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Dodge Grand Caravan Cargo Area Light Bulb Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out cargo area light bulb in the tailgate of a 5th generation 2008 to 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan.

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2013 Grand Caravan Liftgate
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Cargo Area Light Housing
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Pry Out Light Housing
This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the 5th generation or "Generation V" (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014) Dodge Grand Caravan in changing a burnt out cargo area or "trunk" light bulb in the tailgate door.

Owners of other Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or RAM vehicles such as the Avenger, 200, 300, Town & Country, Challenger, Charger, Dart, Durango, Journey, Patriot, Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Compass, 1500, 2500, 3500, C/V Tradesman and ProMaster may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

A replacement "rigid loop" base bulb is part number 562 from manufacturers such as Sylvania, GE, Eiko and PIAA. You may also be able to use the similar # 561 bulb.

If you would like to have a brighter cargo area light, install a compatible replacement 561 LED bulb.

The only tool needed to change the bulb is a small flathead screwdriver used to pry out the light housing.



 
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Light Housing Removed
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Red Locking Tab
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Push Out Red Lock Tab
The first step is to gently pry out the cargo area light housing by inserting the flathead screwdriver in to the notches along the top edge.

To prevent from scratching the plastic surfaces, you may choose to cover the tip of your screwdriver with a thin micro fiber cloth.

Pull the housing out of the tailgate.

Slide the red plastic lock tab out to unlock the power plug's release tab.

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Press Release Button
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Pull Out Power Plug
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Pry Open Light Housing
Press down on the black plastic release button and slide the electrical connector straight out of its socket.

Set the light housing down with the lens on a soft surface such as the cargo area carpeting.

Gently pry open the two halves of the housing to separate the lens cover from the white plastic piece.

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Lens Cover Removed
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Old Bulb Exposed
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Pull Out Old Bulb
If the old cargo area bulb was recently illuminated, be careful since it might still be hot enough to burn your fingers.

Carefully pull the old bulb out of the socket. Try to avoid bending or damaging the electrical metal contacts.



 

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Old # 562 Rigid Loop Base
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Install New # 562 Bulb
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Line Up Lens Cover
Attach a new # 562 or # 561 "rigid loop" base bulb to the electrical contacts.

I recommend buying the Sylvania 561 LL long life light bulbs since they seem to last much longer than others.

Or you could install a brighter 561 LED bulb.

Make sure that the electrical contacts are passed through the wire loops on each side of the new bulb.

(Tip - If you are installing a compatible LED unit and it doesn't work at first, try flipping the bulb around in the socket.)

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Snap Together Housing
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Push In Power Plug
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Slide In Red Lock Tab
Line up the lens cover and gently snap it together with the light housing.

Push the black plastic power plug in to the socket and slide in the red locking tab to secure it in place.

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Line Up Light Housing
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Pop Housing In Tailgate
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Test New Cargo Light Bulb
Line up the light housing with the opening in the tailgate and gently pop in back in to place.

Test the new cargo area light bulb by opening the tailgate door or pressing the "Unlock" button on the key fob.

For more, check out my other Dodge Grand Caravan DIY Maintenance Guides.
 

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