I was following my wife while she was driving my 4runner tonight. (please don't flame me, it was only once) While I was behind her (due to the fact that she smoked me off the line while doing a little stop light burst while I drove her new ridgeline) I noticed that the third brake light above the rear window was out. I have not had any other bulbs burn out, but thought it must be just a bulb, and this will give me an excuse to put in a LED replacement. I looked at it from the rear, and there was no screws to remove the lens. I then opend the hatch, and to my surprise there was no access there either. I am stumped. I logged on here, to search how this bulb is replaced, and was unable to find any posts. can someone lend a helping hand and clue me in. thanks
clint

 

This is on page 65-19 on the vol 2 of the FSM (Field Service Manual). Sorry I don't have access to a scanner so I'll try my best to describe it.

1. Remove center stop lamp assy.
(a) Release the 5 fitting claws that clips right under the lamp from the outside (loops like a flathead will work to pry on it)
(b) Disconnect the connector and remove the center stop lap assy

2. replace bulb.

Based on the photo shown, it definitely looks like a flathead that is used across the bottom of the lamp assy. The 5 clips are evenly distributed so that should give you a good idea.

Good luck

 

thankyou very much. I will be giving this a try in the morning. and by the way your 4runner is a class act. I bet you have a ton of well deserved compliments.
Thanks again
clint

 

Gents:

Did prying the third brake light cover off work? I tried prying it off from several angles on my 2004 4Runner and brought it to the point where I thought something would break, but it still did not come loose. Any more thoughts?


Thanks,

Rog