Bumper Cover - Front

This procedure removes and replaces the front bumper cover on a 2005 Dodge Viper, including disconnection of fog lights and removal of grille components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front bumper cover × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Push-pin retainers (assorted) × 1 — Mopar 6503598AA or equivalent
• Bumper cover mounting clips × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
3. Disconnect battery negative terminal.
4. Allow vehicle to cool completely if recently driven.
5. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack and support securely on jack stands under manufacturer-specified jacking points.
6. Remove front wheels to access fender liner fasteners and inner bumper mounting points.
7. Use painter's tape to mask adjacent painted surfaces (fenders, hood) to prevent accidental scratching during bumper removal.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Hood Release Cable
   Working from the front of the vehicle, locate the hood release cable attachment point at the latch mechanism. Release the cable from the hood latch by compressing the cable housing retainer and sliding it out of the bracket. Carefully guide the cable end out of the latch mechanism. This provides clearance for bumper cover removal.
2. 2

   Remove Upper Grille Assembly
   The upper grille is retained by multiple push-pin clips along the top edge and sides. Use a trim removal tool to carefully release each clip by prying upward on the center pins, then pulling the grille forward to disengage from the mounting tabs. Remove the grille assembly and set aside. Note the location of each clip for reinstallation. Note: Use OEM specification push-pin retainers (verify correct Mopar part number against factory service documentation for 2005 Viper)
   Torque spec

   Grille Clips5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect Fog Light Electrical Connectors
   Access the fog light electrical connectors from below the bumper cover. Each fog light has a connector accessible from the wheel well area. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight out from the fog light housing. Allow the connectors to hang safely away from the work area.
4. 4

   Remove Fender Liner Fasteners
   With wheels removed, locate the fender liner screws that secure the liner to the bumper cover along the wheel well opening on both sides. Remove the screws and carefully pull back the fender liner to expose the side mounting points of the bumper cover. There are typically 3-4 screws per side connecting the liner to the bumper edge.
   Torque spec

   Fender Liner Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove Lower Bumper Cover Fasteners
   Working from underneath the vehicle, locate and remove the lower bumper cover mounting fasteners. These consist of screws along the bottom edge of the cover and bolts attaching the cover to the lower reinforcement bar. Remove all lower fasteners and retain for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Bumper Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove Side Mounting Bolts
   From inside the wheel well openings on each side, locate the side mounting bolts that secure the bumper cover to the fender and fascia support brackets. These bolts are typically located at the forward edge of the wheel well. Remove 2-3 bolts per side using the appropriate socket.
7. 7

   Remove Upper Mounting Fasteners
   With the hood open, locate the upper mounting fasteners along the top edge of the bumper cover where it meets the hood opening. Remove the screws or bolts securing the top of the bumper cover. These are typically accessed from above with the grille removed.
8. 8

   Detach Bumper Cover from Vehicle
   With all fasteners removed, carefully pull the bumper cover forward and away from the vehicle. The cover may be retained by alignment pins or clips at the fender edges. Gently work the cover free while supporting it at multiple points. Have an assistant help support the cover during removal to prevent dropping or cracking the composite (SMC) panel. Inspect all mounting points and clips for damage.
9. 9

   Inspect and Transfer Components
   If installing a new bumper cover, transfer all reusable components from the old cover including fog light assemblies, mounting brackets, reinforcement brackets, and any clips or inserts. Inspect all mounting tabs and brackets on both the vehicle and new cover for cracks or damage. Replace any damaged clips or fasteners.
10. 10

    Position New Bumper Cover
    With an assistant supporting the cover, align the new bumper cover to the vehicle. Engage the alignment pins or tabs at the fender edges first to establish proper positioning. Ensure the cover sits flush with the fender edges and hood opening before installing any fasteners. Check that fog light openings align properly.
11. 11

    Install Upper Mounting Fasteners
    With the bumper cover properly positioned and aligned, install the upper mounting fasteners along the top edge. Start all fasteners by hand before tightening to allow for minor adjustment. Torque to specification.
12. 12

    Install Side Mounting Bolts
    From inside the wheel well openings, install the side mounting bolts that secure the bumper cover to the fender and fascia support brackets. Ensure proper alignment before fully tightening. Torque to specification.
13. 13

    Install Lower Fasteners
    Working from underneath, install all lower bumper cover fasteners including screws along the bottom edge and bolts to the reinforcement bar. Verify the cover is properly seated before final tightening. Torque all fasteners to specification.
    Torque spec

    Bumper Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect Fog Light Connectors
    Reconnect the electrical connectors to both fog lights. Ensure each connector clicks fully into place and the locking tab engages. Tug gently on each connector to verify secure connection.
15. 15

    Reinstall Fender Liners and Grille
    Reposition the fender liners and install the retaining screws that connect to the bumper cover edges. Torque to specification. Install the upper grille assembly by engaging the mounting tabs and pressing the push-pin clips into place until they click. Torque clips to specification.
    Torque spec

    Fender Liner Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)

    Grille Clips5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reinstall Hood Release Cable
    Guide the hood release cable back into position at the latch mechanism. Insert the cable end into the latch and secure the cable housing in its retaining bracket. Test hood release operation from inside the vehicle to ensure proper function.
17. 17

    Final Installation
    Reinstall front wheels and lower vehicle from jack stands. Torque wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern. Reconnect battery negative terminal. Remove all painter's tape from adjacent surfaces.

Reassembly

1. All fasteners should be torqued to specification in the order listed in the installation steps.
2. Verify all electrical connections are fully seated and locked before testing fog lights.
3. Check bumper cover alignment and gaps at fenders and hood before final tightening of all fasteners.
4. Inspect all panel gaps and adjust mounting points as needed for proper fit.

Verification

• Verify all panel gaps are even and consistent around the bumper cover perimeter.
• Test fog lights for proper operation.
• Test hood release from inside vehicle to ensure cable operates correctly.
• Verify all fasteners are tight and no components are loose.
• Check that bumper cover is securely mounted with no movement or rattles.
• Inspect for proper alignment with fenders and hood opening.

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