The brake light bulb isn't a typical bulb. It's pronged and I'm having trouble removing it from it's socket. Already struggled to remove it from the casing, now I just need to get the bulb in my hands. 2007 toyota yaris. Please help!

Since these are on separate circuits first check the front park lights and dash lights are going since these ARE on the same circuit. If not check the fuse. If that's ok, remove taillight bulbs and check they are not blown. You should be able to see the filaments between the prongs inside the bulbs. If they are ok with a test light check there is power going to lamp sockets with light switch on. If they are dual filament bulbs only one contact inside the light socket will have power going to it. The other contact is the brake light. You will need to identify it by getting someone to work the brake while you hold the test lamp on either contact with the light switch off then the other one is the taillight contact.

Usually you can replace light bulbs without removing anything. You just pull back a panel in the trunk and the light have a plastic socket that twists to unlock it so you pull it out and replace the bulb in the socket. Then place the socket back in the light and twist it to lock it back in to place. It really simple. Head light need replacing but not typical tail lights.

Most common issue is that the wrong bulb(s) installed in one side or both rear brake lamp sockets I have seen a single prong bulb ,say a 1156 part # bulb installed and this car requires a dual prong connector bulb Hyundai part 18647-28088-L bulb in each side

Hi Edward-
The top brake light lens is held on with two size T25 Torx screws. You need a suitable size torx screw driver to remove (and again later replace the assembly) the two screws. Once the screws are removed (do not lose these), you can remove the entire lens assembly. You'll see the wires leading to the plastic bulb socket. The bulb socket twists off the assembly like a bayonet. Once the bulb socket is off, you'll be able to remove the bulb simply by pulling it straight out. Replace the bad bulb by inserting the new bulb and then reassemble your third brake light in the reverse order you removed it. Enjoy!

The likely cause is a short in one of the brake light sockets feeding power back into the parking lights. Check both brake light sockets for heat damage. If no damage, remove the brake light bulbs one at a time to see if the problem is in the bulb or how it is fitting into the socket. If that isn't the problem, check the wiring behind the socket for a short between the wires.

You do not have a separate fuse for each side, if the left side works, replace the bulb in the right side that isn't working.

Open the hatch and the tailgate.

Remove the two mounting screws with a Phillips-head screwdriver, and remove the taillight assembly from the body by pulling it back.

Determine which of the three bulbs is burned out: brake/taillight, turn signal light or backup light. (I assume you’ve already determined this)

Remove the socket by turning it one-quarter turn counterclockwise.

Pull the bulb straight out of its socket.

Push the new bulb straight into the socket until it bottoms.

Reinstall the socket into the light assembly by turning it clockwise until it locks.

Test the lights to make sure the new bulb is working.

When reinstalling the taillight assembly, first place the two pins in the holes in place. Tighten the two mounting bolts.

Hope this is helpful to you.

RE: 2002 Toyota Highlander 2.4cyl. 4X4 Base Model

I am a Certified Technician and have basic knowledge with electronics in electrical wiring. I searched the web and discovered this is a common problem.

I fixed the problem and it was a simple procedure... The problem is with the reverse light socket at the side with no brake light. This socket functions as a hub to direct current to the brake bulbs.

Remove reverse light socket and re-seat bulb. Check for loose or broken prongs. Replace if necessary.

Swap the reverse socket with the other side.

1992–98 GRAND AM AND ACHIEVA

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Pull the center high-mount stop lamp cover to disengage the retaining tabs.
3. Unfasten the lamp retaining screws.
4. Remove the sockets using a suitable prybar to release the retaining tabs.
5. Detach the bulbs from their sockets.
6. Using a suitable prybar to release the tabs, remove the lamp lens. Fig. 14: View of the center high-mount stop lamp assembly — 1995 Grand Am and Achieva shown