How do I replace the bulb for the brake light..I have the bulb, but just need to know what to do to replace it.

Dull or Dim Brake Light Repair: If your car has a dull or dim brake light it is dangerous to you and other drivers. A dim brake light is a mystery to most people because the bulb is working, just not correctly. First confirm a new and correct brake light bulb has been installed. Next, turn the ignition key to the "on" position and have a helper depress the brake pedal. With the bulb installed touch a grounded test light to the outer bulb holder ring. If the bulb brightness changes the bulb socket ground has high resistance and needs to be repaired or replaced.

Flickering Brake Light Bulb Repair: A flickering brake light bulb can be very distracting and annoying. A brake light flickers because the power or ground is being obstructed momentarily. The most common cause for this condition is a loose fitting bulb socket. To check for this condition remove the brake light bulb in question, while a helper hold their foot on the brake pedal move the bulb around slightly in the socket. If the bulb flickers replace or repair the bulb socket as needed to regain proper brake light bulb operation. If the brake light bulb socket tests ok wiggle the brake light fuse and wiring at the brake light bulb socket, brake light switch and turn signal switch (American cars). If the brake light bulb flickers repair the component or wiring as needed.
Preferred Procedure: Always replace brake light bulbs with manufacturers recommend replacement bulbs. If you cannot find the correct replacement bulb part number consult an auto parts store for additional manufacturer information.
Common Problems
When brake light bulbs are replaced with the incorrect bulb causing no or dim brake light operation
If the brake lights stay on continuously it could mean the brake light switch has failed or an adjustment is needed.

Check Brake Light Bulbs: All cars have three brake light bulbs that create the brake light illumination affect. If the lower two bulbs fail no lower brake light operation will occur. I know what you're thinking, you might say two brake lights at once? But in reality one brake light went out at a time and you did not notice. People only tend to notice something when they almost run into the back of your car to help persuade them to inform you the brake lights aren't working. Remove either of the brake light bulbs to confirm the bulb is ok or burned. After the bulb has been removed inspect the filament and replace if failed. If the brake light bulbs are ok continue to the next step.

Checking the Turn Signal Switch: Most American cars are designed to have the brake light switch wiring intergraded into the turn signal switch. Because the brake light bulb and the turn signal bulb are one and the same the turn signal switch interrupts the brake light circuit and installs the blinker signal circuit when the turn signal switch is activated. If this switch fails it will not allow the brake light signal through to the brake light wiring. To test for this condition a car repair manual is needed to test incoming and outgoing electrical current. If brake light switch power is present at the turn signal switch but not at any outgoing brake light wires the turn signal switch has probably failed.

Check Brake Light Bulbs: All cars have three brake light bulbs that create the brake light illumination affect. If all of these brake light bulbs fail no brake light operation will occur. I know what you're thinking, you might say all three brake lights at once? But in reality one brake light went out at a time and you did not notice. People only tend to notice something when they almost run into the back of your car to help persuade them to inform you the brake lights aren't working. Remove any of the brake light bulbs to confirm the bulb is ok or burned. After the bulb has been removed inspect the filament and replace if failed. If the brake light bulbs are ok continue to the next step.