Tail Light Assembly

Remove and replace the tail light assembly on a 2008 Dodge Viper, accessed from inside the trunk compartment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Open the trunk and ensure it is securely supported in the open position
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent electrical shorts during harness disconnection
3. Allow adequate lighting inside the trunk compartment for visibility of fasteners and connectors

Procedure

1. 1

   Access trunk interior liner
   From inside the trunk, locate the trunk liner panel on the side corresponding to the tail light being replaced. Identify any fasteners or clips securing the liner panel to the inner trunk structure. Carefully release or remove fasteners to pull back the liner enough to expose the rear of the tail light assembly.
2. 2

   Locate tail light mounting fasteners
   With the liner pulled back, identify the tail light assembly mounting nuts on the back side of the assembly. The Viper typically uses 3 mounting nuts securing each tail light assembly to the body. These are 10mm nuts threaded onto studs protruding from the tail light housing.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the back of the tail light assembly. Press the release tab on the connector and pull it straight away from the tail light socket assembly to disconnect. Ensure you support the connector housing to avoid pulling on the wiring harness.
4. 4

   Remove mounting nuts
   Using a 10mm socket with ratchet and extension, remove the 3 mounting nuts securing the tail light assembly to the body. Keep these nuts in a safe location for reinstallation. Support the tail light assembly from the outside if possible to prevent it from falling once the last nut is removed.
5. 5

   Remove tail light assembly from vehicle
   From the exterior of the vehicle, carefully pull the tail light assembly straight back away from the body. The assembly should release from the mounting studs and any alignment pins. Guide the assembly out slowly, checking for any remaining attachments or obstructions. If resistance is felt, check for missed fasteners or clips before applying additional force.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting area and clean surfaces
   With the assembly removed, inspect the mounting surface on the vehicle body for damage, corrosion, or debris. Clean the mounting surface with a clean microfiber cloth. Inspect the tail light mounting studs and alignment pins for damage. Check the condition of any gasket or seal that was between the assembly and body.
7. 7

   Prepare new tail light assembly
   Remove the new tail light assembly from packaging. Verify all mounting studs and alignment pins are intact. If a new gasket or seal is included with the replacement assembly, ensure it is properly positioned on the assembly. If reusing the original gasket, transfer it to the new assembly in the correct orientation.
8. 8

   Install new tail light assembly
   From the exterior of the vehicle, align the new tail light assembly with the body opening. Guide the mounting studs and any alignment pins through their corresponding holes in the body. Press the assembly firmly and evenly against the body to seat it properly. Ensure the gasket seals evenly around the entire perimeter.
9. 9

   Install mounting nuts
   From inside the trunk, thread the 3 mounting nuts onto the tail light assembly studs by hand. Once all nuts are started, use the 10mm socket and ratchet to tighten them in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure on the assembly. Tighten firmly but avoid over-torquing, which can crack the housing.
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector firmly onto the tail light socket assembly until it clicks into place. Verify the connector is fully seated and the locking tab is engaged.
11. 11

    Reinstall trunk liner
    Reposition the trunk liner panel over the tail light mounting area. Reinstall any fasteners or engage clips that were removed during disassembly. Ensure the liner sits flush and is properly secured.
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn on the vehicle parking lights, brake lights, and turn signals to verify the new tail light assembly functions correctly in all modes. Check for proper illumination and verify no warning lights appear on the instrument cluster.

Reassembly

1. Mounting nuts should be tightened in a crisscross pattern to distribute pressure evenly across the tail light assembly
2. Ensure the electrical connector locks fully into place with an audible click
3. Verify the tail light assembly gasket is properly seated before final tightening to ensure a weather-tight seal

Verification

• Test all tail light functions: parking lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights (if integrated)
• Inspect the exterior perimeter of the tail light assembly to ensure even gaps and proper sealing against the body
• Check for any moisture intrusion or condensation inside the new tail light lens after installation
• Verify no warning lights remain illuminated on the instrument cluster after testing

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