Tail Light Assembly

Remove and replace the tail light assembly on a 2014 Ram 2500, including disconnecting the electrical connector and installing the new assembly with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off all lights and remove key from ignition
3. Open tailgate for easier access to tail light assembly
4. Clean area around tail light assembly to prevent debris from entering vehicle

Procedure

1. 1

   Access tail light assembly from inside bed
   From inside the truck bed, locate the tail light assembly access area behind the tail light. You may need to remove or pull back any bed liner material to access the mounting bolts and electrical connector.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the back of the tail light assembly. Press the release tab and carefully pull the connector straight out from the tail light socket. Ensure no pins are bent during removal.
3. 3

   Remove tail light mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the two mounting bolts securing the tail light assembly to the body. These bolts are accessed from inside the bed. Keep bolts in a safe location for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove tail light assembly from vehicle
   Carefully pull the tail light assembly straight out away from the vehicle body. The assembly should slide out of the mounting clips and body panel. If resistance is felt, check for any remaining fasteners or clips that may still be engaged. Be careful not to scratch the paint on the truck bed or quarter panel.
5. 5

   Inspect mounting area and clean
   Inspect the mounting surface on the vehicle body for any damage, corrosion, or debris. Clean the mounting surface with a shop towel to ensure proper seating of the new assembly. Check that the rubber gasket or seal area is clean and free of old gasket material.
6. 6

   Install new tail light assembly
   Align the new tail light assembly with the mounting holes and guide it into position. Ensure the alignment pins on the assembly engage with the body panel holes properly. Press the assembly firmly against the body to seat the gasket seal completely before installing bolts.
7. 7

   Install and torque mounting bolts
   Thread the two mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once both bolts are started, use a torque wrench to tighten them to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even seating of the assembly.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Align the electrical connector with the socket on the back of the tail light assembly. Push the connector in firmly until you hear or feel the locking tab click into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is securely locked.

Reassembly

1. Replace any bed liner material that was moved during access
2. Close tailgate and ensure proper clearance with new tail light assembly
3. Reconnect negative battery terminal if it was disconnected

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and test all tail light functions: running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights
• Visually inspect tail light assembly from outside vehicle to ensure proper seating and alignment with body panel
• Check for any light leaks around the gasket seal
• Verify no warning lights are illuminated on the instrument cluster
• Walk around vehicle and confirm both tail lights function identically

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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