High brake lights have been required by Federal law since 1986. The lights are designed to increase the ability of drivers behind you to determine when you are stopping or slowing down. The Chrysler PT Cruiser's high brake light is mounted directly above its rear hatch. High brake lights are also called center-mounted stop lights or third brake lights. Replacing the PT Cruiser's light takes about 10 minutes.
Shut your PT Cruiser's engine off and approach the rear hatch. Open the hatch and lift it fully to allow the support struts to hold it open.
Locate the inside high brake light cover. It is on the opposite side of the high brake light lens. Grasp the plastic cover firmly. Tug it to disengage its clips and remove it.
Unlatch the back side of the high brake light lens by pushing the two clips outward. This releases the bulb socket.
Pull the socket out and then pull the bulb from the socket. Carefully insert the new bulb into its place and push it back into the hole.
Push the two clips inward to secure the bulb socket and then place the cover back into position. Push the cover firmly to re-engage the clips. Close the rear hatch.
