Your Brake Light is Broken? Do This Immediately
Third brake light out and won't pass inspection? Here's how to replace the high-mount (top) brake light bulb yourself in about 10 minutes — no shop, no specialty tools.
Equipment You May Need
Worth the fix?
The Fix
A dead third brake light — the high-mount light usually built into the rear spoiler or above the back window — is an easy inspection fail, and it's genuinely one of the fastest fixes in the DIY playbook.
Why "Immediately" Matters
Driving with a burned-out brake light isn't just a ticket risk — it's the light drivers behind you rely on most to gauge how hard you're braking. It's cheap, it's quick, and there's no good reason to put it off.
The 10-Minute Fix
Most third brake light housings pop off with a couple of screws or clips from inside the vehicle, no exterior trim removal needed. Pull the old bulb, confirm the new one is the correct type (check the owner's manual or the old bulb's part number — don't guess), and reassemble.
When It's Not the Bulb
If a fresh bulb doesn't fix it, the next suspects are the socket contacts (corrosion) or the wiring itself. A multimeter set to continuity or voltage mode takes the guesswork out of tracking that down before you buy parts you don't need.
The Honda Fix List
Salvage/Inspection List
- Rear Top Brake Light
- Brake Light
- Rear Wheel Bearing Assembly
- Front Struts - still editing
- Lower Control Arms - still editing
- Rear Shock Dampener - still editing