Third Brake Light
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Brewer ME
Third Brake Light
Hi all,
I need to replace the bulbs in the third brake light on my 86, HOW? Or could someone direct me to a website with the info? She won't pass for an inspection sticker without it.....
I need to replace the bulbs in the third brake light on my 86, HOW? Or could someone direct me to a website with the info? She won't pass for an inspection sticker without it.....
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,141
Likes: 1,729
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Very simple, pop the hatch and remove the 2 bolts that hold the 3rd light on, then replace the 4 bulbs.
I'm not exactly sure of the bulb #, i think its 891.
If that doesnt work, then its the switch thats sitting at the top of the brake pedal, or a bad connector inside the B-pillar. Its probably just burnt bulbs though.
I'm not exactly sure of the bulb #, i think its 891.
If that doesnt work, then its the switch thats sitting at the top of the brake pedal, or a bad connector inside the B-pillar. Its probably just burnt bulbs though.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Katy TX
Pretty easy. You can't have short arms though.
1)Take off the rear license plate, the four torx screws.
2)Reach up through where the license plate was to the back of the third brake light and feel the socket holding the bulb.
3)Once you have the bulb socket in hand, you have to squeeze (the child proof plastic arms - like a prescription bottle), and turn, about a half turn and it should pull right out.
4) The wire connected to the socket is long enough to where it drops down to the level of where your license plate was.
5)Replace bulb.
FYI for future reference this is how to change all of your rear lights, through the license plate hole I mean.
1)Take off the rear license plate, the four torx screws.
2)Reach up through where the license plate was to the back of the third brake light and feel the socket holding the bulb.
3)Once you have the bulb socket in hand, you have to squeeze (the child proof plastic arms - like a prescription bottle), and turn, about a half turn and it should pull right out.
4) The wire connected to the socket is long enough to where it drops down to the level of where your license plate was.
5)Replace bulb.
FYI for future reference this is how to change all of your rear lights, through the license plate hole I mean.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,141
Likes: 1,729
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Originally Posted by BillSF49
Pretty easy. You can't have short arms though.
1)Take off the rear license plate, the four torx screws.
2)Reach up through where the license plate was to the back of the third brake light and feel the socket holding the bulb.
3)Once you have the bulb socket in hand, you have to squeeze (the child proof plastic arms - like a prescription bottle), and turn, about a half turn and it should pull right out.
4) The wire connected to the socket is long enough to where it drops down to the level of where your license plate was.
5)Replace bulb.
FYI for future reference this is how to change all of your rear lights, through the license plate hole I mean.
1)Take off the rear license plate, the four torx screws.
2)Reach up through where the license plate was to the back of the third brake light and feel the socket holding the bulb.
3)Once you have the bulb socket in hand, you have to squeeze (the child proof plastic arms - like a prescription bottle), and turn, about a half turn and it should pull right out.
4) The wire connected to the socket is long enough to where it drops down to the level of where your license plate was.
5)Replace bulb.
FYI for future reference this is how to change all of your rear lights, through the license plate hole I mean.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,088
Likes: 0
From: Poop land
I just took out my whole 3rd brake light assembly for a cleaner look. I really didn't wanna bother with the cracked bulbs, burnt bases and corroded wires at all. So I filled up the bolt holes and the wire hole with Bondo, painted the filler and now I think my Vette looks cleaner. It is like it came from the factory with no 3rd brake light.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: South Brunswick New Jersey
I just failed inspection because my 3rd light didn't work, checked the bulbs and they were ok. It was the connector in the B pillar, I needed to bend the prongs a little. It's ok now.
Last edited by KnightVette; Apr 23, 2005 at 08:53 AM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,531
Likes: 35
From: Lecanto Florida
If I remember correctly, aren't the #891 bulbs Halogen? I think your not supposed to touch the bulbs with your bare hands as the oil on your hands will shorten the life of the bulbs considerably. I guess the new thin disposable gloves would work the best.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,088
Likes: 0
From: Poop land
Originally Posted by Wayne88
I had to replace all 4 [#891]. $10 each for those little suckers 
Originally Posted by KnightVette
I just failed inspection because my 3rd light didn't work, checked the bulbs and they were ok. It was the connector in the B pillar, I needed to bend the prongs a little. It's ok now.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,531
Likes: 35
From: Lecanto Florida
Originally Posted by xeugep
What type of inspection did you fail?? Are you saying it is illegal not to have a 3rd brake light? Will I be getting pulled over soon for now not having one?
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,088
Likes: 0
From: Poop land
Originally Posted by CREWZIN
No, we don't have inspections here in Florida, but it is illegal to take off the 3rd brake light (CHMSL = Center High Mounted Stop Lamp) if the car was so equipped...and as of 1986, all cars had them. No you won't get pulled over for not having one, but like the seat belt law, if you get pulled over for something else, then you can be fined for any other violations.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,348
Likes: 0
From: Belews Creek north carolina
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by vader86
Thats for a vert, he has a Coupe.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,141
Likes: 1,729
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Originally Posted by myvettesblue
this is true for my car and it is a coupe a 94 you have to pull the license plate cause the third brake light is mounted in the rear bumper :yesnoid:
I give up.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,470
Likes: 2
From: levittown pa. usa Even a bad day with my `Vette, is better than a good day at work
St. Jude Donor '10
Yeah! they are 891`s. I got mine at wal-mart last week for $6.50ea. & as stated above, don`t handle them with your bare hands. Use latex gloves. 
Florida turtle advocate
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,280
Likes: 6
From: Gulfcoast Salvage Englewood, Fla
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Originally Posted by myvettesblue
this is true for my car and it is a coupe a 94 you have to pull the license plate cause the third brake light is mounted in the rear bumper
