07 SR5 High Mount Brake Light

[mesaHusker]

Has anybody ever replaced the bulb on the high mount (sometimes referred to as cyclops) brake light? As I've been looking at it, I can't figure out how to get the lense off from the outside. I raised the gate up and can't find any bolts, screws, etc to access it from the inside either.

I went to my local dealership to ask them about it and they suggested taking off the panel on the gate. The problem with that is that the panel only covers the gate under the window; the rest of the gate is metal that does not come off.

At this point, I've broken part of the lense and still can't get to the bulb or even the housing. I purchased an entirely new lense, housing, bulb, and electrical plug-in. The problem is, I still can't get the old one out.

Any ideas? I could post some pics if that would help. Thanks!

 

[borgzman]

.pdf attached

You don't have the Spoiler?

The instruction says you are going to release the claw fittings(see illust) and disconnect the connectors. I think you are going to remove/replace the whole stop light assembly.

I'll do a mod, lika buy a $7 LED strip at pepboys and insert it there, way brighter LOL!.
Its like what I did in mine http://www.toyota-4runner.org/accessories/78017-can-i-bake-spoiler-light-assembly-4th-gen.html tho it is the spoiler lamp assy, you'll get the idea....save the new assy you bought.:naughty:

 

[mesaHusker]

Thanks for the reply. I checked out the pdf and it looks good, but I can't access those clips underneath the lense without popping the lense out. I do not have a spoiler.
Any other ideas about popping this thing out?

 

[mesaHusker]

Well I finally got it off. I totally destroyed the lense and housing, but I got it off. Luckily I have some touch up paint so I did some minor detail work, but it's finally fixed.
Major design flaw by Toyota in my opinion.

 

[2big4arunner]

Oh my god..... thank you man. You have saved me hours and a broken lense. I was trying to get into this lense for a week to install my LED strip and be done with this forever. I will be posting a how to pictures on this post once i am done with it if that is ok with the original posters. Otherwise I could link to a new post with the LED install.

 

[mesaHusker]

Please do post the pictures. I'm glad somebody was helped by this. I remember wanting to stab the lense with my screwdrive, I was so mad.

 

[Radial GT]

Without a spoiler all you need to do us push up on the brake light. The top has hooks, and the bottom is basically just wedged in there. It is actually really simple once you do it one time.