I've got a 2010 GL450 with the third brake light out. How exactly do I replace this? I can't seem to find any info online specific to this model. Does the light come out from the exterior? There is a trim panel on the side of the rear hatch but it doesn't expose any access to behind the 3rd brake light. I don't want to pry or force anything and break something. Is the light just a bulb or does the entire assembly need to be replaced? I just need to replace the bulb so I can pass a state vehicle inspection.

Thanks,

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On my 2011 GL350, the high mounted brake light at the top of the rear hatch was replaced from the outside. Its a 2 minute swap. I'm cheap, so I would try to remove and fix the old one before I bought a new one... Also, with your old light removed, I would make sure that 12 volts is going to the fixture when your brake pedal is depressed, as it is easy to imagine a broken wire inside the hatch loom, and I would also test the light you remove with a known good 12 volt power source.

 

Thank you! Do you recall how the light came out the front? I had a indy tech/friend tell me it had T15 screws from the backside that were a PIA to access. Do you recall if yours was just snapped in or actually attached from the inside with screws/bolts that needed to come out first? I'm with you, I'd prefer to save the one I have vs. buying new. I think it was working on and off so I want to check the connection first and test.

 

The light is not screwed in, it just snaps in. Removing the trim panel behind the light is not difficult, but there is a 100% chance that you will break the tabs that hold that trim in place when you remove it (to remove, you just pull it off.) I was able to epoxy the tabs back to reinstall the trim, so I didn't have to replace it. I had broken my CHMSL (stupid garage door stopped just short of closed and I was backing in...) and that's how I removed mine; pulled the trim and pushed it out from behind. The previous poster makes a good point about checking for crimped wiring before you replace the light. That's a common problem on other cars that I've owned.