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2008 Suzuki SX4 Brake Light Replacement

This guide is intended for the 2008 Suzuki SX4...

iFixit Library 2006-2014 Suzuki SX4 Easy 20 - 30 minutes Guide 168477

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Guide overview

Before you begin

This guide is intended for the 2008 Suzuki SX4 Hatchback. It aims to replace the rear brake light bulb, in the case that it is broken or malfunctioning, with an original halogen or LED equivalent. Having a broken brake light is dangerous for all drivers. In most countries, and in the United States, it is illegal to drive with a broken brake light. Doing so can not only get you into legal trouble, but also in dangerous situations. Driving without one can potentially cause an accident and can cost you your life. It is important to replace this light as soon as possible. It is an easy fix that does not require you to seek service from a mechanic. Be careful, however, since this guide does involve handling light bulbs and glass. Light bulbs can be dangerous to handle if they have been recently used; you can receive burns or cuts from broken glass if you're not careful!

Step 1

Repair step

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Power off your vehicle before beginning the replacement.
With your vehicle in PARK, engage the emergency parking brake.
Turn off your vehicle and make sure all light switches are set to OFF.

Step 2

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Phillips #2 Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Press the button located under the rear handle and above the license plate to open the hatch.
Open the hatch fully to expose the screws on the side of the brake light housing.
Open the hatch wide enough to give yourself some space while working on this replacement.

Step 3

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Phillips #2 Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the two 5 mm bolts from the side of the brake light housing.

Step 4

Repair step

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There are two clips behind the housing.
Be gentle when removing the brake light housing. The two clips behind the housing can break easily if you are not careful!
Gently pull the brake light housing towards you until it detaches from your car.

Step 5

Repair step

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The bulbs can reach high temperatures during operation. Do not handle the bulbs if your vehicle has been in use recently!
Twist each bulb-connector to the left to unfasten the bulb from the housing.
Repeat this step for each bulb so that you can fully remove the housing.
This will give you better access to each bulb.

Step 6

Repair step

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The brake light bulb has a nougat-colored connector.
Remove the brake light bulb from its connector by pulling it out of the socket.
Do not put too much pressure on the bulb with your hands. It is fragile and can shatter easily.

Step 7

Repair step

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Place the new bulb into the socket.
If you are replacing the brake light with an LED Fog Light, ensure it is facing the correct orientation.
Unlike halogen bulbs, LED Bulbs only function when oriented correctly. You may need to reverse the orientation if the bulb is not functioning.

Step 8

Repair step

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To ensure your bulbs are fully functional, depress the brake pedal. Doing this will make the brake lights turn on.
Make sure the light bulb turns on. This will also make sure your LED light is working properly.
Do not hold the brake pedal for too long as it will raise the temperature of the bulb to a dangerous level. Always wait for the bulb to cool down before handling it.