How do you replace a tailgate brake lights on a 2003 Durango?

Question

The brake light is mounted on the upper center portion of the tailgate. This replacement is not covered in the owners manual.

Answer 1

REMOVAL

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Remove the liftgate trim panel.

Fig.3 Center High Mounted Stop Lamp


3. Remove the CHMSL lamp mounting screws.
4. Remove the CHMSL lamp.
5. Turn the bulb sockets 1/4 turn counterclockwise.
6. Separate the socket from lamp.

INSTALLATION

1. Position the socket in the lamp.
2. Turn the bulb sockets 1/4 turn clockwise.
3. Position the CHMSL lamp in place and install the mounting screws.
4. Install the liftgate trim panel.
5. Connect battery negative cable.

Answer 2

Open tail gate. remove any plastic gate covers on the inner side of gate. Look for a tin panel that is held in place by some Phillips screws. Remove this plate/ cover. With a flashlight, look inside the gate for the plug that holds the bulb in the lamp. the lamp holder/base will either twist or pull out. Install a new bulb, and reassemble everything.
Note: If there is a window in the gate, here's what to do. Open the gate. Then turn the side gate latches closed, like they would be if gate was up. Now, carefully turn the gate key, until the gate window is halfway to the up position (gate down)! Then when you can look inside the gate, take out the bulb socket, replace the bulb, run the gate window back inside the gate, turn key to open latches, make sure gate window is fully down, replace the inner plate/ panel-s, and trim panel,
WARNING--BE DOUBLY SURE THE GATE WINDOW IS FULLY INSIDE THE GATE, BEFORE CLOSING GATE! then close gate.
Note: This is a general description of how to do it. I do not have a dodge tail gate at hand, but, it is the way to inform you on how or what to look for.

Answer 3

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