Third (Center) Brake Light Question

[tireman]

Try this

That cover is held tight by some hooks near the rear window. Facing the back window put one hand on each side of the cover near the window, press inward on the sides and press down at the same time to release the hooks, while holding this position pull the cover back and off, it just slides off,,,,putting back on the same way so the hooks grab the cover slots and hold it tight. It really does work, be firm with her, she can take it. It was a struggle with mine too, one you do it, you realize how easy it is.

 

[lseguy]

That cover is held tight by some hooks near the rear window. Facing the back window put one hand on each side of the cover near the window, press inward on the sides and press down at the same time to release the hooks, while holding this position pull the cover back and off, it just slides off,,,,putting back on the same way so the hooks grab the cover slots and hold it tight. It really does work, be firm with her, she can take it. It was a struggle with mine too, one you do it, you realize how easy it is.

BOOM. FINALLY. This worked. Took some finagling, but it worked.

THANK YOU. Pressing in on those sides right where those hooks are, combined with the often recommended pressing down..did the trick. Bulb base is a dark brown and the bulb definitely burned out. Heading to get a replacement now.

 

[washin34]

okay so I just tried and FAILED....I broke the plastic housing...I'm hoping I can go to the stealership and get one tomorrow.

 

[lseguy]

how did you break it? The clip area on the sides of the inside of the housing? They do sell the covers separately for a few bucks..but if the old one will still sit there, I'd consider some carefully placed clear silicone somewhere to simply hold it down and keep it from rattling.

 

[Janobala]

i cant seem to get the plastic cover off of my 2000 LS, all i need to do is change the bulb thats it. mine doesnt have that lip around it like in the picture above. can anyone tell me how to get mine off, it looks like it has 2 clips on the inside of the housing. i dont see any way of accessing the clips from inside the trunk either. pushing down pulling back and all that just isnt working for me. can someone tell me how to get this off to replace the bulb?!

 

[lincolnelite]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...987.1073741825.295720843899049&type=1&theater


you need to press down on both sides and slide it out towards you. Notice in the picture how the teeth is pressed against the carpeting.

 

[LS4me]

It is a struggle, but you need to push down HARD while pulling back.

 

[Janobala]

well i have been pushing down and pulling, i guess ill just have to push harder, i just dont wanna break it, would it help if i just slide a flat head underneath it so it can slide out easier instead of it trying to slide it across carpet?? basically anything slides easier on a smooth surface like the metal of a screw driver rather than carpeting? will that make it easier?

 

[LS4me]

well i have been pushing down and pulling, i guess ill just have to push harder, i just dont wanna break it, would it help if i just slide a flat head underneath it so it can slide out easier instead of it trying to slide it across carpet?? basically anything slides easier on a smooth surface like the metal of a screw driver rather than carpeting? will that make it easier?

I think I tried something like that and it didn't work. Try breaking the seal with the window by jiggling the housing a little. Honestly, it took me quite a while to get that thing off when I needed to years ago.

 

[Janobala]

Well I just got it. I slid a pocket knife with the blade horizontal under the whole end so it had a platform to slide on and I just pinned my hand between the window and the plastic and used that leverage to push down and pulled it with my other hand. Got it off. Unfortunately I broke off one of the clips that holds the bulb socket in place... -___- lol

 

[silvera17]

Push down on the sides nearest the trunk. That's where the teeth are hooked.

 

[cammerfe]

It's been a bunch of years since I had to replace the bulb in my '02. I don't remember the details altogether but it DID involve both a screwdriver and getting at it through the trunk. Good luck all!!

KS

 

[FDR]

It's been a bunch of years since I had to replace the bulb in my '02. I don't remember the details altogether but it DID involve both a screwdriver and getting at it through the trunk. Good luck all!!

KS

Do you have the two-piece cover with the lip on the bottom? If so, I find that interesting because my May/2002-built '02 has the single piece cover that slides down and back. The reflector and red lens stay in place and the bulb is pulled out the back

Well, had. I now have a Gen 2 LED