How to Change the Overhead Tail Light for a 2003 Chevy Avalanche

In 2002, Chevrolet released the Avalanche, a unique vehicle that combined the passenger capacity of an SUV and the cargo-hauling capabilities of a pickup truck. In accordance to federal automotive safety regulations, the 2003 Avalanche came fitted with a center high-mount stop light. Chevrolet positioned this light on the cargo box bridge --- a plastic component that spans the rear of the cab. To replace this overhead taillight in the 2003 Avalanche you must remove this cargo box bridge.

Instructions

1

Open the Avalanche's tailgate. Unlock the three cargo cover panels by pulling the latches under each panel --- the first two panels have two latches and the final panel has four latches --- toward the rear of the truck and pulling each panel from the truck.

2

Enter the bed of truck and locate the cargo box bridge --- the bar on the rear of the cab that houses the high-mount brake light. Remove the eight bolts securing the cargo box bridge to the cab --- six on top and two on the bottom --- using a ratchet and socket.

3

Pull the cargo box bridge from the Avalanche and disconnect the high-mount brake light wiring harness by pressing the locking button and pulling the harness from the high-mount brake light socket.

4

Remove the high-mount stop lamp assembly from the cargo box bridge by removing the three retaining bolts with a ratchet and socket. Pull the lamp assembly from the cargo box bridge.

5

Twist the high-mount brake light bulb counterclockwise to unlock it. Pull the bulb and socket from the assembly. Pull the high-mount brake light bulb from the socket, using a slight wiggling motion.

6

Push a new 194 bulb into the socket using a clean, lint-free cloth. The cloth prevents the oils from your hands contacting the bulb and causing premature bulb failure. Insert the bulb and socket into the high-mount brake light assembly, and twist it clockwise to lock it into place.

7

Set the high-mount brake light assembly back on the cargo box bridge and tighten the bolts to 1 to 2 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and socket.

8

Plug the high-mount stop light wiring harness into the wiring harness on the Avalanche. Set the cargo box bridge back on the Avalanche and tighten its eight bolts to 5 to 6 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and socket.

9

Reinstall the three cargo cover panels in the reverse order you removed them. Lock each panel down by pressing the latch under each panel toward the front of the Avalanche.