Replace the tail light bulb assembly on a 2025 Rivian EDV 500 commercial delivery van by accessing the light housing from inside the cargo area.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light bulb assembly (LED module) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Interior trim panel clips × 4 — Replacement clips as needed

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Power down vehicle completely using touchscreen shutdown procedure
3. Remove key fob from vehicle and place at least 20 feet away
4. Wait 2 minutes for electrical systems to fully discharge
5. Open rear cargo doors and ensure adequate working space inside cargo area
6. Position work light to illuminate interior rear corner where tail light is mounted

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove cargo area side trim panel
   Locate the interior side trim panel on the affected side at the rear of the cargo area. Use trim panel removal tools to carefully pry away the panel starting from the bottom edge. Work upward, releasing approximately 8-10 push clips. Support the panel as you remove it to avoid damaging wiring harnesses behind it.
2. 2

   Disconnect auxiliary wiring if present
   Check behind the trim panel for any auxiliary power outlets, cargo area lighting, or accessory wiring. Disconnect any electrical connectors by pressing the release tab and pulling straight out. Label connections if multiple connectors are present.
3. 3

   Locate tail light access panel
   With trim removed, identify the tail light service access panel directly behind the exterior tail light assembly. This is a smaller rectangular panel held by 4 T25 Torx screws. Remove all four screws and set aside.
4. 4

   Remove tail light access panel
   Pull the access panel away from the body. It may have a foam seal around the perimeter. Inspect the seal for damage and set panel aside in a clean area. You should now have direct access to the back of the tail light assembly.
5. 5

   Disconnect tail light wiring harness
   Locate the main tail light connector attached to the rear of the light assembly. Press the locking tab on the connector (usually gray or black) and pull the connector straight back away from the light module. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
6. 6

   Remove tail light mounting fasteners
   Identify the three 10mm nuts or bolts securing the tail light assembly to the body from inside. These are typically arranged in a triangular pattern. Use a 10mm socket to remove all three fasteners completely. Keep fasteners organized for reinstallation.
7. 7

   Extract tail light assembly
   Carefully pull the tail light assembly straight back toward the interior of the vehicle. The assembly may have alignment pins or a gasket seal. If resistance is felt, gently rock the assembly side to side while pulling. Once free, bring the entire assembly into the cargo area.
8. 8

   Inspect and clean mounting area
   Examine the body opening for debris, moisture, or corrosion. Clean the mounting surface with a lint-free cloth. Check the weatherstrip gasket on the body or on the old light assembly; if damaged or compressed, it should be transferred to the new assembly or replaced.
9. 9

   Install new tail light LED module
   Position the new tail light assembly with the correct orientation (verify connector location matches). Align any guide pins with their corresponding holes in the body panel. Gently push the assembly into place from inside until it seats flush against the body. The exterior lens should sit flush with the vehicle body contour.
10. 10

    Secure tail light mounting fasteners
    Thread the three 10mm mounting fasteners by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Once all three are started, tighten in a star pattern to ensure even pressure on the assembly. Tighten firmly but do not overtighten, as this may crack the housing.
11. 11

    Reconnect tail light wiring harness
    Align the wiring connector with the tail light module connector and push together firmly until you hear or feel a positive click. Tug gently on the connection to verify it is fully seated and locked.
12. 12

    Test tail light function
    Before reassembling panels, return to the vehicle cab and power up the vehicle. Test all tail light functions: running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights. Have an assistant observe from outside or use a reflection to verify all functions work correctly.
13. 13

    Reinstall access panel
    Position the tail light access panel back into place, ensuring the foam seal is properly aligned. Install all four T25 Torx screws and tighten in a cross pattern. Do not overtighten, as this may compress the seal excessively or crack the plastic panel.
14. 14

    Reconnect auxiliary wiring and reinstall trim panel
    Reconnect any auxiliary wiring harnesses that were disconnected in step 2. Position the cargo area side trim panel back into place, aligning the top edge first. Press firmly along all clip locations, working from top to bottom, until all clips are fully engaged and the panel sits flush.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all trim panel clips are fully engaged and panel sits flush with no gaps
2. Verify access panel screws are tightened and weatherseal is properly seated
3. Confirm no tools or parts are left inside the cargo area

Verification

• Power up the vehicle and test all tail light functions: running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights
• Walk around vehicle to verify tail light is properly seated and flush with body panel
• Check for light leaks around the lens perimeter in a dark area
• Verify no warning messages appear on the instrument cluster related to exterior lighting
• Test trim panel security by pressing on various points to ensure all clips are engaged

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