CHANGING BULBS #500 SERIES

IMPORTANT NOTICE Replace with only #562 (6 Candlepower) bulbs. Do not drive vehicle or apply power to lamp, unless bulbs are in place and the lamp is reassembled. This is due to the possible chance of a short circuit in your brake light circuit. If there is no power to the light, check the fuse. Replace with a maximum 5-amp fuse.
BACKGROUND: The 500 series Center High Mount Stop Lamps use a bronze strap contact spring to maintain pressure on the bulbs. Due to its compact nature, when replacing a bulb, the difference between springing the strap the right amount and "too far" is small. An over bent strap will not maintain enough pressure for the bulb to make contact. The new 500 series lights feature a “sliding reflector” so the consumer does not have to hook the bulbs under tension.
FOR SOLID BACK MODELS, HOW TO ACCESS THE BULBS If you do not have a removable back model such as shown in Figures 2 though 4, you must remove the lens. Use a small standard screwdriver in one of the slots that are located approximately one inch from either end. (See Figure 1). The lens snaps in and out, but is usually factory sealed with silicone. After bulb change (see below) install lens with pry slots towards the bottom and “snap” it back into place. Note: If originally mounted correctly, resealing with silicone might not be necessary -- but, if in doubt, use a clear silicone seal.
FOR REMOVABLE BACK MODELS, HOW TO ACCESS THE BULBS In these models, the lamp’s back has several small projections that slide on short tracks within the lamp body. Once the back is slid to the end of the track, the back is freed from the body.

To begin, find the tabs marked TO REMOVE, LIFT. Unlock the end by lifting the tabs until it unsnaps (Fig 2). Slide the Back (Fig 3), until it is free of the body (Fig 4). To reinstall, reverse this procedure and push to snap tab back into place.
DISTINGUISHING WHAT TYPE First, determine whether your reflector is a sliding-type or a fixed-type reflector. If your aluminum reflector has raised oval bumps next to the two screws that attach the reflector (Fig 5), then you have a Sliding Reflector - skip to sliding reflector instructions below. If it does not have bumps, continue with the fixed reflector instructions below
BULB REPLACEMENT-FIXED REFLECTOR To remove a bulb, gently push the bulb toward the aluminum contact. (The aluminum contact is a solid contact and is not meant to bend.) Lift the wire end of the bulb from the aluminum contact, using a jeweler’s screwdriver or a straightened paper clip. Before installing new bulb, reinvigorate spring tension by gently pushing the “copper” contact hooks away from their partner aluminum hooks. Hook the new bulb’s wire end on the copper strap. Push the bulb toward the aluminum contact. (A straightened paper clip helps as a guide.) Hook the bulb’s wire over the aluminum hook. Make sure the bulb feels snug.
BULB REPLACEMENT-SLIDING REFLECTOR Refer to Fig 6. Unscrew both screws about one turn. This allows the two “stop lumps” on the aluminum reflector to pass under the screw head, and frees the reflector to slide. Slide the reflector to loosen the bulbs. To remove a bulb, gently push the bulb toward the aluminum contact. (The aluminum contact is a solid contact and is not meant to bend.) Lift the wire end of the bulb from the aluminum contact, using a jeweler’s screwdriver or a straightened paper clip. Before installing new bulb, reinvigorate spring tension by gently pushing the “copper” contact hooks away from their partner aluminum hooks. Hook the new bulb’s wire end on the copper strap. Push the bulb toward the aluminum contact. (A straightened paper clip helps as a guide.) Hook the bulb’s wire over the aluminum hook. When all bulbs are in place, slide the reflector back into place and tighten screws. Make sure the bulbs feel snug.