🔧 Crosstour - Rear Third Brake Light Replacement

Your Crosstour’s “rear third light” is the high-mount stop lamp (the extra brake light up high). Replacing it usually means removing a small interior liftgate trim panel, unplugging the lamp, and swapping the lamp assembly or bulbs (depending on what’s installed).

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the liftgate stay fully open and stable before working underneath it.
• ⚠️ Use plastic trim tools to avoid cracking interior panels and clips.
• ⚠️ If you disconnect the battery, you may lose radio presets; not required for this job.
• ⚠️ Don’t touch bulb glass with bare fingers (skin oils can shorten bulb life) if your lamp uses replaceable bulbs.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Plastic trim removal tool set
• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 1/4" drive 3" extension
• Torque wrench (inch-pound or low-range Nm)
• Clean nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flashlight

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• High-mount stop lamp (rear third brake light) assembly - Qty: 1
• Liftgate trim panel clips - Qty: 2-6
• High-mount stop lamp bulbs - Qty: 1-2 (only if your assembly uses replaceable bulbs)

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and shift to P.
• Open the liftgate fully.
• Lay a towel over the bumper area to protect paint while you work.
• Trim clips can pop—wear safety glasses.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the inner liftgate trim panel

• Use a flashlight to locate the access panel/trim around the inside of the liftgate near the third brake light area.
• Use a plastic trim removal tool set to gently pry at the edge of the panel and pop the clips free.
• If your panel has screws, remove them with a Phillips #2 screwdriver, then continue releasing clips with the plastic trim removal tool set.
• Pry close to each clip to avoid bending the panel.

Step 2: Disconnect the third brake light connector

• Locate the lamp wiring connector behind the third brake light.
• Press the locking tab and unplug it by hand (use clean nitrile gloves for grip if needed).

Step 3: Remove the third brake light

• Remove the lamp retaining nuts/bolts using a 10mm socket, 1/4" drive ratchet, and 1/4" drive 3" extension.
• Support the lamp with one hand as you remove the last fastener so it doesn’t drop.
• From the outside, carefully lift the lamp away from the liftgate. If it feels stuck, gently work it loose—do not pry against paint.

Step 4: Transfer parts (if needed) and install the new lamp

• If your replacement is a full assembly, set the old one aside and position the new lamp in place.
• If your lamp uses replaceable bulbs, swap the bulb(s) using clean nitrile gloves (avoid touching the glass).
• Make sure the lamp gasket/seal sits flat all the way around (this prevents water leaks).

Step 5: Tighten fasteners and reconnect wiring

• Thread the nuts/bolts by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten using a 10mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet until snug.
• Final tighten with a torque wrench (inch-pound or low-range Nm): Torque to 9 Nm (80 in-lbs).
• Reconnect the electrical plug until it clicks in place.
• Overtightening can crack the lamp housing.

Step 6: Reinstall the liftgate trim panel

• Line up the trim panel and clips with their holes.
• Press the panel straight in by hand to snap clips back in.
• Reinstall any screws using a Phillips #2 screwdriver.
• If any clip is damaged, replace it with new liftgate trim panel clips before final assembly.

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal (or have a helper press it) and confirm the third brake light illuminates evenly.
• Check the left and right brake lights too (sometimes multiple brake lights fail from the same issue).
• Spray a little water over the lamp area and check inside for moisture after a few minutes (quick leak check).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $120-$280 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$170 (parts only)

You Save: $85-$110 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.

Assumption: Rear third light is the liftgate high-mount stop lamp held with 10mm fasteners; procedure covers the common Crosstour setup.