Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

8

Time Required

                          1 - 2 hours            

Sections

1

  • Brake light
  • 8 steps

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Introduction

When the brake light does not turn on, something is wrong with the light bulb, electric system, or socket. A burnt out bulb is one of the most common brake light problems.

Before replacing the light bulb make sure you clean the out the socket with something like a used toothbrush for example. Brush out any dust or rust that could prevent a good connection between the light bulb and the socket.

If, after placing the new light bulb it still does not turn on, the problem could be more serious and may involve the electrical system. In that case you might need to see a mechanic.

Step 3 should be done in a warm temperature. If it is cold, do it in a warm garage that will prevent you from breaking the plastic lens cover.

Make sure you turn the engine off and put the emergency break on prior to beginning the guide.

What you need

Step 1

              Brake light               
  • Open the car trunk.

Open the car trunk.

1024

Step 2

  • Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the four 20.0 mm screws from the tail light assembly.

Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the four 20.0 mm screws from the tail light assembly.

Step 3

  • Pull the tail light assembly off.
  • Apply a counterclockwise motion on the tail light while you are pulling it off.
  • Do not use too much force to prevent cracking the plastic lens.

Pull the tail light assembly off.

Apply a counterclockwise motion on the tail light while you are pulling it off.

Do not use too much force to prevent cracking the plastic lens.

Step 4

  • Turn the brake light socket 1/4 counterclockwise and pull it from the tail light assembly.
  • The brake light is located at the bottom of the tail light assembly.

Turn the brake light socket 1/4 counterclockwise and pull it from the tail light assembly.

The brake light is located at the bottom of the tail light assembly.

Step 5

  • Press the light bulb down and turn it 1/4 counterclockwise.

Press the light bulb down and turn it 1/4 counterclockwise.

Step 6

  • Pull the light bulb out of the socket.

Pull the light bulb out of the socket.

Step 7

  • Press the new light bulb down into the socket and turn it 1/4 clockwise direction.
  • Before performing this action make sure you properly place the light bulb into the socket.

Press the new light bulb down into the socket and turn it 1/4 clockwise direction.

Before performing this action make sure you properly place the light bulb into the socket.

Step 8

  • Follow the guide in reverse order to put the socket and the tail light assembly back.
  • Before you screw the tail light assembly back have someone press the brake paddle to see if the new light bulb turns on.

Follow the guide in reverse order to put the socket and the tail light assembly back.

Before you screw the tail light assembly back have someone press the brake paddle to see if the new light bulb turns on.

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

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                    Jean Guerrier                     

Member since: 03/23/2021

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                       UMass Dartmouth, Team S1-G9, O'Connell Spring 2021                        

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