Center brake light is out. How do you replace the bulb?

05WKinPA · 06-27-2008, 08:09 AM

My brake light over the back window went out last week, so I tried changing it. I got the cover off, but the manual says "twist the bulb socket to remove the bulb"....when I look at the back of the brake cover, I don't see anything that looks like it twists off. Has anyone changed their center brake lamp yet? Does the entire black backing come off? Just trying to figure out how to get at the bulb.

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.
-Mike

---- · 06-27-2008, 08:11 AM

I thought these were all LED assemblies? -Someone please correct me if necessary but I don't think the unit is user-serviceable. You may have to replace the entire LED unit.

05WKinPA · 06-27-2008, 08:15 AM

That's what it looked like to me as well...a bunch of led lights, but I went to Pep Boys and they had a replacement bulb for the 05 WK center brake light. The owners manual also explains how to change the 'bulb'.

This is my second brake light out in as many months....I should probably just replace the left side one now since I'm sure that will be out by next month too.

---- · 06-27-2008, 08:25 AM

I think the Laredo models have a single filament bulb. Higher trim levels should have the LED. -Again, I'm not 100%, but I think that's the case.

stgry1 · 06-27-2008, 12:06 PM

nope..laredo here. LEDs

vtbert3 · 06-27-2008, 01:00 PM

Yep, LED's and when I replaced mine it ran about $45 from the stealer, wasn't able to find any aftermarket ones at the time. My issue was a loose connection inside and since you cannot take it apart without destroying it, I could not solder the connection. I guess you could always check salvage yards for much cheaper used one.