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Changing the rear brake light

junkstermac

Guest
Hi all,

my friend has an 04 SE and her rear passenger (RHD car) brake light is out. I took a quick look and I'm guessing you need to take the light assembly out to swap bulbs (like my custom BMW rear lights) but maybe I'm wrong :)

I took the plastic panel off and I can see a screw to loosen one side of the assembly but I'm not sure what to do next as I couldn't see much

or do you have to remove the whole of the plastic panel by loosening all the torx screws instead? (bit of a faff on just to change a bulb tho)

yeah I know it's a simple job but any advice and guidance is welcome :)

cheers
 
Last edited by a moderator:
the brake lights are in the cluster attached to the rear quater not the boot lid(this is what i think u mean), to take that off you undo the two large torx screws attaching the cluster to the car and pull/wedge the cluster out as its two sort of spring clips holding the rounded edge in place, once this is out(it is a bit fiddly) remove the wiring connector, unscrew the phillips head screw and the bulb assembly should come out, bobs your uncle. do in reverse to put back in.
 
ibizaneal said:
the brake lights are in the cluster attached to the rear quater not the boot lid(this is what i think u mean), to take that off you undo the two large torx screws attaching the cluster to the car and pull/wedge the cluster out as its two sort of spring clips holding the rounded edge in place, once this is out(it is a bit fiddly) remove the wiring connector, unscrew the phillips head screw and the bulb assembly should come out, bobs your uncle. do in reverse to put back in.
Click to expand...

thanks for the info mate ;). I said the boot lid as I only came across in the car to see my mate and there was another guy looking at getting into those light and I saw how awkward it was going to be :). I've since realised that is the rear quarter that are the brake lights as I've seen a few Ibiaza's on the road. I didn't even check to see which light was actually out before having a quick fiddle around so looked at the wrong light :D

I've seen the 2 spring clips you mention in an online pic I came across of the cluster and I remember they aren't the easiest things to get out as my old cars have had them (in indicators)

again thanks for the confirmation as I can see I need a torx screwdriver

cheers [B)]
 
ibizaneal said:
the brake lights are in the cluster attached to the rear quater not the boot lid(this is what i think u mean), to take that off you undo the two large torx screws attaching the cluster to the car and pull/wedge the cluster out as its two sort of spring clips holding the rounded edge in place, once this is out(it is a bit fiddly) remove the wiring connector, unscrew the phillips head screw and the bulb assembly should come out, bobs your uncle. do in reverse to put back in.
Click to expand...

Im having trouble. We can't get the cluster out when you pull/wedge the cluster out involving the sping clips.
 
you do have to pull pretty hard, i had this trouble too so i pulled back the side inner liner and put a bit of pressure on the back of the clips with a flat bladed screwdriver (this is very fiddly) the clips are pretty hard to get to but it should get it out.
 
ibizaneal said:
you do have to pull pretty hard, i had this trouble too so i pulled back the side inner liner and put a bit of pressure on the back of the clips with a flat bladed screwdriver (this is very fiddly) the clips are pretty hard to get to but it should get it out.
Click to expand...

Cheers for that. Tried as you said but still had no luck :( Its exacly the same on the otherside as well so I'm taking it to the dealer.
 
Any other tips on getting the spring clips to release? Tried puching them with a screwdriver and no luck. Do you need to pull the cluster in a certain direction to make this work better?

Cheers
 
Shortride said:
Cheers for that. Tried as you said but still had no luck :( Its exacly the same on the otherside as well so I'm taking it to the dealer.
Click to expand...

:( Went to replace my offside brake light today(mot next week).Had the same problems,so took it to my local garage(not Seat).Took off the 2 screws and try as they might,they couldn't shift it.Thay told me to leave it to Seat(at the mot),as they were afraid they might break it.
Never one to admit defeat,i headed off to Halfords.Told them about my problem.Typed it onto his computer and it came up 'do not attempt to fit,danger of damage to lamp cluster'!.:-o Guess i'll leave it to the bulb changing specialists at Seat.What a joke!.
 
One of mines was a bit of a nightmare to remove, gave it a little knock at the side and it came out though with no problems.

The other came out a doddle.
 
RichieRich said:
i have taken out all four before now quite easy if i remember correctly, just to do it and clean everything properly... might do my fr lights the same some day :)
Click to expand...


:shrug: MOT tomorrow morning.I can just see the service receptioist coming through to the waiting room.'I'm afraid we're having a bit of trouble removing your rear light cluster'!.Maybe someones glued it on!.Wish me luck!.
 
CHR15B said:
If it a diesel? Try changing one of the front sidelights - theres a job and a half!
Click to expand...

:D It's the same car as your's- 130 Sport!.How i long for my old E reg Cavalier again!.You could change any bulb in 2 seconds!.Maybe it's the shape of things to come.'How dare you attempt to do anything yourself'!.Give it to us,and we'll rip you off for the privelege!.
 
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