Tail Light Assembly

Remove and replace the tail light assembly on a 2009 Aston Martin DB9, including accessing trunk-mounted fasteners and disconnecting the wiring harness.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key from vehicle
3. Open trunk and prop open for access to tail light mounting area
4. Allow tail lights to cool if vehicle was recently operated

Procedure

1. 1

   Access trunk-side tail light mounting area
   From inside the trunk, locate the carpeted trunk liner panel behind the tail light assembly on the side being serviced. Identify the fabric-covered or Velcro fastening points securing the liner panel. Carefully pull back or release the liner panel to expose the rear of the tail light assembly and its mounting hardware. The liner typically releases without tools but may have plastic clips at edges—use a trim tool if needed to avoid tearing.
2. 2

   Disconnect tail light wiring harness
   Locate the wiring harness connector at the rear of the tail light assembly. Press the locking tab (typically on top or side of connector) and pull the connector straight back from the tail light housing. Do not pull on wires themselves. Set connector aside where it will not be pinched when reinstalling the assembly.
3. 3

   Remove tail light mounting fasteners
   Locate the mounting fasteners securing the tail light assembly to the body. These are typically retained by several fasteners accessible from the trunk side. Verify the exact count, fastener type (bolt or nut), and specific Torx/socket size against OEM documentation before proceeding. Use the appropriate Torx driver to remove all fasteners completely and set aside in a container. Note the fastener locations and whether any have captive washers or spacers. Note: These fasteners (count and type to be verified against OEM documentation — often nuts on studs or Torx bolts) are accessible from the trunk side behind the liner. Note: These are Torx bolts (and/or nuts) accessible from the trunk side; verify the exact count, size, and arrangement against the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual before removal.
4. 4

   Remove tail light assembly from vehicle
   After removing the interior fasteners, carefully disengage the tail light assembly from its mounting studs and any alignment pins or body locators, working it free in the direction specified by the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual. The assembly should release with gentle but firm pressure. If resistance is felt, verify all fasteners have been removed and check for any hidden clips or alignment pins that may be binding. Support the assembly as it releases to prevent it from dropping. The assembly should release with gentle but firm pressure. If resistance is felt, verify all fasteners have been removed and check for any hidden clips or alignment pins that may be binding. Support the assembly as it releases to prevent it from dropping.
5. 5

   Inspect mounting surfaces and seals
   Examine the body opening for debris, corrosion, or damage. Check the condition of any foam seals or gaskets on the old tail light assembly or body mounting surface. If seals are compressed, torn, or deteriorated, they should be replaced with new seals supplied with the replacement assembly or ordered separately. Clean mounting surfaces with a lint-free cloth if needed.
6. 6

   Install new tail light assembly
   Position the new tail light assembly at the body opening, aligning any locating pins or guides with their corresponding holes in the body. Ensure any foam seals or gaskets are properly seated. Push the assembly forward gently until it seats flush against the body panel. Verify alignment is even on all sides before proceeding to fasteners.
7. 7

   Install and torque mounting fasteners
   From inside the trunk, start all mounting fasteners (nuts on studs or Torx bolts per OEM documentation) by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once all fasteners are started, tighten them evenly in a cross-pattern to the manufacturer-specified torque (verify value against Aston Martin DB9 service documentation before final tightening). This ensures even pressure distribution and proper sealing. Note: Once all fasteners are started, tighten them evenly in a cross-pattern to the OEM-specified torque. Verify the exact torque value against Aston Martin service documentation before final tightening. Note: Tail Light Bolts (verify torque per Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual) Note: Once all bolts are started, tighten them evenly to the Aston Martin DB9 specified torque (verify value in the workshop manual before final tightening).
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect wiring harness
   Align the wiring harness connector with the socket on the rear of the tail light assembly. Push the connector straight in until you hear or feel a positive click, indicating the locking tab has engaged. Give a gentle tug on the connector body (not wires) to verify it is securely locked.
9. 9

   Restore trunk liner
   Reposition the trunk liner panel to its original location, ensuring it does not pinch or strain the wiring harness. Secure any Velcro, clips, or fabric fasteners that were released during disassembly. Verify the liner sits flush and does not interfere with trunk operation.

Reassembly

1. Installation follows removal in reverse order
2. Ensure all electrical connections are fully seated and locked before testing
3. Verify trunk liner is properly secured and does not interfere with wiring

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (engine does not need to start) and activate all tail light functions: parking lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights
• Walk around vehicle and visually confirm the replaced tail light assembly illuminates correctly for all functions
• Check for proper sealing by inspecting the perimeter of the tail light assembly for even gaps and flush fitment with body panels
• Verify no warning lights or fault codes appear on the instrument cluster related to exterior lighting
• Close trunk and verify liner does not interfere with trunk latch operation

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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