Saturday, May 14, 2011
Whether you need to change out a broken third brake light on your B8 Audi A4 or just remove it temporarily to get the rear window tinted, it’s very simple and fast if you know how. I did a bunch of searching on forums and found a few helpful posts describing how, but when I went to do it myself, the instructions didn’t really make sense. Everyone said to just push the third brake light down toward the window...but push it down how? I couldn’t find anything to really grab on to it by. Tinkered around for a while and finally figure it out...so here it is.
The third brake light on the B8 Audi A4 is held in place by two clips, one on each end.
To start, use your fingernails to separate the third brake light black plastic housing from the glass and work your fingers in. It is quite pliable and not hard plastic like I expected. With each hand at either end, pull down along the window. Do not pull down toward the rear deck, it will not work. You have to pull in the direction of the window, at the same angle. It will take a bit of force, just keep pulling making sure your angle matches the window’s.
Once you pull the third brake light down, you will see the electrical connector on the left side. Simply unclip and you’re done.
Installing the third brake light takes a little more effort but it’s easily done as well.
After you plug the electrical connector back in, line up the tabs on each end and slide the third brake light onto the tabs.
Push the third brake light up, along the glass, using the tips of your fingers (use both hands). Do not fit your fingers under the plastic surround, it will alter the angle and will not work. Keep the third brake light flush against the glass and push, you will feel it snap into place.
The third brake light will end up against the headliner but you need to have it fit under it, not against it. There is a lip you can see here...
Work your fingers under the headliner and pull down slightly then push on the edge of the third brake light housing until it fits into place. You can do each side individually.
And that’s it! Very simple and good to know how to do since a lot of tint shops will not remove the third brake like for you out of liability concerns.
All modifications and changes are done at your own risk. This site in no way is responsible for any modifications performed on your vehicle. Please check with your Audi dealer as certain modification could void your factory warranty.
