Blown out bulb or fuse?

[mykg4orce]

I found out today that my driver side brake light was not working, so I assumed it must have been a blown out bulb. I removed the two screws on the lens assembly but there was something else holding it in place. I spent a hour trying to figure out how to remove it but couldn't. So if someone can explain how the damn thing comes loose!!!!!! Ok and the second thing I thought of was that it could be a fuse.... So how can I find out if its a blown fuse or bulb?

p.s Is the bulb readily available? at like Canadian Tire or is it some Mazda Bulb (i doubt it)

[mykg4orce]

Wow I had thought that someone might have removed their tail lights, but I guess no one has.

[Bumble G]

I was gona say you "for the P5 you need to take off three screws and blah,blah,blah...." but then I red you're sig and saw you have a 98.

check you're owners manual. If it's not in there call the dealer.

[ChopstickHero]

after removing the 2 screws, there's usually a clip or two that is holding it in place. try to locate these clips and pop them out using a screwdriver or your fingers. canadian tire should has a catalogue of cars and their OEM light bulbs in the automotive lighting aisle. if all else fails, go to a mazda dealer.

[mykg4orce]

Thanks. Actually i removed the two screws and there were 2 plastic clips that I guess were holding it in place, i didn't push them too hard fearing I would break something. So i just left it. Guess i'll have to look it up in a Chilton's manual... hehe

[MiniRX7]

Um your 98 should be the same as my old 96..

There are no screws to remove,. you just pop the thing out from in the trunk.. and twist and remove the bulb assembly..

Nothing to it!!

ED

[midnightblue97lx]

On my 97 you've gotta remove the 2 screws and then just give it a good hit to the side with the bottom of your fist and it should come right out.

[mykg4orce]

Yep! A hit is exactly what it took. First I heard a snap, and I thought I cracked the plastic screw bracket, but I guess it was made to snap out. Anyway I bought a new bulb for $6.49 from CT, popped it in and I was on my way. Actually it took me more time to replace the little plastic clips that snap into the holes then to actually replace the bulb itself. OH MY GOD, I took half an hour trying to get the anchors to go back into the holes.