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HOW TO: REMOVING AND REPLACING 3RD BRAKELIGHT

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by PreRunning, Aug 26, 2012.

  1. Aug 26, 2012 at 9:58 PM
    #1
    PreRunning

    PreRunning [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2012
    Member:
    #84646
    Messages:
    115
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Clayton
    Missouri
    Vehicle:
    01 Lunar Mist Prerunner SR5
    Window Vents, Westin Bull Bars, Kenwood Deck, Kicker and Kenwood Door and rear Speakers, Alpine 660 RMS Amp, Twin Kicker 12 inch CompVR Series Subs, 265/75/16 Wrangler ArmorTrac Tires, Uhaul Towing package, removed mud flaps, Flowmaster 40, Cold Air.
    HOW TO REMOVE AND REPLACE THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT!

    I have had this light for a month now and finally ballsed up and did it! I took pictures along the way for a guide so here it is!

    01 Tacoma XTRA CAB

    These are the diagrams i used!
    http://www.tacomaworld.com/out.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncttora.com%2Ffsm%2F2003%2FRepair_Manual%2F03tacoma%2Fbo%2Frooheaex%2Fremo.pdf

    Tools:
    10 11 and 12 mm Sockets
    10mm very deep well socket
    Rachet
    Flat head and phillips screwdrivers
    panel snap removing tool

    Step One.
    Remove top trim and Baby hook
    6 pop out connecters. comes off fairly easily
    142_f3e9962b8065efd79cdd4b5f0df5845fe5942d50.jpg

    Step Two.
    Remove Back cushion and Panel
    3 Bolts and snaps on panel
    140_a3ade59e0b67b6e552698fc2de997de0d1b62eca.jpg139_389e0394ede2078d53a6a495769258cb7585cc9c.jpg

    Step Three.
    Remove Seats and Coat hooks
    2 bolts on each seat easy to get out. 1 screw for each hook
    137_d1f1a4ab302844c4f10ae55babe8b816affdb86b.jpgThis is also when i removed my amp.136_6e88b74aae066cabf62ff26e87cac0aea625f81c.jpg

    Step Four.
    Remove quarter panels and seatbelts
    bolts on seat belts and pops for panels. HARDEST PART BE GENTLE ON THE SNAPS!
    135-Copy_f614a8c828f7bcecc474117bfac093666e450c55.jpg132_a0b8db18b33b2a89339e4bf08656a7a40e842662.jpg133_caf6dfd7396af7ff696f5e45c8a2c450bec5f1b8.jpg

    Step Five.
    Remove dome light and Map lights and mirror
    Fairly easy just pop off lens of dome and trim off of Maps 2 screws in the Dome and 4 in the maps
    127-Copy_0e56ca6e3b971814d0604121af8b2be2eb37ce9b.jpg

    Step Six.
    Remove Tower Panels on sides
    Driver Side pops off and Remove the Handle and pops for Passenger
    129_eacdf75b5262775d79fc05ef2f7cc0d98975f034.jpg

    Step Seven.
    Drop Head Board.
    BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO BEND FIBERGLASS HEAD BOARD!!!! IT DOES NOT COME OUT OF DOOR.
    123-Copy_defdadda10ae5160b816c3ce7850aa567bfcfd37.jpg

    Step Eight.
    Remove old brake light by removing the 2 nuts now accessible in back seat
    Remove tabs from old brake light to get the bolts back out.

    Step Nine.
    Install new light!
    Some modding may have to be done! I had to grind my bolt head down to fit inside my light.

    Step Ten.
    Reassemble Truck!
    With new Kicker 10" comp Sub :D look great in the truck and sounds amazing
    144_e3e519308a9d131cf056663536af55c89ece2dcc.jpg

    Final Product
    This is the Set i bought!
    7829212A-A942-4D4C-86A7-A269E4018543-140_a7a9f74368ba3f127939da89836a3e217ba1101e.jpg
    126-Copy_894a0d63d98031fcf72d40a4844a06c4fab64ce2.jpg
    145_6177873f9ffe66ff8554bd9a6d9fe5eddd0075a4.jpg147_6b84640dbec63da206fe95863e6a1bbe5a5a79f9.jpg146_87f0f6401f4a92dfde7940add6011767454bc268.jpg

    Message with any questions!!!!
     
  2. Aug 28, 2012 at 10:34 PM
    #2
    PreRunning

    PreRunning [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2012
    Member:
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    Messages:
    115
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Clayton
    Missouri
    Vehicle:
    01 Lunar Mist Prerunner SR5
    Window Vents, Westin Bull Bars, Kenwood Deck, Kicker and Kenwood Door and rear Speakers, Alpine 660 RMS Amp, Twin Kicker 12 inch CompVR Series Subs, 265/75/16 Wrangler ArmorTrac Tires, Uhaul Towing package, removed mud flaps, Flowmaster 40, Cold Air.
    Can we put this in a mod guide? I have yet to find a guide with pictures Like this.
     
