How to replace the high mount brake light on a 2005 Honda CR-V

The high mount brake light is the "third" brake light, located above the rear window.  If this light burns out, you can easily replace it yourself for just the cost of a new bulb.  The bulb you'll need is a type 7440 bulb, and can be purchased from most auto parts stores.  Other than the replacement bulb, the only other thing you'll need in order to do the job is a large slotted screwdriver or a pair of needle-nosed pliers.  Replacing the bulb shouldn't take more than 10 minutes.

Open the CR-V's rear door.  You can see the high mount brake light from the outside of the rear window; when you look at it from the inside all you see is a large rounded cover.  To remove this cover, push in on the two tabs, one located on either side of the cover.  The tabs are hard to push, so using a flathead screwdriver or a pair of needle-nosed pliers (or another tool with a small head) can help.  Once the two tabs have been released, you can pull the cover off, away from the window.

With the cover off, the brake light bulb assembly is exposed.  Remove the connector going to the bulb by grasping it and pushing in on the tab while at the same time pulling the connector away from the brake light.  Then you can remove the bulb by twisting the bulb casing (the plastic housing that the connector plugged into) counter-clockwise and pulling it out of its hole.

Now remove the bulb from its case by pulling it up and out.  Be careful not to break the bulb.  The new bulb can now be inserted -- just push it down into the slot in the case.  If possible, avoid touching the new bulb with your hand; oil from your skin can create "hot spots" on the bulb and cause it to burn out early.  You can wear latex or rubber gloves, or simply hold the bulb with a napkin or paper towel.

After inserting the bulb into its case, push the case back into the hole in the light assembly and turn it clockwise until it locks into place (about a quarter turn).  Then you can reattach the connector and push the rear cover back on.  If you have someone else around, start the car and apply the brakes, and ask the other person to verify that all three brake lights come on.

(Originally published on Helium.com, May 2012)