Trunk Latch

This procedure covers removal and installation of the trunk latch assembly on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including disconnection of the release cable and proper adjustment of the latch mechanism.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trunk latch assembly × 1 — Mopar 04584549 or equivalent
• Trunk latch cable (if damaged) × 1 — Mopar 04584550 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Open trunk fully and prop securely with the factory support strut.
2. Inspect the trunk latch and striker for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage.
3. Verify operation of the trunk release cable from inside the vehicle before disassembly to confirm the issue is latch-related.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the Trunk Latch Assembly
   Locate the trunk latch assembly and identify whether it is mounted to the trunk lid or the body panel, and identify the two mounting bolts securing the latch. The latch is visible from inside the trunk when opened. Identify the two mounting bolts securing the latch to the trunk lid structure.
2. 2

   Disconnect the Trunk Release Cable
   Locate the trunk release cable connection on the latch mechanism. Use needle-nose pliers to compress the cable housing retainer clip and pull the cable housing out of its mount on the latch bracket. Carefully unhook the cable end from the latch release lever by rotating the lever slightly and sliding the cable end out of the slot. Control the cable as tension is released.
3. 3

   Remove the Latch Mounting Bolts
   Using the correct socket or Torx driver for your fasteners, remove the two bolts securing the trunk latch assembly to the trunk lid structure. Support the latch with one hand as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling. Note the position and orientation of the latch for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Latch Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove the Latch Assembly
   Carefully withdraw the trunk latch assembly from the trunk lid. Inspect the mounting area for corrosion or damage. If only the latch mechanism is being replaced and not the entire assembly, inspect all mounting hardware for reuse.
5. 5

   Inspect the Striker and Alignment
   With the latch removed, inspect the trunk striker mounted to the body panel below the trunk opening. Check for wear on the striker surface and ensure it is securely mounted. Verify the striker is not bent or misaligned. The striker should be centered in the latch opening when the trunk is closed. If striker adjustment is needed, loosen the striker mounting bolt(s) but do not remove completely.
   Torque spec

   Striker Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Install the New Latch Assembly
   Position the new or serviced trunk latch assembly into the mounting location on the trunk lid. Align the latch so it is properly oriented with the release lever accessible to the cable and the latch mechanism facing the striker. Start both mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening.
7. 7

   Torque the Latch Mounting Bolts
   Using a torque wrench with 10mm socket, tighten the two latch mounting bolts to specification. Tighten in a cross pattern if both bolts are accessible simultaneously to ensure even seating of the latch against the trunk lid structure.
   Torque spec

   Latch Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect the Trunk Release Cable
   Route the trunk release cable to the latch release lever. Hook the cable end onto the lever by rotating the lever slightly and inserting the cable end into the slot. Ensure the cable end is fully seated in the lever. Push the cable housing into the retainer mount on the latch bracket until the retainer clip clicks into place. Verify the cable housing is secure by tugging gently on the cable.
9. 9

   Test Latch Operation
   Before closing the trunk completely, test the latch mechanism by manually operating the release lever on the latch. The mechanism should move freely and return to the latched position when released. Test the trunk release cable from inside the vehicle to ensure it properly actuates the latch. If the cable does not fully release the latch, verify cable routing and connection.
10. 10

    Adjust Latch Alignment
    Carefully close the trunk approximately halfway and observe how the latch engages with the striker. The latch should align centrally with the striker without forcing. If misalignment is observed, open the trunk and slightly adjust the latch position by loosening the mounting bolts, shifting the latch as needed, and retorquing. Close the trunk fully and verify smooth engagement and positive latching.

Reassembly

1. No additional reassembly steps required beyond the installation procedure outlined above.

Verification

• Close and open the trunk multiple times using both the interior release and the exterior key cylinder to verify proper latch function.
• Check that the trunk closes with normal effort and does not require excessive force, indicating proper striker alignment.
• Verify the trunk release cable operates smoothly without binding and fully releases the latch when actuated.
• Confirm the trunk seals properly when closed and does not rattle or exhibit gaps around the latch area.
• Test the trunk from both inside and outside the vehicle to ensure no failure modes exist.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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