This how to will show you how to replace the bulb in the third brake lamp on a second generation Dakota. These directions will also show you how to change the cargo lamps if your truck is equipped (our truck is not). The truck pictured in this how to is a 2003 Dakota club cab.
Tools
Phillips head screw driver
Time To Complete
About 15 minutes tops
Difficulty Level (1 = easy, 12 = tough)
1 beer
Darwin's Warnings!
As with all Carbone Racing technical how-to's, these are general guidelines we are not responsible for any harm you do to yourself or your vehicle. Keep in mind that the electrical system on your Dakota can hurt you if you are not careful, and you may need to take further precautions than listed in this how to. Don't be scared, but please use common sense and be safe when doing any automotive repairs.
And Away We Go
1) Locate the two screws on each end of the third brake lamp. See picture 1. Remove these two screws.
2) Pull out the brake lamp assembly. If your truck has cargo lamps, they will also be in this assembly. You will need to pull out the assembly far enough out so you can disconnect the socket from the rest of the wiring. See picture 2.
3) Unclip the plug, and separate the socket from the wiring in the cab. Do this by pushing the tab circled in yellow in picture 3.
4) Rotate the socket (the black part of the assembly) until the socket comes out of the lens. See picture 4 and picture 5.
5) Remove the old bulb from the socket by gently but firmly pulling the bulb out. Insert the new bulb in the same manner, but pushing in.
6) Reinstallation is the exact opposite of removal.
