How to Replace the Brake Light Bulb in My PT Cruiser

The PT Cruiser uses a capsule-style headlight bulb in its tailight assembly.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser filled the gap between a compact car and a minivan or SUV. The 2001 PT Cruiser only had a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine available, which produced 150 horsepower. In 2003, Chrysler added a little pep to the PT Cruiser by dropping a 215-horsepower, turbocharged, 2.4-liter four-cylinder in the GT trim level. The 2010 model year marked the final year for the PT Cruiser, as Chrysler left it out of its 2011 production lineup. The PT Cruiser had the same taillight design throughout its lifespan, so replacing a burnt-out brake bulb requires the same process on all model years.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Dielectric grease

Instructions

1. Remove the screw located at the base of the taillight lens, using a Phillips screwdriver.

2. Lift the bottom of the taillight assembly toward you, then pull the taillight downward to free it from the PT Cruiser's body.

3. Unplug the two wiring harnesses on the rear of the taillight by pressing the locking button on either side of each harness and pulling the harness away from the taillight assembly. Take note of how each harness connected to each socket, as you must reconnect them in the same fashion.

4. Turn over the taillight assembly and locate the brake light bulb socket -- the lower socket on the assembly. Turn the brake light socket counterclockwise to unlock it, then pull the socket from the taillight assembly.

5. Pull the bunt-out brake light bulb from the socket with a slight wiggling motion.

6. Squeeze a small amount of dielectric grease inside the socket. Grab the new brake light bulb by its plastic base and press it into the brake light socket. Do not touch the glass part of the bulb, as the oils on your hands can cause the bulb to burn out prematurely.

7. Insert the socket into the rear of the taillight assembly and twist it clockwise to lock it into place. Reconnect the wiring harnesses to the sockets on the rear of the taillight assembly.

8. Insert the bottom of the taillight assembly back in the PT Cruiser, lining up the tabs on the taillight assembly with the grooves in the vehicle's body. Press the top of the assembly inward, until the tabs snap into place, to secure the top of the taillight assembly. Tighten the screw at the bottom of the lens with a Phillips screwdriver.

9. Repeat steps 1 through 7 for the brake light bulb on the other side of the PT Cruiser.

References

• MSN Autos: 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT Specs
• MSN Autos: 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Specs
• MSN Autos: Chrysler PT Cruiser Overview
• Chrysler: 2011 Vehicle Lineup
• "Mitchel1 OnDemand 5"; 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Taillight Bulb Removal; Mitchell Repair Information Company