Tail Light Assembly

Remove and replace the tail light assembly on a 1992 Dodge Viper, accessed from inside the rear trunk compartment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Tail light gasket or seal × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Turn ignition off and remove key.
3. Open rear trunk/hatch to access the tail light assembly mounting area.
4. Allow tail lights to cool if vehicle was recently operated.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access tail light mounting area
   From the rear of the vehicle, locate the access point behind the tail light assembly you are replacing. On the 1992 Viper, access to the rear of the tail light housing may be through the rear storage/trunk area or by removing a body access panel. Inspect for fasteners or clips securing any trim, and carefully release these to expose the rear of the tail light assembly. Inspect the panel for fasteners or clips securing it. On the 1992 Viper, check for push-pin clips or retaining fasteners along the panel edges. Carefully release these fasteners and remove or fold back the panel to expose the rear of the tail light assembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the wiring harness connector attached to the back of the tail light assembly. Squeeze the locking tab on the connector and pull it straight away from the tail light socket assembly to disconnect. Note the connector orientation for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove tail light mounting fasteners
   Locate the mounting nuts or bolts securing the tail light assembly to the body. On the 1992 Viper, the tail light assembly is retained by mounting nuts (quantity and size to be verified against factory service documentation) accessible from the rear access area. Using the correct socket and ratchet with extension, remove all mounting nuts and retain them for reinstallation. Using a 10mm socket and ratchet with extension, remove all mounting nuts and retain them for reinstallation.
   ℹ️Support the tail light assembly from the exterior side while removing the final fastener to prevent it from falling and causing damage.
4. 4

   Remove tail light assembly
   From the exterior of the vehicle, carefully pull the tail light assembly straight out from the body. The assembly may be sealed with a gasket, so apply even pressure to break the seal. Remove the assembly completely and inspect the mounting studs and gasket area for damage or corrosion.
5. 5

   Inspect and clean mounting surface
   Remove the old gasket or seal from both the tail light assembly mounting surface on the body and from the old tail light if the gasket adhered to it. Clean the body mounting surface with a lint-free cloth to remove any debris, old sealant residue, or moisture. Inspect the mounting studs for damage or corrosion.
6. 6

   Prepare new tail light assembly
   Install the new gasket or seal onto the new tail light assembly, ensuring it is properly seated in the gasket channel around the perimeter of the assembly. Verify that all bulb sockets in the new assembly are properly installed and that no bulbs are loose or missing.
7. 7

   Install new tail light assembly
   From the exterior of the vehicle, align the new tail light assembly with the body opening, ensuring the mounting studs pass through their corresponding holes in the body panel. Press the assembly firmly and evenly against the body to compress the gasket and create a proper seal.
   ⚠Ensure the gasket is not pinched or displaced during installation, as this can cause water intrusion.
8. 8

   Install mounting fasteners
   From inside the trunk, thread the 10mm mounting nuts onto the studs by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once all nuts are hand-tight, hand-tighten the mounting nuts snugly in a cross-pattern to ensure even pressure on the assembly and gasket, being careful not to over-tighten and crack the housing. Verify torque specification against factory service documentation if available.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Reconnect the wiring harness connector to the back of the tail light assembly, ensuring it locks securely with an audible click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
10. 10

    Reinstall interior trim panel
    Reposition the interior trunk panel or carpeted trim over the tail light mounting area. Secure all push-pin clips or fasteners that were removed during disassembly, ensuring the panel is flush and properly aligned.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly follows removal in reverse order.
2. Ensure the tail light gasket is properly seated before tightening fasteners to prevent water intrusion.
3. Tighten mounting nuts in a cross-pattern to distribute pressure evenly across the assembly.

Verification

• Turn the ignition to the 'on' position (engine does not need to be running).
• Activate the parking lights and verify the tail light illuminates.
• Test brake lights by having an assistant press the brake pedal while you observe the tail light.
• Activate turn signals and verify proper operation of the turn signal function.
• Inspect the exterior perimeter of the tail light assembly for proper seating and even gasket compression.
• Close the trunk and verify the interior trim panel is secure with no rattles.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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