Trouble Removing Taillights for # 55323 Harness Installation in 2011 Dodge Dakota 4x4

Updated 11/01/2013 | Published 10/30/2013

Question:

After removing the two screws on the tail light assembly, it is stuck and I am afraid to pry it rearward for fear of breaking something. It looks like it must come out rearward. Does it take a bit of force?

asked by: J. D

Expert Reply:

I have linked you to a video showing installation of this Curt trailer wiring harness # 55323 on a 2006 Dakota. Although this vehicle is a few years older than yours the appearance of the taillight assemblies is quite similar to those on your 2011 Dakota and the process for their removal should also be.

Often taillight assemblies will have additional plastic tabs to hold them in place (in addition to the screws) and these may require that you jiggle or rock the entire assembly to loosen these tabs from their receptacles, which are often rubber grommets. As shown in the video and as you noted the assemblies are removed in a rearward direction. If the lights have never before been removed they may require some force to separate the tabs from their friction-fit grommets.

You should not need any tools to remove the assembly (apart from the screwdriver used to remove the two screws) just a firm but careful hand pulling the assembly rearward.

expert reply by: Adam R