03/22/2018
One of my brake lights went out, so I needed to replace it.
Difficulty: Very Easy!
Time: 5–10 minutes
Tools: Philips head screwdriver(s), replacement bulb, gloves (important!!) and optional ratcheting socket wrench
Here we go!
- Open the trunk and you see this:
2. Use the screwdriver to unscrew, and you’ll feel it click twice-ish
3. It’ll pop out like this, so carefully twist/pull it and the ring out. Repeat with the 2nd one
4. Carefully insert a thin screwdriver or pry tool around the side closest to the outside and gently loosen the part until it pops out
5. Now you see this
6. Take your bigger screw driver and locate these screws. Mine happened to be stripped from last time and replaced WAY too tightly, so I needed the socket wrench to help
8. And with a little pull towards you, the whole housing comes off!
9. The one we need today is the middle grey one where the lines connect. Just a little twist and off it comes
10. There’s the old bulb. Just give it a tug and replace it with the new bulb
11. New bulb! *Important* Wear gloves before putting the new bulb in!! So, everything now goes backwards. Put the bulb in and twist until it locks in place
12. Replace the brake housing. There are two tabs on the side where the housing will slide into.
13. Slide it in…and…
14. …push! It’ll click into place.
15. Do everything backwards and VOILA!!!
All done. Make sure the light works, but that’s all there is to it!!!
This is what happens, by the way, when you touch the bulbs with your bare hands. The upper bulb has a burned spot where the oil from my finger got, heated up, and *poof* burned out the bulb.