Trunk Lid

This procedure covers removal and installation of the trunk lid on a 2005 Dodge Viper, including hinge disconnection, support strut removal, and alignment during reinstallation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trunk lid (if replacing damaged unit) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trunk lid support strut × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Open trunk lid fully and prop securely in the open position.
3. Disconnect negative battery cable if trunk lid has integrated third brake light or electrical components requiring disconnection.
4. Protect surrounding body panels with soft cloth or fender covers to prevent scratching during removal.
5. Have assistant ready or position adjustable support stand under trunk lid to support weight during removal.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect trunk electrical connections (if equipped)
   If the trunk lid is equipped with a third brake light or washer nozzle, locate the electrical harness connector routing through the hinge area. Press the connector release tab and disconnect the harness. Note the routing path for reinstallation. Carefully pull any wiring through the hinge area to free it from the trunk lid.
2. 2

   Mark hinge alignment
   Using a marker or grease pencil, trace the outline of both trunk hinges where they bolt to the underside of the trunk lid. This reference will ensure proper alignment during reinstallation and minimize the need for post-installation adjustment. Mark all 4 hinge mounting points clearly.
3. 3

   Remove trunk support struts
   Locate the trunk lid support struts on both sides. Each strut has ball-socket connections at both ends. Using a flathead screwdriver or trim tool, carefully pry the retaining clip at the upper strut mount (trunk lid end) to release it from the ball stud. Allow the strut to pivot downward, keeping it attached at the lower body mount. Repeat for the second strut. The trunk lid will now require manual support.
4. 4

   Position support for trunk lid
   With your assistant or adjustable support stand positioned under the trunk lid, ensure the lid is securely supported and will not fall when hinge bolts are removed. The support should contact the lid near its center of gravity to prevent tipping. Verify the lid is stable before proceeding.
5. 5

   Remove hinge-to-trunk lid fasteners
   Working on one side at first, locate the hinge mounting bolts securing the hinge to the underside of the trunk lid. Remove the 4 bolts securing each hinge to the trunk lid using the appropriate socket. Keep track of any washers or spacers. With both hinges detached from the trunk lid, carefully lift the trunk lid away from the vehicle with your assistant. Set the trunk lid on a padded surface with the exterior surface protected.
   Torque spec

   Trunk Hinge Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Inspect hinges and mounting points
   With the trunk lid removed, inspect the hinge mechanisms for wear, binding, or damage. Check the body-side hinge mounting points for cracks or distortion. Inspect the trunk lid mounting surface for damage or stripped threads. Clean any dirt or debris from the hinge area and trunk lid mounting surface. If replacing the trunk lid, transfer any mounting hardware or alignment shims from the old lid to the new lid.
7. 7

   Position new or repaired trunk lid
   With your assistant, carefully position the trunk lid into the installation location, aligning the hinges with the mounting holes on the underside of the trunk lid. Use the alignment marks made during removal to position the hinges correctly. Support the trunk lid weight while threading in the hinge mounting bolts by hand to prevent cross-threading.
8. 8

   Install and torque hinge fasteners
   Install all hinge mounting bolts finger-tight first, ensuring hinges are properly seated against the trunk lid surface and aligned with the reference marks. Once all bolts are started, torque all hinge mounting bolts in a cross pattern to the specified torque. Verify the hinges are flush with the mounting surface and the lid moves smoothly before final torque verification.
   Torque spec

   Trunk Hinge Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect trunk support struts
   With the trunk lid partially supported, align the upper ball stud on the trunk lid with the socket end of each support strut. Press firmly until the retaining clip snaps into place on the ball stud. Verify both struts are securely connected by gently pulling on them. The struts should now support the trunk lid in the open position.
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connections (if equipped)
    Route the electrical harness for the third brake light or washer system through the hinge area following the original routing path. Connect the harness connector until it clicks into place. Ensure no wiring is pinched or at risk of being crushed when the trunk lid closes. If battery was disconnected, reconnect the negative battery cable and verify third brake light operation.
11. 11

    Check trunk lid alignment and adjustment
    Close the trunk lid slowly and observe the gap alignment with surrounding body panels. The lid should sit flush with the rear body contours with even gaps on all sides. If adjustment is needed, loosen the hinge-to-lid bolts slightly and shift the lid position as needed, then retorque. Check that the trunk latch engages properly and the lid closes securely without excessive force.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly follows the removal procedure in reverse order.
2. Always mark hinge alignment before removal to simplify reinstallation and minimize adjustment time.
3. When installing a replacement trunk lid, transfer all hardware and shims from the original lid to maintain proper alignment.
4. Final alignment may require minor adjustment of the hinge-to-lid bolt positions; allow extra time for fine-tuning fitment.

Verification

• Open and close the trunk lid several times to verify smooth operation without binding or unusual resistance.
• Verify trunk lid sits flush with surrounding body panels with consistent gaps on all sides.
• Check that trunk latch engages securely and releases properly from both inside and outside release mechanisms.
• If equipped with third brake light, verify proper illumination when brake pedal is depressed.
• Confirm support struts hold the trunk lid in the fully open position without sagging.

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