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Mazda Mazda3 Third Brake Light Bulb Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out high mount 3rd brake light bulb in the trunk lid of a 2nd generation 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3.

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Mazda3 3rd Brake Light
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Open Trunk Lid
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Pry Out Center of Fastener
This automotive "how-to" guide was specifically written to assist owners of the second generation (2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013) Mazda Mazda3 in replacing a burnt out high mount third brake light bulb in the trunk lid.

Owners of other Mazda vehicles such as the Mazda2, Mazda5, Mazda6, MX-5 Miata, Mazdaspeed3, CX-5, CX-7, CX-9, MPV, Tribute, RX-8, Axela, Demio, Verisa, Premacy, and Atenza may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

A replacement 3rd brake light bulb is part number 7440 from manufacturers such as Sylvania, GE, Eiko and PIAA.

If you plan on keeping your Mazda3 for a long time, I'd recommend buying Sylvania 7440 LL (Long Life) bulbs.

The only tool needed to access the old bulb is a small flathead screwdriver.



 
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Remove 4 Pop Rivet Fasteners
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Pull Back Trunk Carpet Liner
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Third Brake Light Socket
The first steps are to open the trunk lid and locate the four round black plastic pop rivet fasteners that hold the carpet liner in place.

Gently pry out the center piece of each fastener before pulling the entire fastener out. Set the four fasteners aside in a safe place.

Pull back the trunk lid carpet liner to reveal the back side of the third brake light housing.

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1/4 Turn Counter Clockwise
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Remove Bulb Socket
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Pull Out # 7440 Bulb



 

Rotate the light grey bulb socket 1/4 turn counter clockwise and pull is straight out of the mounting bracket.

Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket and push in a new # 7440 bulb.

If you want a brighter third brake light, choose a 7440 LED bulb.

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Push In New Bulb
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1/4 Turn Clockwise
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Replace Trunk Carpeting
Re-insert the socket in to the mounting bracket and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to lock it in place.

Replace the trunk lid carpet liner and insert the four pop rivet fasteners.

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Four Pop Rivet Fasteners
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Insert Fasteners - Pop In Center
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Test New 3rd Brake Bulb
Push in the center piece of each pop rivet fastener to secure them in place.

Test the new third brake light bulb by having someone step on the brake pedal.

For more, check out my other 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3 Repair & Maintenance Guides.
 

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