How to change brake lights in a Dodge Stratus

Changing the brake light in your Dodge Stratus is a relatively easy task. Forget the high cost of labor charged at a service station. Spend $4-6 on the bulb and do it yourself!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• New Bulb

1. Double check the brake lights to ensure you change the proper side.

2. Open the trunk and pull back the carpet on the side that needs to be changed. This may involve pulling some plastic push pins out and unscrewing some plastic wing nuts.

3. Disconnect the wires from the entire lamp unit. Usually a small red lever that will be pushed (side to side) to disengage (or engage)

4. Remove any additional devices holding the lamp to the car.

5. Remove the entire lamp. The brake light will be the top center bulb. If you are unsure, look at it and check for the black that signals a burnt out bulb.

6. These bulbs pull straight out without twisting. Use a rag around the top of the bulb to ensure you do not crush it with your fingers and to prevent cuts.

7. Replace the bulb, it will just click in.

8. Replace the lamp making sure the plastic portions of the casing sit properly and the screw holes are aligned.

9. Reconnect wiring. Push in and then slide it to the locked position.

10. Ensure lamp is seated tightly and securely in the proper position.

11. Check to ensure the light is properly working. You can use the garage door and rear-view mirror to check.

12. Replace carpeting and wingnuts.

13. Close trunk and dispose of bulb properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Bulbs come in a two pack. Keep the spare in your glove box. If you get pulled over for a busted bulb that you don't know about, show the officer your bulb and let him know that you are "on your way to fix it now!". That should stop her from writing you a fix-it ticket.
• Make sure the car is properly parked in a safe area.