How to Reinstall the Third Brake Light on the 1996 Maxima

The Maxima name saw its first use on the 1981 Datsun 810 sedan, as the name of the models highest trim level. This was simply a primer to get folks ready for the debut of the standalone Maxima model when it replaced the 810 the following year. In 1996, the Maxima entered its fourth generation. Nissan rounded off the body and increased interior room by stretching the wheelbase by two inches. Whether your Maxima has its third brake light on the rear package tray or the optional rear spoiler, replacing the high-mount stop light bulb is relatively simple.

Instructions

Remove the screws securing the third brake light assembly, using a Phillips screwdriver, and pull the assembly from the spoiler just enough to access the wiring. Twist the light socket counterclockwise to unlock it and pull the socket and bulb from the assembly.

Press the bulb downward into the socket and twist it clockwise to unlock it. Pull the bulb from the socket.

Hold the new No.1156 bulb with a clean, lint-free cloth touching the bulb with your bare hands can cause early failure and align the locating tabs on the base of the bulb with the slots inside the socket. Guide the bulb into the socket, then press the bulb downward and twist it clockwise to lock it.

Insert the bulb and socket into the third brake light assembly and twist it clockwise to lock it in place. Reinstall the third brake light assembly and tighten its retaining screws until they are snug.

Push the third brake light assembly toward the passenger side of the Maxima to unlock it, and rotate the driver side of the assembly away from the rear glass to free it from the rear package tray. Lift the third brake light assembly slightly and unplug the wiring harness by pressing and holding the unlocking button while pulling the harness from the assembly. Remove the assembly from the package tray.

Rotate the brake light socket counterclockwise to unlock it and pull the socket and bulb from the assembly. Press the bulb toward the socket and twist it counterclockwise to unlock it, then pull the bulb from its socket.

Hold a new No.1156 bulb with a clean, lint-free cloth contacting the bulb with your bare hands may cause premature bulb failure and align the locating tabs on the bulbs metal base with the slots in the bulb socket. Guide the bulb into the socket, press the bulb downward into the socket and twist it clockwise to lock it in place. Insert the bulb and socket into the assembly and twist the socket clockwise to lock it in place.

Plug the wiring harness into the receptacle in the assembly. Insert the locating tab on the passenger side of the package tray into the slot inside the assembly, then push the assembly toward the passenger side of the Maxima and rotate it to align the driver-side locating tab with the slot in the assembly. Allow the assembly to slide toward the driver side of the car to engage the driver-side locating tab.