Wiper Motor - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wiper motor assembly on the 2025 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wiper motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wiper motor mounting seal/gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Plastic push-pin fasteners × 5 — As needed for trim panel

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Ensure rear wiper is in parked position before starting work
3. Open rear cargo doors for interior access to rear door panel
4. Disconnect negative terminal on 12V accessory battery located in front compartment
5. Wait 2 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
6. Gather all tools and new parts before beginning disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear wiper arm
   Lift the wiper arm away from the glass. Locate the retaining nut cover at the base of the wiper arm and pry it off with a flathead screwdriver. Use a socket to remove the wiper arm retaining nut. Mark the position of the wiper arm on the splined shaft for reinstallation reference. Pull the wiper arm straight off the motor shaft using a rocking motion.
2. 2

   Remove exterior wiper motor cover
   From the exterior, locate the plastic cover or cap surrounding the wiper motor shaft mounting point on the rear door. Use a trim removal tool to carefully pry off this cover. Remove any exposed fasteners (typically T20 or T25 Torx screws) securing the outer motor housing to the door. Set aside the cover and fasteners.
3. 3

   Remove rear door interior trim panel
   Working from inside the cargo area, locate all push-pin fasteners and screws securing the rear door interior trim panel. Remove visible screws (typically T25 Torx) around the panel perimeter. Use trim panel removal tools to carefully release all push-pin fasteners starting from the bottom edge. Gently pull the panel away from the door, being careful not to break any remaining clips. Set the panel aside in a safe location.
   ⚠The trim panel may have integrated clips that can break easily. Work slowly and methodically to avoid damage.
4. 4

   Access wiper motor mounting area
   With the trim panel removed, locate the rear wiper motor assembly mounted to the inner door structure. You should see the motor body, mounting bracket, and electrical connector. Peel back any sound deadening material or protective sheeting as necessary to fully expose the motor assembly and mounting bolts.
5. 5

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the wiper motor. Press the locking tab or release mechanism on the connector and carefully pull it straight off the motor terminals. If the connector is difficult to access, use an electrical connector release tool. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
6. 6

   Remove wiper motor mounting fasteners
   Locate the mounting bolts securing the wiper motor assembly to the rear door structure (typically 3-4 bolts). Use the appropriate socket to remove all mounting bolts while supporting the motor assembly with your other hand. Keep track of any washers, spacers, or grounding straps attached to the mounting bolts.
   ℹ️The motor assembly may have a ground wire attached to one mounting bolt. Note its position for reinstallation.
7. 7

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully maneuver the wiper motor assembly away from the door structure. The motor shaft extends through the outer door panel, so you may need to angle the assembly to clear the mounting hole. Pull the motor assembly into the cargo area through the door cavity. Remove and inspect the mounting seal/gasket for damage.
8. 8

   Inspect mounting area and clean surfaces
   Inspect the door structure mounting surface for corrosion, damage, or debris. Clean the mounting surface with a clean cloth. Check the motor shaft hole in the outer door panel for proper clearance. Inspect the old mounting seal for deterioration and replace if necessary.
9. 9

   Install new wiper motor assembly
   Position the new mounting seal/gasket on the motor assembly. Insert the motor shaft through the door panel hole from the interior side. Align the motor mounting bracket with the bolt holes in the door structure. Ensure the motor is properly oriented with the electrical connector accessible and the shaft positioned correctly through the outer door panel.
10. 10

    Install mounting fasteners
    Thread all mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper alignment. If a ground wire is present, position it under the appropriate bolt as noted during removal. Tighten the mounting bolts in a cross-pattern sequence to ensure even pressure. Since no torque specification is provided, tighten bolts firmly but avoid overtightening to prevent cracking the motor housing or door structure.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Align the electrical connector with the wiper motor terminals and push firmly until you hear or feel the locking tab engage. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked. Ensure no wires are pinched or strained.
12. 12

    Reinstall interior trim panel
    Reposition any sound deadening material or protective sheeting that was moved during motor access. Align the interior trim panel with the door structure. Press firmly on all push-pin fastener locations to seat the clips. Reinstall all screws in their original locations and tighten securely. Verify the panel is flush and all edges are properly seated.
13. 13

    Install exterior components and wiper arm
    From the exterior, install any fasteners securing the outer motor housing if previously removed. Position the exterior cover or cap over the motor shaft mounting area. Align the wiper arm with the reference marks made during removal and slide it onto the splined shaft. Install the wiper arm retaining nut and tighten securely. Snap the retaining nut cover back into place.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly routed
2. Verify all trim panels are fully seated and all fasteners are installed
3. Check that the wiper arm is positioned in the correct park position
4. Reconnect the 12V accessory battery negative terminal

Verification

• Power on the vehicle accessory system without starting the drive system
• Test the rear wiper in all speed settings (intermittent, low, high) to verify proper operation
• Verify the wiper parks correctly in the proper position when turned off
• Check for any unusual noises, vibration, or binding during wiper operation
• Spray washer fluid if equipped and verify the wiper operates smoothly across wet glass
• Inspect all trim panels for proper fit and verify no rattles are present
• Check for water leaks around the motor mounting area during the next vehicle wash or rain event

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle