How do you change the trailer center high mount stop light on a 2002 Chevy Blazer?

Answer 1

The first easier step is to verify the fuse integrity. In your owner's manual, you'll have some fuse diagrams, one for the passenger compartment and a second one for under the hood in most GMs. Look for a fuse labeled "CHMSL, or which indicates "high mount". If you find one, make sure the fuse is not burned. If it's OK, or if there isn't one listed, it's either the the bulbs or the fixture. Unfortunately, I can really only give an educated guess on how it's changed, but some of this MIGHT help. I've installed a lot of taillight converters and other towing packages on vehicles and, generally speaking, principles and patterns are pretty much the same. Just from what I've seen on center high mounts, most newer models have them installed quote/unquote "theftproof", in other words, fastened from inside the vehicle. Before removing the entire fixture: Check for any retaining clips or a way to pop off the lens cover to change the bulbs. Don't get too carried away prying. If the cover is removable, you'll either see some pretty obvious tabs OR a small slot notched into the base of the fixture where it joins the cover. The little slot is there for a flat blade screwdriver to be used for removing the cover. If neither are present, look to see if the fixture can be removed from outside the vehicle. (Some fixtures might be sealed, in other words, if the bulb(s) go, the fixture gets changed. Others may have pop-in bulb fixtures built into the back of the overall fixture itself.) If the lens is not removable and if there is no way to remove the fixture from the outside: (Remember, this is more of a "generic how-to".) 1) Open the tailgate. 2) Examine the piece of trim between the black rubber door seal and the headliner. See if there is a rectangular access panel built in directly behind the fixture. If so, remove it, and you should be able to determine if the bulbs can be changed from the inside. If they can, simply change the bulbs. If not, you should see the fasteners for removing the fixture. 3) If there is no access panel, remove the trim piece--preferrably with proper trim tools. If you do not have any, flat screwdrivers and/or putty knives can work in a pinch if you are careful not to destroy or distort the pieces. Regardless of tool, always think "soft plastic--pry carefully". Some trim pieces have little round buttons that can be removed to access trim screws, some just have screws, and some have ribbed fasteners that look like the buttons which are pried out and can be replaced pretty cheap at most auto parts centers or reused if not damaged or distorted during removal. Once removed, the fixture fasteners should be visible, or it should be obvious as to whether the bulbs can be changed without replacing the fixture. Side note: If you find trim screws, and once they're removed, it doesn't always mean the trim will simply fall into your hands. Some have edge clips in addition to the screws. If the trim feels resistant after the screws are out, carefully pry the edge and look under the trim to try and see the clips, usually on the outer edge, the one closest to the black rubber door seal. If they're present, try to determine how they were installed, on other words, you may need to pry straight down on the trim, or straight horizontally in a certain direction, or first out then down and so on. Some clips are pretty stiff and some make a good pop when loosened, but if you're careful, they almost always remove without damage. 4) Parts reinstall in reverse order of removal.