I have to replace the brake bulbs on my 2004 Pontiac Bonneville, and all I see are 4 long bolts in the trunk. This is the first vehicle that I've owned that didn't have the "insert and twist" bulb fittings. Any help?

No access through trunk. If anyone knows this would be great.

All rear brake lights on the GM vehicle line go through the Directional switch inside the column. I have found this to be bad on some N-Bodies... but also if it has a separate Hazard flasher unit and switch, you may want to try that first.. easier to replace and less expensive... all brake lights and directionals go through that unit as well.

some hmbl' s (high mount brake light) have screws in the bottom some have a accessable socket in the trunk (lay on your back and side into the trunk and look up) if you see little plastic feet get into and grab the light usualy pull back to unhook the feetand lift the light enuff to access the socket give that a 1/4 turn to release bulb

1. Open the trunk.
2. Remove the rear compartment sill plate. (Trim round the back edge of the trunk)
3. Pull the left and right compartment side trim panels down to access the fascia bolts and nuts.
4. Remove the tail lamps.
5. Remove the fascia bolts and nuts from the rear bumper fascia 1 nut 1 bolt on each side near tail lights.
6. Remove the push-in retainers from the top edge of the fascia.(4 plastic circles, pull up on center of cirle with screwdriver
7. Raise and support the vehicle.
8. From underneath Remove the push-in retainers from the rear bumper fascia (one on each side I think)
9. Remove the fascia bolts from the rear bumper fascia. on on each side from, up where the facia connects to the quater panel)
10. Remove the rear bumper fascia from the vehicle

High-Mount Brake Light NOTE: Depending upon the vehicle, the center high-mount brake light may be accessed from outside the vehicle, through the trunk, or through the passenger compartment.

1. Remove the center high-mount bracket light lens retaining screws.

Fig. 17: Use a screwdriver to unfasten the center high-mount lens retaining screws . . .


Remove the lens in order to get to the bulbs.

Fig. 18: . . . then remove the lens for access to the bulbs


Carefully pull the bulb away from its retaining clip contacts.

Fig. 19: Pull the light bulb from the retaining clips


Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure. Before installing the lens, make sure the brake light operates properly by having an assistant depress the brake pedal.

Remove panel in trunk (round one on each side) reach inside unscrew toggle bolt then remove the entire taillight assembly, may have to push from inside. When you have the taillight assembly out you will see where the bulb is on the back of the assembly, remove and replace with new bulb. Put taillight assembly back in, replace toggle bolt make sure it is tight and replace panel. It is a pain the first time but I have done this 3 or 4 times it gets easier.

You first must gain access to the bulbs. Then remove them. They should have a number on them allowing you to Google them and locate a source for new ones. Last, reinstall the new ones and then reinstall the radio/dashboard.

I replaced mine - it is easy - this is right from the manual
open trunk, turn screws located inside of trunk counterclockwise (on the inside where the tail light is), remove the plastic piece, pull carpeting away remove the 3 nuts holding the lamp in place and the lamp will pull out. Press the release and turn bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it.

There are three 10mm nuts holding the tail lamp assembly to the body.

you have to go through the trunk remove the black paneling located in the trunk and then you have to unscrew the light.