  3. Dec 22, 2012 at 12:15 PM
    #3
    PreRunning

    PreRunning [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2012
    Member:
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    Messages:
    115
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Clayton
    Missouri
    Vehicle:
    01 Lunar Mist Prerunner SR5
    Window Vents, Westin Bull Bars, Kenwood Deck, Kicker and Kenwood Door and rear Speakers, Alpine 660 RMS Amp, Twin Kicker 12 inch CompVR Series Subs, 265/75/16 Wrangler ArmorTrac Tires, Uhaul Towing package, removed mud flaps, Flowmaster 40, Cold Air.
    Thanks!
     
  4. Dec 22, 2012 at 12:25 PM
    #4
    IronPig

    IronPig Well-Known Member

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    08 PreRunner DC
    Toytech Ultimate Lift Kit, LR UCA's, T3 eyelids, 285/75/16 Nitto Terra Grapplers, FN Type X wheels, Debadged, Homer Taco Raptor Grill and lower valance grill, painted lower valance, blacked out skid plate, Flyze Eye interior light, LED interior lights, EZ down tailgate
    You had to do all of that just to replace the third brake light?? Is that for Gen 1's?! I have a 2008 and all I had to do was unscrew the two screws that held the 3rd brake light in place, then peel it off. It has that foam weather stripping that sticks it to the cab. Once the brake light is off, simply seperate the quick connect, plug in the new one and screw it back it. It was simple as hell and took 5 minutes. I did not have to destroy the inside at all?! Why was yours so much work?? Gen 1?
     
  5. Dec 22, 2012 at 12:53 PM
    #5
    PreRunning

    PreRunning [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Messages:
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    First Name:
    Clayton
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    Vehicle:
    01 Lunar Mist Prerunner SR5
    Window Vents, Westin Bull Bars, Kenwood Deck, Kicker and Kenwood Door and rear Speakers, Alpine 660 RMS Amp, Twin Kicker 12 inch CompVR Series Subs, 265/75/16 Wrangler ArmorTrac Tires, Uhaul Towing package, removed mud flaps, Flowmaster 40, Cold Air.
    It had bolts with round heads on the outside. The only way was in through the headboard. It was one hell of a task but the led lights look fantastic
     
  6. Dec 22, 2012 at 1:02 PM
    #6
    davidjmay

    davidjmay Well-Known Member

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    Pioneer HU & door speakers, Alpine type R, Kicker dx1000.1, OME 883 lift, Wheelers 2" AAL, custom mesh grille, smoked LED taillights, LED light bar, Raptor exhaust dumped before axle, custom fabbed roll bar/light bar mount
    Did you try simply removing it first? I had no idea you had to do all this just to replace it... A little discouraging
     
  7. Dec 22, 2012 at 1:21 PM
    #7
    PreRunning

    PreRunning [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    01 Lunar Mist Prerunner SR5
    Window Vents, Westin Bull Bars, Kenwood Deck, Kicker and Kenwood Door and rear Speakers, Alpine 660 RMS Amp, Twin Kicker 12 inch CompVR Series Subs, 265/75/16 Wrangler ArmorTrac Tires, Uhaul Towing package, removed mud flaps, Flowmaster 40, Cold Air.
    That's what the dent right above the light is from. I drilled and tried my hardest to get it out. This was the only option.
     
  8. Dec 24, 2012 at 1:09 AM
    #8
    IronPig

    IronPig Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    08 PreRunner DC
    Toytech Ultimate Lift Kit, LR UCA's, T3 eyelids, 285/75/16 Nitto Terra Grapplers, FN Type X wheels, Debadged, Homer Taco Raptor Grill and lower valance grill, painted lower valance, blacked out skid plate, Flyze Eye interior light, LED interior lights, EZ down tailgate
    Ok, I don't want to sound like an asshat, but this is wrong. I did this to my truck, granted it is a 2008 DC not a 2001. I looked up 2001 3rd brake lights and everyone I found looked exactly like mine AND had a screw hole on each side. The screws are not philips or flat, but stars. I am sure there is a name for them, and I don't know what it is. They require a different screw bit, one that fits the star pattern. You can buy them easy from any hardware store. Once you simply unscrew those two screws, you have to pry off the light. I used a plastic paint scraper to wedge between the light and the body of the truck. It is adhered to the truck with sticky taped foam insulation to keep water out. It is kind of a bitch to get off, but once it starts it just peels off. Pull out the light, disconnect the quick connect and reverse the process.

