1A Auto Video Library
Our how-to videos have helped repair over 100 million vehicles.
Enter Vehicle Year Make Model

Specify your vehicle's year, make and model to guarantee fit.

How to Replace Third Brake Light 1998-2010 Volkswagen Beetle

Created on: 2014-06-25

Watch this 1A Auto video to learn how to replace the third brake light on your 98-10 Volkswagen Beetle.

  1. step 1 :Removing the Third Brake Light
    • Open the trunk
    • Remove the Phillips head screw from each inside trunk handle
    • Use a putty knife to pry off the interior trunk panel
    • Remove the three Phillips screws from the third brake light
    • Pull the brake light out from the outside of the trunk
    • Disconnect the brake light wiring harness
  2. step 2 :Installing the New Third Brake Light
    • Connect the wiring harness to the new third brake light
    • Push the new brake light into place
    • Insert the three Phillips screws into the brake light
    • Lift the trunk panel into place, starting at the front
    • Push in the trunk panel clips
    • Insert the Phillips screw into each trunk handle

Tools needed

  • Phillips Head Screwdriver

    Putty Knife

Brought to you by 1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet.

Hi, I'm Don from 1A Auto. I hope this how-to video helps you out, and next time you need parts for your vehicle, think of 1AAuto.com. Thanks.

In this video, we're going to show you how to replace the third brake light on this 2001 Volkswagen Beetle, and it's the same part and similar process on these Beetles from '98 to 2010.The items you'll need for this are a new third brake light from 1AAuto.com, a putty knife, and a Phillips screwdriver.

Open up your trunk and then on the inside of it, in these handles, you'll see two Phillips screws. Just go ahead and remove those. Now, use a putty knife to pry out on the panel and just pull out the clips around the panel and it will pull down and off. Now remove these three Phillips screws and we'll fast forward as Don does this. Now, from the outside, pull the third brake light out. You can see ours is broken, just push the tab on the harness and disconnect it.

On the left is the old third brake light, on the right is the new one from 1A Auto. You can see they're identical and they'll fit exactly the same. Connect the harness to your new third brake light and set it down into place. Now on the inside, replace those three Phillips screws. Put the top of the panel on first, sliding it into that windowsill and then line up the clips and push them into place. Now, replace those two Phillips screws and you're all set.

We hope this video helps you out. Brought to you by www.1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet. Please feel free to call us toll-free, 888-844-3393. We're the company that's here for you on the Internet and in person.

1998 - 2010  Volkswagen  Beetle

How to Replace Taillight Bulbs 2007-14 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Check out this video from 1A Auto to learn how to replace the bulbs in the tail light assembly on your 07-14 Toyota FJ Cruiser!

Share on:
Go To Top

Same Day Shipping

Need your part faster? Choose expedited shipping at checkout.

Guaranteed To Fit

Highest quality, direct fit replacement auto parts enforced to the strictest product standards.

USA Customer Support

Exceeding customers' expectations, our team of passionate auto enthusiasts are here to help.

Instructional Video Library

Thousands of how-to auto repair videos to guide you step-by-step through your repair.