How to replace third light
#1
05-24-07, 09:50 AM
How to replace third light
2003 Nissan Altima
Not sure if "third light" is the proper term, but I'm talking about the rear middle light up above the trunk, the light at the rear window. Access to it is from the back seat.
I can get the light cover off but I can't figure out how to get the bulb out. I see the wires and connections but if I try and twist it off, I can't. I didn't try too hard, b/c I didn't want to break it. Am I supposed to disconnect the wire somehow?
I looked at my manual and it doesn't help much. Shows only 2 photos. 1 pic shows how to get to it (take it off) and then some other pic that I don't understand.
Not sure if "third light" is the proper term, but I'm talking about the rear middle light up above the trunk, the light at the rear window. Access to it is from the back seat.
I can get the light cover off but I can't figure out how to get the bulb out. I see the wires and connections but if I try and twist it off, I can't. I didn't try too hard, b/c I didn't want to break it. Am I supposed to disconnect the wire somehow?
I looked at my manual and it doesn't help much. Shows only 2 photos. 1 pic shows how to get to it (take it off) and then some other pic that I don't understand.
#2
05-24-07, 03:23 PM
Member
It's a CHMSL
Center High Mounted Stop Light
How to get the bulb out, however....
...that I don't remember
I thought it was one of those bulbs that pop right in?
You think you have to twist it?
Center High Mounted Stop Light
How to get the bulb out, however....
...that I don't remember
I thought it was one of those bulbs that pop right in?
You think you have to twist it?
#3
05-24-07, 03:31 PM
Thanks for the correct term! 
Hmmm... how do I explain this?
When I got the mount/cover off (the whole piece), I looked under it and it's covered. The only thing exposed are 2 wires (I think). I would think it's obvious to pull on something to get the bulb to come out but whatever I pull on, it does nothing. I could yank a little harder...I just didn't want to end up doing something I wasn't supposed to and break it.
I guess a pic would help. I'll try and post it soon (tomorrow).
I could almost bet it's something stupid and easy. I just can't find it.
#4
05-25-07, 12:42 PM
OK...I got the pic if it helps any:
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u62/DIYaddict/light2.jpg
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u62/DIYaddict/light1.jpg
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u62/DIYaddict/light.jpg
Just need to know what to pull on or twist off or whatever
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u62/DIYaddict/light2.jpg
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u62/DIYaddict/light1.jpg
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u62/DIYaddict/light.jpg
Just need to know what to pull on or twist off or whatever
#5
05-25-07, 12:48 PM
Member
Oh...that isn't what I thought
It's OK though
That gray thingy that's like two tubes stuck together with a gray plastic quarter on one end and with the red and black wires coming out the other
The whole thing should twist
Twist as if the gray circle/quarter end is a bottle cap (counter clock wise)
It should twist a little and release, then be able to be pulled out
It's OK though
That gray thingy that's like two tubes stuck together with a gray plastic quarter on one end and with the red and black wires coming out the other
The whole thing should twist
Twist as if the gray circle/quarter end is a bottle cap (counter clock wise)
It should twist a little and release, then be able to be pulled out
#7
05-25-07, 12:54 PM
Ah!. Thanks. I'll give it a try and let you know how it works out. That's what my first attempt was. (Twisting it counter clock wise.) Guess I need to twist harder.
However, that light is still a CHMSL? (You know...for future reference.
)
However, that light is still a CHMSL? (You know...for future reference.
)
#8
05-25-07, 01:00 PM
Member
Ha ha...I believe that is still the technical term yes
Now if you can't remove it by twisting, you may need a CHISEL
That's a technical term referring to prying it off using butter knife as a blade and the heal of a shoe to wack the handle end of it
(J/K...let's not go there...lol)
Now if you can't remove it by twisting, you may need a CHISEL
That's a technical term referring to prying it off using butter knife as a blade and the heal of a shoe to wack the handle end of it
(J/K...let's not go there...lol)
#9
05-25-07, 01:39 PM
Thank you
I attempted the CHISEL and the heel of my shoe ...then realized you said J/k .
ha! Not really.
I'll let you know how it goes. I'm sure I'll either break it but still get the bulb in or not DIY. ...find someone else to do.
I attempted the CHISEL and the heel of my shoe ...then realized you said J/k .
ha! Not really.
I'll let you know how it goes. I'm sure I'll either break it but still get the bulb in or not DIY. ...find someone else to do.
#10
05-25-07, 03:16 PM
Member
DIYaddict you are such a brave DIYer. I do not know how to open the hood of my car. I just call Dave at a local auto/mechanic place and tell him to come get my car at my store. I am pitiful, I know. But, I certainly over dramatize my helplessness and flutter my eyelashes when he comes to the store. I will miss Dave when I move. He's about 20 years my junior, married, kids, etc.
To keep this response on topic, I highly recommend that you call Dave or another expert.
To keep this response on topic, I highly recommend that you call Dave or another expert.
#12
05-29-07, 04:49 PM
It's been a 3 day weekend...you know...relax...do nothing...
Ok..maybe tonight. Please don't think I'm just takin' your great info and leaving it. I need to get this done. Ummm...do you know if I'll get a ticket for that light being out?
#13
05-30-07, 09:00 AM
Thank you Slick
I did it. Thanks for patiently waiting too and bugging me in a nice way. Kinda made me get on the ball of things. It was exactly as you said. Twist off, counter clockwise
For proof, I'm posting an url to the bad bulb and the fix light.
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u62/DIYaddict/badlight.jpg
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u62/DIYaddict/Light.jpg
BTW: I saved about $8.00. whoo hoo!
Thanks so much.
I did it. Thanks for patiently waiting too and bugging me in a nice way. Kinda made me get on the ball of things. It was exactly as you said. Twist off, counter clockwise
For proof, I'm posting an url to the bad bulb and the fix light.
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u62/DIYaddict/badlight.jpg
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u62/DIYaddict/Light.jpg
BTW: I saved about $8.00.
whoo hoo!Thanks so much.
