Remove and replace the front wiper motor assembly on the 2025 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wiper motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wiper motor seal/gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cowl panel clips (if damaged) × 1 — Rivian trim clip kit

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal (located in front compartment)
3. Wait 2 minutes for electrical system capacitors to discharge
4. Open the front hood/compartment to access cowl area
5. Cover fenders with protective material to prevent scratches

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark and remove wiper arms
   Using tape or marker, mark the position of both wiper arms on the windshield. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield and locate the locking tab at the base of each arm. Depress the tab and use a wiper arm puller to gently remove both wiper arms from their posts. Set arms aside in a safe location.
2. 2

   Remove cowl cover caps
   Locate the decorative plastic caps at each end of the cowl panel. Carefully pry these caps up using a trim removal tool to expose the underlying fasteners.
3. 3

   Remove cowl panel fasteners
   Remove all T25 Torx screws securing the cowl panel (typically 6-8 screws along the panel). Note the location of any different length screws for proper reassembly. Remove any push-pin clips along the cowl panel edge using a trim tool.
4. 4

   Remove cowl weather seal
   Carefully peel back the rubber weather seal from the cowl panel area. Start at one end and work across, taking care not to tear the seal. This seal is reusable if removed carefully.
5. 5

   Remove cowl panel
   Gently lift the cowl panel from the rear edge first, then pull forward and up to disengage the forward clips. If equipped, disconnect the washer nozzle hoses from the underside of the cowl panel by depressing the quick-connect collar and pulling. Remove the cowl panel and set aside.
6. 6

   Disconnect washer fluid hose
   Locate the washer fluid supply hose connected to the wiper motor assembly. Depress the quick-connect collar and pull the hose free from the motor assembly. Have a small container ready to catch any residual fluid.
7. 7

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the main electrical connector on the wiper motor assembly. Press the locking tab and carefully pull the connector straight off the motor. On this vehicle, the connector uses a single large multi-pin design.
8. 8

   Remove wiper linkage arms
   Locate the ball joints where the wiper linkage connects to the wiper posts. Using a small flathead screwdriver or pick tool, carefully pop each linkage arm off its ball joint. Note the orientation of the linkage for reassembly.
9. 9

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the three mounting bolts securing the wiper motor assembly to the bulkhead. Support the motor with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from dropping.
10. 10

    Remove wiper motor assembly
    Carefully maneuver the wiper motor and linkage assembly out of the cowl area. The assembly may need to be tilted or rotated to clear surrounding components. Remove the old motor seal/gasket from the mounting surface.
11. 11

    Install new wiper motor assembly
    Install the new motor seal/gasket onto the mounting surface. Position the new wiper motor assembly into the cowl area, aligning the mounting holes with the bulkhead. Install the three 10mm mounting bolts and tighten them in a star pattern to ensure even seating. Tighten securely but do not overtighten.
12. 12

    Reconnect linkage and electrical
    Snap the wiper linkage arms back onto their respective ball joints, ensuring they are fully seated. Reconnect the main electrical connector to the wiper motor, pressing until you hear/feel the locking tab engage. Reconnect the washer fluid supply hose until it clicks into place.
13. 13

    Test motor operation before final assembly
    Temporarily reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal. Turn the ignition to ON position and test the wiper motor function using all wiper speeds and intermittent settings. Verify smooth operation and proper parking position. Test washer spray function. Disconnect battery again before continuing.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall cowl panel by engaging forward clips first, then pressing down along the rear edge
2. Reconnect washer nozzle hoses if disconnected
3. Install all T25 Torx screws and push-pin clips in their original locations
4. Reinstall the rubber weather seal along the cowl panel edge
5. Install the decorative end caps at each end of the cowl
6. Reinstall wiper arms in their original marked positions, ensuring they seat fully onto the posts
7. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON and test all wiper speed settings (intermittent, low, high)
• Verify wipers park in correct position when turned off
• Test washer fluid spray function and verify proper spray pattern
• Check for any unusual noise or vibration during wiper operation
• Inspect cowl panel fit and verify all clips are properly seated
• Verify no water leaks into cowl area during washer operation
• Perform a test drive and verify wipers function normally at various vehicle speeds

More procedures for this vehicle