1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass brake light replacement confusion

SOCO707

MEMBER
1998 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

Hey hows it going im new here im having a little problem swaping out the brake light on my friends 98 cutlass so I opened the trunk and unscrewed the carpet liner and I see nothing but metal theres no way to take it off(that I can see anyways it looks welded or plastered)anyways I poped the rubber plug out that the wire runs through and figured I was supposed to just pull out with my fingers like I have done on other cars but I cant reach it honestly I dont know how any one could reach it I looked from underneath the car and I can see where its at but I just cant reach it am I going about this wrong?Does the tail light housing have to be popped off?Its not my car so I didnt wanna start bangin away at the housing with a flat head please shoot me a response if you know how to do this thanks in advance

2 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Open the trunk.
Remove the retaining clips (trim fasteners) and move the trunk trim to access the taillamp bulbs.
Remove the three plastic wingnut fasteners securing the taillamp assembly to the body.

Pull the taillamp assembly from the vehicle and detach the electrical connector.
Gently spread the clips at each end of the assembly while lifting the bulb carrier from the lens.
Remove the bulb from the socket.
Installation is the reverse of removal.