3rd brake lamp removal

[dogla Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close dogla]

Hello esteemed fellow Prado owners. Has anyone been able to replace the high mount 3rd brake light? Mine isn't functioning and I wanted to inspect it. But it's a bit puzzling to remove. I see like clips on the inside of the lip but it just won't get out of the mounted location. It's already loose btw, it just doesn't want to pop off. Is there maybe a hidden bracket of some sort?

[ptommo59 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ptommo59]

The Workshop Manual indicates that there are two screws at the rear holding it in that you need to remove the rear spoiler to access. (Not certain if there is a workaround to get to them while the spoiler is on).


If you want to get the spoiler off see post 4 in this link which has a link to the procedure Removal of rear Air Spoiler/Rear Wiper Assembly - Toyota Prado How To's, Technical Information & Reviews (pradopoint.com.au)

[dogla Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close dogla]

Thanks for the info, unfortunately that's not the way mine is installed. There's no screws holding it in, just the adhesive and friction from the side clips.
I was able to remove it and test it, seems to still be working, so I have to look at wiring issues. All fuses are in and working, brake lights are working, so I have no idea what it could be.
I think I'll run a wire from the closest brake light bulb to it and power it from there, until I can sort out why it's not getting power.

[ptommo59 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ptommo59]

Have you tried to meter the connector to see if you are getting power and a ground? The wiring diagram I found for a 120 has a green with yellow stripe as 12V stop light power to pin 2 and white with black stripe as ground on pin 1 connected to an earth point on the centre of the rear door. There is a junction connector J29 in the rear that is common to all three rear stop lights and the cable runs direct from this to the upper light connector so you either have a broken power wire along that path or a bad earth.

[dogla Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close dogla]

I did measure the plug and got around 5V

[ptommo59 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ptommo59]

Check both sides to a decent earth point on the main body. If you are getting any voltage on the earth side try tracing the loom to the earth point and clean up. If still only 5V on the power side you most likely have a dirty connection at the junction point.