I need to change the hatch mounted 3rd brake light on my 92 GTA but I've been told that you cannot remove the bulb without braking the bulb fixture and thus having to buy a new fixture for the bulb which costs like over $150!!!!!!

Is this true? Can someone explain to me exactly how to remove the bulb without causing breakage to the unit? I don't want to have to hunting through wrecking yards for a working fixture that already starts out used...

Thanks!

 

I have a 1992 Firebird and have changed the light in the rear hatch before....simple fix to do....u need an allen wrench to loosen the bolts and the unit drops down to access the bulb, it pulls out like a 194 does...a few bucks for a replacement one and your in good shape........just the bottom piece come off to replace the bulb......10-15 mins and your done.........good luck....

 

Well, let's see......
On my girlfriend's 1991 Firebird with the Sport Appearance Package, I have already replace the unit 2 times!
First, when we bought the car, the third brakelight didn't work! Opened it up, and the bulb was kinda hanging there. The bottom plastic piece that snaps onto the bulb was broken!
O.K., went to the junk yard (as Pontiac wanted way too much for a replacement of the whole unit) for months, and finally found one! Went home, took it all apart, and replaced the whole unit. lasted for about 3 days! When I took it all apart, the bulb was burned out! Being very careful, I tried to pull the bulb out. Yep, same damn plastic piece holding the bulb in, broke! Urrrrrrr!
Two weeks later, find another in the junk yard! Take it all apart, put the new one in, lasted about 2 weeks! Now granted that these were used pieces, I was afraid to pull the bulb, as I might brake it! Pulled it apart, pulled the bulb, yep, broke that one too!
I now have the third replacement with another used bulb in it, and I haven't yet put it into the car, or even tried to replace the bulb first! Maybe this next week I might! Third time might be a charm!

So, I'm talking from experience. Good luck Alex!

Later,

George

 

Well I'm going to give it a try today, I'll post the results....

 

Hi Alex!
I'm going to replace the bulb before I put it into Lisa's car this time, that's for sure!

Good luck,

George

 

Wow.......seems like you guys havent had any luck with that 3rd brake light.......never had any problems with mine and the bulb comes right out.........speaking of that darn bulb......mine went out and i got to replace it also, its the cheapest bulb i have seen made for our cars...........

 

Well 2 screws later and my bulb came out very easily without breaking anything. It cost me $1.28 for a new bulb at the GM dealership and it fit right back in perfectly, works great now and no problems.

Now looking at the plastic that the bulb fits into, I can see how a car that is 10+ years old has has been parked in the sun most of it's life would have a very hard and brittle fixture that could easily break.

 

I have an 84Z28 and I plan to install a Third Brake Light on the hatch. I notice that it mounts using the two pieces that go thru the glass. My car doesnt come with the holes in the glass. I plan to grind off the two pieces, glue the seal to the housing and then silicom the unit to the window. The wires will have to lead from the unit out the top and connect behind the plastic inside the car. I have a temp. light there already, but I wanted one that looks the part. Should work huh?