How to remove third brake light?

NotYet · 04-02-2007, 06:50 PM

Sorry for posting this again, but I figured it might be seen a bit more if it were its own thread (as opposed to the other thread I tried to bring back life).

I want to tint my rear windshield w/o having to cut around the 3rd brake light. So, how do you remove the third brake light? I know how everythig SHOULD come apart w/ the exception of the rear side cushions. Unfortunately, all steps to removing the brake light hinge off the removal of the rear side cushions! UGH.

I know you fold down the back seats.
Remove a bolt from each of the rear side cushions towards the side/bottom (in the carpet area)
But there is one clip that holds the entire rear side cushion in place. I have no idea how to get that clip to release!!!

There is a flat metal piece that is horizontal and then turns down once it 'disappears' into the trunk area. If you use a screw driver or a panel remover, you can squeeze it in and you can feel the piece holding it all in place actually move back. Pulling the cushion back and/or up makes no difference, something is still holding it.

I've read the LX Service Manual (for '06) but I can't find how to remove this piece. The part I'm referring to is circled in red.

Thanks in advance.

brighthorizon · 04-02-2007, 07:02 PM

Interesting when the place did my tints I was watching them and they didn't remove the back seat at all. Looked like they removed the light easily not sure how though. They did some work in my trunk so maybe they removed something inside the trunk to get to it.

CplDaugherty · 04-02-2007, 08:13 PM

PM lukeinva (like everything else) he made it sound really simple. I'm hoping to have my car in for tint this weekend or next and I'm pulling my 3rd brake light as well... it's an eye sore having the tint cut out around it.

fnkychkn · 04-02-2007, 08:47 PM

i use a taped up hacksaw blade and push down on the clip and it pops right out.

NotYet · 04-02-2007, 09:00 PM

Which clip do you push down on? The one at the top of the rear seat cushion? I pushed and pushed on that damn clip all day long but never could get it removed.

fnkychkn · 04-02-2007, 09:05 PM

yes, the one at the top of the cushion. i slide the blade between the cushion and the rear parcel shelf and push down on the spring clip.

NotYet · 04-02-2007, 09:07 PM

So simply pushing inwards isn't going to get it? I need to be pushing down once I push it back?

fnkychkn · 04-02-2007, 09:12 PM

you need something very slim. that's why i use a hacksaw blade. push the cushion towards the rear of the car to relieve tension from the spring clip then press the clip downward.