Trunk Latch

Remove and replace the trunk latch assembly on a 2005 Dodge Viper, including disconnecting the electrical connector and removing mounting fasteners.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trunk latch assembly × 1 — Mopar 68003916AA or equivalent

Preparation

1. Open the trunk fully and ensure it is stable.
2. If equipped with electronic trunk release or alarm integration, disconnect the battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes.
3. Position work light to illuminate the trunk latch mounting area at the rear edge of the trunk opening.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access trunk latch assembly
   Locate the trunk latch mechanism mounted to the body at the rear center of the trunk opening. The latch is visible from inside the trunk compartment. Identify the electrical connector (if equipped) and the mounting bolts securing the latch to the body structure.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   If the trunk latch has an electrical connector for electronic release or alarm integration, press the locking tab on the connector and pull it straight off the latch assembly. Route the connector away from the work area.
3. 3

   Remove trunk latch mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket with extension, remove the 3 bolts securing the trunk latch assembly to the body panel. Support the latch assembly as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Body Panel Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove trunk latch assembly
   Pull the trunk latch assembly away from the body panel. Inspect the mounting area for any debris, corrosion, or damage to the body panel threads. Clean the mounting surface if necessary.
5. 5

   Install new trunk latch assembly
   Position the new trunk latch assembly onto the body panel, aligning the mounting holes. Start all 3 mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening.
6. 6

   Torque mounting bolts
   Using a torque wrench and 10mm socket, tighten the trunk latch mounting bolts to approximately 10.0 Nm (7.0 lb-ft) in a cross pattern to ensure even seating of the latch assembly. Verify exact torque against the vehicle service manual.
   Torque spec

   Body Panel Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Reconnect electrical connector
   If equipped with an electrical connector, push the connector firmly onto the trunk latch assembly until it clicks into place. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged.
8. 8

   Reconnect battery
   If the battery negative terminal was disconnected, reconnect it and tighten the terminal clamp securely.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the installation steps above.

Verification

• Close the trunk and verify that the latch engages the striker properly with a solid click.
• Open the trunk using the interior release and external key cylinder to confirm both methods operate correctly.
• If equipped with electronic release, test the remote trunk release function from inside the vehicle.
• Check that the trunk closes securely and does not rattle or show any play when latched.
• Verify that the trunk alarm integration (if equipped) functions properly by arming the alarm system and testing the trunk sensor.

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