1999-2001 Chrysler LHS & 2002-2004 Concorde Tail Light: Failure, Water Leaks & Replacement

Symptoms of a Failing Tail Light

A failing tail light on your Chrysler Concorde or LHS can range from a minor annoyance to a serious safety hazard. Here are the most common symptoms to watch for.

1. Dim or Non-Functioning Bulbs

The most obvious symptom is when one or more of the lights in the assembly stop working. This could be a brake light, turn signal, or the running light. Often, this is just a burnt-out bulb, which is a simple fix. However, if new bulbs don't solve the problem or burn out quickly, it could point to a deeper issue like a corroded socket or a problem with the tail light's circuit board.

2. Condensation or Water Inside the Lens

If you see moisture, fogging, or standing water inside your tail light, it means the factory seal has failed. This is a common problem on older vehicles as the rubber or butyl seals degrade over time. Water inside the housing will lead to chronic bulb failure, corrode the electrical sockets and connectors, and can eventually short out the entire assembly. If you see a "fish tank" in your tail light, it's time for a replacement.

3. Cracked or Damaged Lens

Physical damage from a minor impact is a frequent cause for replacement. A cracked lens not only looks bad but also allows water to enter the housing, leading to the electrical issues mentioned above. A damaged lens can also fail to properly reflect light, reducing your vehicle's visibility to others and potentially earning you a traffic ticket.

4. Hyperflashing (Rapid Blinking)

If your turn signal blinks much faster than usual, it's often a sign that a bulb has burned out. The car's flasher relay is designed to blink at a different rate when the electrical load changes. While this often points to a simple bulb replacement, it can also be caused by a corroded connection within the tail light assembly preventing a bulb from drawing power.

Buying a Used Tail Light for Your Concorde or LHS

Because these vehicles are older, a used OEM tail light is often the best value, providing factory fit and quality at a fraction of the price of a new part. However, you need to inspect it carefully.

What to Inspect on a Used Part:

• Check for Cracks: Carefully examine the entire lens and housing for any cracks, even hairline fractures. Pay close attention to the corners and edges.
• Look for Water Lines: Look for a "tidemark" or mineral deposits on the inside of the lens. This is a clear sign the unit has had water in it before and the seal is bad. Avoid these.
• Inspect Mounting Points: Ensure all plastic mounting tabs and studs are intact and not cracked or brittle. These are essential for securing the light to the car. The assembly is held on by plastic wing nuts from inside the trunk, so the studs they thread onto must be solid.
• Examine the Seal: Look at the foam or rubber gasket that seals the assembly against the car's body. It should be pliable and intact. While you can sometimes create a new seal with butyl tape, a good original seal is a plus.
• Check the Connectors: Look at the bulb sockets and the main wiring harness connector. There should be no green or white crusty corrosion. Clean contacts are crucial for reliable operation.

OEM vs. Aftermarket

For a component like a tail light, a used OEM part is almost always superior to a cheap, new aftermarket one. Aftermarket lights are known for poor seals that lead to condensation, plastics that fade or become brittle quickly, and fitment issues that can leave gaps between the light and the body. An original Mopar part was designed to last and will likely fit perfectly, whereas an aftermarket part may not match the color or contours of the original.

Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs

For the 1999-2001 Chrysler LHS and 2002-2004 Chrysler Concorde, there are no specific recalls or widespread Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to the tail light assemblies themselves. Most issues are related to age, such as bulb burnout, socket corrosion, and water leaks from failing seals. While Chrysler has issued recalls for lighting issues on other, much newer vehicles, these specific models have not been subject to a recall for this part.

Replacement Guide

Replacing the passenger side tail light on these vehicles is a straightforward job that most DIY mechanics can handle with basic tools.

• Difficulty: 1 out of 5
• Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
• Tools Needed: None (though a flathead screwdriver may help with the electrical connector)

Step-by-Step Replacement:

1. Open the Trunk: Access the back of the tail light assembly from inside the trunk.
2. Remove Trunk Liner: Pull back the carpeted trunk liner to expose the back of the tail light. It is usually held by simple clips or can be flexed out of the way.
3. Remove Wing Nuts: You will see two or three black plastic wing nuts threaded onto studs from the tail light assembly. Unscrew these by hand.
4. Disconnect Wiring Harness: Before pulling the light out, disconnect the main electrical harness. There is a single connector with a locking tab. You may need to gently pry the tab with a small screwdriver while pulling the connector apart.
5. Remove the Assembly: With the nuts off and the wiring disconnected, gently push the studs through the body from the inside. Then, from the outside of the car, carefully pull the entire assembly straight back and away from the vehicle.
6. Install the New Assembly: Guide the studs of the new assembly into the holes on the car's body. Connect the wiring harness (you should hear a click). From inside the trunk, thread the plastic wing nuts back on and tighten them until they are snug. Do not overtighten, as you can crack the plastic.
7. Test the Lights: Before putting the trunk liner back, have a helper or use your phone to record a video while you test the running lights, brake lights, and turn signal to ensure everything is working correctly.

Cost Comparison

The cost to replace a tail light assembly can vary significantly based on the type of part you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions