How do you change the third brake light on a Toyota Highlander?

How to Change the Third Brake Light on a Toyota Highlander
To change the third brake light on a Toyota Highlander, you can follow these general steps:
1. Gather the necessary tools: Before starting the process, make sure you have the required tools, such as a flat-bladed screwdriver and a replacement bulb.
2. Access the brake light: Open the rear hatch of your Toyota Highlander and locate the plastic panel at the top of the rear hatch, opposite the location of the upper brake light.
3. Remove the plastic cover: Use a flat-bladed screwdriver to carefully pry off the plastic cover. Be cautious not to break the clips securing the cover. You will need to reinsert the cover after replacing the bulb.
4. Remove the retaining ring: Turn the retaining ring counterclockwise to remove it. This will allow you to access the bulb.
5. Disconnect the wiring harness: Pull the wiring harness straight out to disconnect it from the socket.
6. Replace the bulb: Remove the old bulb and replace it with a new one. Be careful not to touch the new bulb with your fingers, as this can cause it to burn out quicker.
7. Reassemble the brake light: Reconnect the wiring harness to the socket and reinsert the retaining ring. Then, carefully snap the plastic cover back into place.
Please note that the specific steps may vary slightly depending on the model year of your Toyota Highlander. It’s always a good idea to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for detailed instructions tailored to your specific model.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

How important is third brake light?

A third brake light provides an extra signal to distracted drivers—and studies confirm that it reduces automobile accidents.

Are you required to have a 3rd brake light?

Most States require two working brake lights by statute, and some actually only require “a stop lamp”, a term rather antiquated. The third brake light is a Federal manufacturing safety requirement and generally not an equipment requirement by any State’s traffic laws.

Can I replace a brake light myself?

Replacing your car’s brake light is a straightforward task you can manage yourself. However, before jumping in, be sure to look at your car’s owner’s manual. It helps by giving you a diagram of where everything is, making the brake light replacement process even easier.

Will Oreillys change my brake light?

If your vehicle needs a headlight or other bulb replaced, visit any O’Reilly Auto Parts location or shop online to find the best headlight bulbs for your vehicle, as well as tail light bulbs, turn signal bulbs, brake light bulbs, and much more. We also offer FREE bulb installation*.

Can you get pulled over for a broken third brake light?

Yes, a cop can pull you over for a busted tail light under the broken tail light law.

How much does it cost to fix a third brake light?

The cost of aftermarket third brake light bulbs may range between $50 and $250 for parts alone. Several factors affect pricing, such as brand, warranty, color or finish, light source, and set inclusions. Labor may cost you an additional $25 to $75 depending on the rates in your area.

Can you get pulled over if one brake light is out?

If you have a broken tail light on your vehicle, the broken tail light law means you can get a ticket from a police officer. A broken tail light is considered a non-moving violation and is a ticketable offense similar to a broken muffler or failing to display proper vehicle registration stickers on your license plate.

Will the third brake light work if the brake switch is bad?

If it was a bad brake light switch your 3rd light would not work because there would be no current past the switch. You have a break in the wiring or a bad connection.

Why is my third brake light not working properly?

 If the inoperative third light flashes, with the emergency flashers, a fuse is the most likely cause. If it does not operate with the flashers, bad bulbs or sockets in the third-light are likely.

What is the third brake light called?

Michael Helmlinger. CHMSL stands for the center high-mounted stop lamp. In a vehicle, the CHMSL is mounted above the left and right brake lights (also called stop lamps).