How to remove the 3rd brake light on a 2009 Dodge Caravan
Hello girls and not girls! This guide is for those who are wanting to replace the 3rd brake light on the hatch of a 2008-10 Dodge Grand Caravan! This repair isn't supper difficult, just don't do it in a really cold environment, you'll break the entire plastic "spoiler". It's all brittle plastic.
Tools Needed:
- Flathead screwdriver
- 10mm deep socket
- 3 inch extension if you're so inclined
- A ratchet
This job will probably take you 30 min, it's really not difficult. Time isn't real anyways!
Removal
Step 1:
Open your tailgate and remove the inner trim piece at the top of the tailgate. It should just pull off.
Step 2:
Begin removing the 4 10mm nuts holding that hold this trim piece on. The studs like to spin, so as long as you're careful you can remove them no problem.
Two of the nuts are on the outside of the gate, and 2 other nuts are recessed into the tailgate.
Step 3:
Once the nuts are removed, the last ting holding the trim piece on is a tab at the back, and two of these plastic winged tabs. You need to use the flathead screwdriver to press a side in, and then use your hands to apply an upwards pressure to the trim piece to prevent the tab from going back into the hole. Work on one side at a time, until the trim piece pops up from the tailgate.
This is the location of the last trim piece. It's all the way at the back. Gently pop it out of the hole, and disconnect the plug and washer fluid hose from the third brake light.
As you can see, this nut is rotten, and you'd just ruin the plastic trying to remove it. Go to a junk yard and get yourself the whole panel. Happy Wrenching!