    Sorry, but if you just would have bought the correct screw bit you would have never of had to do any of this. How did you get the new one on?? Different screws or the same star head?? Don't post this in the How To section because I really do not think it is right! Just trying to save people from a shit ton of work.

    Also, just another thought on this, what happens if the bulb burns out?? The repair shop will charge $90+ (per hour) to rip your truck apart for a simple bulb replacement???
     
    theolee likes this.
  9. Dec 24, 2012 at 1:38 AM
    #9
    nagorb

    nagorb Should be a dang perma mod

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    Not sure if it's different for different models but my 01 DC has two Phillips screws attaching it.
     
  10. Dec 24, 2012 at 5:07 AM
    #10
    PreRunning

    PreRunning [OP] Well-Known Member

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    01 Lunar Mist Prerunner SR5
    Window Vents, Westin Bull Bars, Kenwood Deck, Kicker and Kenwood Door and rear Speakers, Alpine 660 RMS Amp, Twin Kicker 12 inch CompVR Series Subs, 265/75/16 Wrangler ArmorTrac Tires, Uhaul Towing package, removed mud flaps, Flowmaster 40, Cold Air.
    Your half right and half wrong. I need to edit some details in the guide. The red cover comes off easily with the Phillips head screws but on the inside silver part there are two round head bolts that are covered with 2 tabs. I pryed those off and discovered I had to go with unbolting them from the inside. My foam cover was really sticky and nasty when we tried to get it off.
     
  11. Jan 1, 2013 at 11:13 PM
    #11
    davidjmay

    davidjmay Well-Known Member

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    Whats the verdict to this debate^? It'd be nice to not have to take apart the inside of my truck if its not necessary
     
  12. Jan 9, 2013 at 8:17 PM
    #12
    davidjmay

    davidjmay Well-Known Member

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    Pioneer HU & door speakers, Alpine type R, Kicker dx1000.1, OME 883 lift, Wheelers 2" AAL, custom mesh grille, smoked LED taillights, LED light bar, Raptor exhaust dumped before axle, custom fabbed roll bar/light bar mount
    Ok, here's the verdict. I just replaced mine today (and MAN was it a BITCH), and I'm here to say that OP is right and wrong. You are right in your method; it definitely would work, and I'm positive that it is the foolproof way to do it. Personally, I found an easier (maybe?) way. It requires a lot of patience, unless you are really good at dealing with small parts. You'll see what I mean. But after a few cuss words thrown around I finally figured it out. I found screws and nuts that fit the light, screws around 2" in length. Then all you have to do is find a way to secure the nut to the inside while you screw the bolt in; for this I used superglue and electrical tape. Then I carefully put in the light and pulled on the bolt while screwing it in. Granted, it may not be as tight as if you were to do it the OP's way, but with some gorilla glue and silicone sealant I figured it was good. However, still a great write-up.
     
  13. Jan 9, 2013 at 8:20 PM
    #13
    davidjmay

    davidjmay Well-Known Member

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    It is different on 2nd gens. There is no star-head screw anywhere on ours. It is a lot of work this way, but if you want to do it right this is how you do it. Should definitely be posted in the how-to section. As far as the bulb burning out, you can easily take off the red cover to access the lights. No need to take out the whole assembly, unless you are, of course, changing the light itself.
     
  14. Jan 9, 2013 at 8:31 PM
    #14
    Jeffvt0508

    Jeffvt0508 Well-Known Member

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    I was confused for a few seconds thinking you were just changing bulb.. but you changed to LED...that's still a lot of work I wouldn't have thought it would have been a simple take the old cover off and pop in the LED.. but now I see not the case.. looks good for the work done though
     
  15. Jan 10, 2013 at 9:05 AM
    #15
    PreRunning

    PreRunning [OP] Well-Known Member

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    01 Lunar Mist Prerunner SR5
    Window Vents, Westin Bull Bars, Kenwood Deck, Kicker and Kenwood Door and rear Speakers, Alpine 660 RMS Amp, Twin Kicker 12 inch CompVR Series Subs, 265/75/16 Wrangler ArmorTrac Tires, Uhaul Towing package, removed mud flaps, Flowmaster 40, Cold Air.
    Yeah i like the method of glue and tape it would be easy if the bulb ever burnt out. Hopefully the LED's last longer than the truck does. It is such a difference when i changed them. They are incredibly bright from behind.
     
  16. Sep 19, 2015 at 6:08 AM
    #16
    NOLA ItsNotOva

    NOLA ItsNotOva Well-Known Member

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    Would this be harder for double cabs? Going to be changing my tails with smoked LED's and was thinking of replacing the thrid brake light as well
     

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