor
   Identify the sunroof motor assembly mounted on the driver side front corner of the sunroof mechanism. Remove the protective cover by releasing the two plastic tabs. The motor will be visible with its wiring harness and drive cable connections.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the sunroof motor electrical connector and carefully pull the connector straight away from the motor. Note the connector orientation for reinstallation. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage.
4. 4

   Disconnect drive cables
   Locate the two drive cables connected to the motor output gear. Using a T20 Torx driver, remove the cable retention clips. Carefully slide each cable out of the motor drive mechanism, noting their positions (left and right cables are different lengths).
5. 5

   Remove motor mounting fasteners
   Using a T30 Torx driver, remove the three mounting bolts securing the sunroof motor to the sunroof track assembly. Support the motor with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Remove sunroof motor
   Carefully extract the sunroof motor assembly from its mounting location. Tilt the motor slightly toward the rear of the vehicle to clear the sunroof frame, then lower it down through the headliner access area.
7. 7

   Prepare new motor
   Unpack the new sunroof motor assembly. Verify that the motor output gear is in the neutral/closed position (reference marks aligned). Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the electrical connector terminals to prevent corrosion.
8. 8

   Install new motor
   Position the new sunroof motor into the mounting location, tilting it rear-ward to clear the sunroof frame. Align the motor with the three mounting holes on the sunroof track assembly.
9. 9

   Install mounting fasteners
   Install the three T30 Torx mounting bolts finger-tight, then tighten in a star pattern to ensure even seating. Tighten securely but do not overtighten as the mounting points are threaded into aluminum.
10. 10

    Connect drive cables
    Reconnect the left and right drive cables to the motor output gear, ensuring each cable seats fully into its respective channel. Install the T20 Torx cable retention clips and verify cables move freely without binding.
11. 11

    Connect electrical connector
    Align the electrical connector with the motor terminal and push firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
12. 12

    Perform initial function test
    Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery. Using the sunroof switch, perform a brief test cycle to verify motor operation before reinstalling the headliner. The motor should operate smoothly without grinding or hesitation.
13. 13

    Calibrate sunroof system
    Using the Rivian diagnostic tool or compatible OBD-II scanner, access the body control module and perform the sunroof initialization procedure. This ensures proper end-stop recognition and anti-pinch calibration. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete calibration.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the sunroof motor protective cover ensuring tabs are fully engaged
2. Carefully press the headliner back into position and secure all retaining clips
3. Reinstall the overhead console assembly ensuring all electrical connectors are engaged
4. Reinstall both A-pillar trim panels
5. Reinstall driver and passenger sun visors
6. Verify all trim pieces are secure and properly aligned

Verification

• Operate sunroof through complete open and close cycles multiple times to verify smooth operation
• Test the tilt function to ensure proper motor engagement in both directions
• Verify anti-pinch safety function by placing a soft object in the closing path
• Check for any unusual noises, binding, or hesitation during operation
• Confirm sunroof closes completely flush with roof panel and seals properly
• Use diagnostic tool to verify no fault codes are present in the body control module

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