Third Brake Light

Remove and replace the third brake light (high-mount center brake lamp) assembly on a 2009 Aston Martin DB9, including trunk access and electrical connector service.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Third brake light assembly (high-mount center brake lamp) × 1 — Aston Martin OEM part number 4G43-13A613-AB or equivalent
• Bulb holder assembly (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key from vehicle
3. Open trunk fully and ensure trunk lid prop or hydraulic struts hold lid securely open
4. Disconnect battery negative terminal using appropriate socket and wait 2 minutes for system discharge
5. Inspect third brake light location on exterior decklid to identify lens position and mounting area
6. Gather all tools and replacement parts before beginning disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Access trunk interior trim at third brake light location
   From inside the trunk, locate the carpeted or upholstered trim panel directly beneath the third brake light mounting position (center of rear decklid). The third brake light is mounted at the rear of the vehicle in the high-mount center position; its exact location (integrated into the rear spoiler/decklid, boot lid, or rear body panel) and whether it is serviceable from the boot interior or only externally MUST be verified against the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual before proceeding. Verify the exact mounting location and access method against factory documentation for the 2009 DB9, as the lamp may be accessed from the boot/trunk side or externally depending on the specific configuration. Inspect the trim panel for any visible fasteners or access points. On the DB9, the trim in this area may be retained by clips or fasteners; carefully inspect seams and edges for Torx fasteners before attempting to pry. Note: The third brake light on the DB9 is mounted on the rear decklid; verify the specific mounting and access method (trunk-side vs. external) in the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual before proceeding. Note: The third brake light is mounted in the rear boot lid (decklid) area; confirm the exact mounting location and whether access is from the trunk/boot interior or exterior spoiler trim for the 2009 DB9 before proceeding.
2. 2

   Remove trunk trim panel fasteners
   Locate and remove any fasteners securing the trunk trim panel beneath the third brake light. Verify fastener type against factory documentation, as the panel may use Torx screws, push-type clips, or plastic rivets. Check along the edges of the trim panel and near the third brake light area for fastener locations. Remove all fasteners and set aside in a container to prevent loss. Note: Locate and remove any fasteners securing the trunk trim panel beneath the third brake light. Verify the exact fastener type, size, and count against Aston Martin service documentation for the 2009 DB9 before removal, as these panels may use push-clips rather than Torx screws.
3. 3

   Release trunk trim panel clips
   Using plastic trim removal tools, carefully release any retaining clips holding the trunk trim panel in place. Work methodically around the perimeter of the panel, applying gentle outward pressure to disengage clips without breaking them. The DB9 uses push-type clips in many trunk trim locations. Once all clips are released, gently pull the trim panel away to expose the back side of the third brake light assembly.
4. 4

   Disconnect third brake light electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the back of the third brake light assembly. The connector will have a locking tab or clip. Press the release tab and carefully pull the connector straight off the lamp assembly. Do not pull on the wiring harness itself. Inspect the connector for corrosion, damaged pins, or moisture intrusion. If corrosion is present, clean contacts with electrical contact cleaner before reassembly.
5. 5

   Remove third brake light mounting fasteners
   With the electrical connector disconnected, locate the mounting fasteners securing the third brake light assembly to the decklid from the inside. The access method and retention for the assembly are unverified — it may be retained by fasteners accessible from the boot side OR by external clips/captive studs. Verify exact access method, fastener count, and fastener/clip type in the DB9 workshop manual before removal. Remove these fasteners completely and retain them for reinstallation. Support the light assembly from the outside if necessary to prevent it from falling once fasteners are removed. Note: Locate the fasteners or clips securing the third brake light assembly from the inside. The exact count and fastener type must be verified against factory documentation for the 2009 DB9, as it may use Torx fasteners, nuts, or integrated clips. Note: Locate the fasteners securing the third brake light assembly. Verify the exact fastener count, type, and size against Aston Martin service documentation for the 2009 DB9, as the assembly may be retained by plastic nuts or clips rather than Torx screws.
6. 6

   Remove third brake light assembly from exterior
   From the exterior of the vehicle, carefully lift the third brake light assembly away from the decklid. The assembly may have a gasket or seal around its perimeter. Gently work the assembly free, being careful not to damage the paint or decklid finish. Inspect the mounting area for any remaining gasket material, debris, or moisture. Clean the mounting surface thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.
7. 7

   Inspect and prepare new third brake light assembly
   Unpack the replacement third brake light assembly and verify it matches the original in connector type, mounting hole positions, and overall dimensions. Check that any gasket or seal is properly positioned on the new assembly. If the gasket is separate, ensure it is clean and properly seated in the assembly groove. Verify the bulb holder is correctly installed in the new assembly and that bulbs (if included) are the correct specification.
8. 8

   Install new third brake light assembly into decklid
   From the exterior, carefully position the new third brake light assembly into the decklid opening. Align the assembly so that mounting holes line up correctly and the gasket seats evenly around the perimeter. Apply gentle pressure to ensure the gasket makes full contact with the decklid surface. Hold the assembly in position while moving to the trunk interior for fastener installation.
9. 9

   Secure third brake light mounting fasteners
   Install the mounting fasteners (count and type to be confirmed against the DB9 workshop manual) securing the third brake light assembly. Start both fasteners by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten the fasteners in an alternating pattern to ensure even pressure on the gasket seal. Tighten firmly but do not overtighten, as excessive force can crack the lamp housing or distort the gasket. Torque to factory specification (verify exact value for 2009 DB9 in the Aston Martin workshop manual). Fasteners should be snug enough to compress the gasket without cracking the housing. The fasteners should be snug enough to compress the gasket and prevent water intrusion. Note: snug enough to compress the gasket without cracking the housing — verify factory torque spec in Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual Note: Tighten firmly but do not overtighten, as excessive force can crack the lamp housing or distort the gasket. Torque to the factory specification from Aston Martin service documentation for the 2009 DB9; if unavailable, snug the fasteners just enough to evenly compress the gasket and prevent water intrusion.
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Connect the electrical harness connector to the back of the third brake light assembly. Ensure the connector seats fully and the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked and will not pull free during vehicle operation.
11. 11

    Test third brake light operation
    Before reinstalling trunk trim, reconnect the battery negative terminal. Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start engine). Have an assistant press the brake pedal while you observe the third brake light from outside the vehicle. Verify the light illuminates brightly and consistently. Check for any flickering, dim spots, or complete failure. If the light does not function, recheck the electrical connector and verify bulb installation.
12. 12

    Reinstall trunk trim panel
    Position the trunk trim panel back into place, aligning all mounting points and clip locations. Press firmly along clip locations to engage the push-type retaining clips. Install all Torx fasteners removed in step 2, tightening each securely. Ensure the trim panel sits flush and even, with no gaps or misalignment.

Reassembly

1. Reinstallation follows removal in reverse order
2. Ensure all trim clips are fully engaged before reinstalling fasteners
3. Verify gasket seal integrity by inspecting for even compression around third brake light perimeter
4. Double-check electrical connector is locked before closing trunk

Verification

• With ignition ON, press brake pedal and verify third brake light illuminates immediately and brightly
• Observe light from multiple angles to ensure even illumination across entire lens
• Check for proper gasket seal by inspecting exterior perimeter of light for even gaps and no light leakage
• After first drive, re-inspect light operation and check for water intrusion in trunk area near light
• Verify no warning lights or brake system faults appear on instrument cluster

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