How do replace the LED brake lights on the deck lid of a 1998 Cadillac Catera?

Answer 1

On my 97, I had to take the inside trunk cover off. It's held on by plastic buttons.
Remove all buttons, you can get a fork tool at any parts store. They pry out. You will use these to reassemble save. Remove the cover boxes for the turn signal lights. Remove pull strap.

Once you have the cover off, there are holes in the trunk, look for long threaded small bolts, they will line up with the light assembly. Im not sure what size the nuts are, but a deep well socket works best to remove all the nuts. The light may require a bit of persuasion to get out. Remove light, find power plug, carefully disconnect, take note of how power plug comes out. Once light is out, clean the dirt away from where it was seated.

I unplugged the old light and tested the new one before I took it out.

Install new light. Make sure you have it right side up. Thread nuts on by hand if possible, then use ratchet. Careful not to over tighten. When putting the plastic buttons back in, start them with your thumb, then I used a rubber mallet to seat them back in.

It's not very hard to do. When removing the nuts, be careful not to drop them. It's almost impossible to get em out of the trunk recesses.
Time needed is maybe 1 hour.

Tools: small ratchet, 6 or 7 mm deep well socket, fork tool. I used the one I bought, then returned it after I finished. Just tell em you didn't need it.