Headlight Assembly

Remove and replace the headlight assembly on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including bulb and adjuster disconnect.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Headlight assembly × 1 — Mopar 4720427 (left) or 4720426 (right)
• Headlight bulb (if reusing old assembly) × 1 — H4 or 9004 per VIN configuration

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and turn off ignition
2. Open hood and prop securely
3. Allow headlight assembly to cool if vehicle was recently driven

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect headlight electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector at the rear of the headlight assembly. Press the release tab on the connector and pull straight back to disconnect the bulb socket from the wiring harness. On the 1992 Viper, the connector is accessed from behind the pop-up headlight pod; raise the headlights before servicing to gain access.
2. 2

   Remove headlight bulb and socket
   Rotate the bulb socket counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn and pull it straight out of the headlight assembly housing. Set aside the bulb and socket assembly in a safe location away from the work area.
3. 3

   Disconnect headlight adjustment screws
   Locate the two beam adjustment screws on the headlight assembly (vertical and horizontal aim adjusters). These are accessed from the front or top of the raised headlight pod assembly. Note their position or mark with tape before disturbing. Disconnect the adjusters by backing them out several turns until they disengage from the adjustment mechanism, but do not fully remove the screws from their mounting points.
4. 4

   Remove headlight assembly mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket and extension, remove the 4 bolts securing the headlight assembly to the body structure. These bolts are located around the perimeter of the assembly (top, bottom, and sides). Support the assembly with one hand as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Headlight Assembly Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove headlight assembly from vehicle
   Carefully pull the headlight assembly straight forward and out of the vehicle body. The assembly may require slight wiggling to clear the mounting tabs and body panel edges. Inspect the mounting points and body structure for any damage or corrosion before proceeding with installation.
6. 6

   Prepare new headlight assembly
   If installing a new assembly, transfer the bulb socket from the old unit if the new assembly does not include one. Clean the mounting flange area on the new assembly with a clean cloth. Verify that all adjustment mechanisms move freely and are not seized.
7. 7

   Install headlight assembly into body
   Align the new or serviced headlight assembly with the body mounting points. Carefully guide the assembly into position, ensuring that the adjustment screw receptacles align with their corresponding adjusters. Push the assembly flush against the body mounting surface.
8. 8

   Install and torque mounting bolts
   Thread all 4 mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Once all bolts are started, tighten them evenly in a cross pattern (top, bottom, opposite sides) to avoid cocking the assembly. Tighten all mounting bolts snugly and evenly; if a torque specification is published for these fasteners, torque accordingly.
   Torque spec

   Headlight Assembly Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect adjustment screws
   Turn the vertical and horizontal adjustment screws clockwise until they engage with the headlight assembly adjustment mechanism. Do not force; they should thread smoothly. Screw them in until they make contact with the adjustment points, then back them out to approximately the position noted during removal (if reusing original assembly). Final aim adjustment will be performed during verification.
   Torque spec

   Adjuster Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install bulb and reconnect electrical
    Insert the bulb socket into the rear of the headlight assembly and rotate clockwise 1/4 turn until it locks into place. Reconnect the electrical connector to the bulb socket, pushing firmly until the release tab clicks into the locked position. Verify the connector is fully seated.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the installation steps above
2. Ensure all mounting bolts are torqued to specification before closing hood
3. Do not overtighten adjustment screws; they should move freely for future aim corrections

Verification

• Turn ignition to the headlight position and verify the new assembly illuminates properly with both low and high beams
• Check for any moisture or condensation inside the lens (indicates seal failure)
• Verify headlight assembly is flush with body panels and has no visible gaps
• Perform headlight aim adjustment using a headlight aiming tool or alignment wall at 25 feet distance per DOT standards
• Check that all adjustment screws move freely and affect beam position as expected

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