My third brake light went out recently in my Blazer. I did some research and found that I would have to buy the whole light unit to replace it. I found one online about 2x less then the dealership would have charged me. I am having trouble figuring out how to get the old one off to replace it with the new one. I know there are screws in the light itself to anchor it to the roof. When you open the tailgate, the wire for the light goes into a hole specifically made for the light plug itself. I can't seem to be able to get the light plug out, as it is in with a rubber stopper. I have tried needle nose and locking plyers, and both of them haven't worked. Where the interior light is for the rear hatch, it looks like that panel can come off and I might be able to access it from there. However, I don't want to try anything until I actually know for sure if it comes off. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks...

Shawn

 

Do a search for third brake light. You should find the help you need there.

Swartlkk [sm=hail.gif]did a fine write up a while back, with drawings and everything.

When I had this issue, I cut the wires and soldered the new unit to the cut ends. I didn't have time or tools at the bone yard to remove the trim panel to find the plug.[sm=wootwoot.gif]

Post-up if ya have more questions or need help.

 

On mine, the plug for the third brake light was wrapped with the plug for the rear interior light. There are about 8 snaps on the rear plastic panel to get it off, carefully pull it straight down and then unplug the interior light, you should be able to see the plug for the third brake light.

If the stopper is blocking getting it out, have you tried prying it out with a small screwdriver? I guess once you get it unplugged from the inside and free of catching on any other wires, you could probably just pull real hard on it to get it loose since you're replacing it anyways?

 

Thanks a bunch mx416. I'll try both those options you described...