How to Install Brake Lights on My 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan

The Dodge Caravan was introduced in 1984, and the Dodge Grand Caravan followed in 1987 with a longer wheelbase. The 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan SE base model was equipped with a 3.3-liter V-6 capable of producing 180-horsepower. A 215-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6 was available as an engine upgrade in the EX trim package. The taillights on the 2002 Grand Caravan are controlled by a central circuit board on the taillight assembly -- rather than each bulb having an individual electrical connector, one main connector controls the entire circuit board.

Instructions

1

Raise the rear hatch of the van.

2

Remove the two round plastic mollies from the inner vertical side of the door frame. Pry the center of the mollies outward with a screwdriver, then pull the mollies out by hand.

3

Remove the entire taillight assembly from the back of the van to expose the rear of the assembly. Pry the red locking tab on the electrical connector out of the connector with the screwdriver. Depress the release mechanism on the electrical connector, then pull the electrical connector off the taillight assembly. Remove the assembly and place it on the floor in the back of the van.

4

Depress the lock tab on the center bulb socket (brake light) with the screwdriver, then pull the socket out of the assembly. Remove the light bulb from the socket by simply pulling the two pieces apart. Wrap the new light bulb lens in a paper towel or napkin, then insert it into the bulb socket.

5

Install the bulb socket back into the taillight housing, being careful not to touch the lens of the new bulb with your bare skin. Push the socket inward until it snaps into place. Repeat the bulb socket removal process at this time if you are going to replace the turn signal (upper) or reverse (lower) light bulbs, as well. Make sure the socket makes an audible click when you install it, to ensure the lock tab is in place.

6

Hold the taillight assembly near the mounting hole in the rear of the van. Insert the electrical connector onto the taillight assembly, then install the red lock tab back into the connector. Push the lock tab in place with the tip of your screwdriver.

7

Install the taillight assembly back into the van. Insert the lock mollies through the door frame and into the taillight assembly. Depress the center portion of the mollies until they are flush with the outer portion -- this indicates that the mollies have locked the taillight assembly in place.

8

Repeat Steps 2 through 7 to replace the brake lights or all of the taillight bulbs on the other side of the van.