Hello. I've recently had a brakelight go out on my 2001 Protege Sedan. I want to replace it myself if possible, but I'm not sure how to get to the bulb. The trunk carpetting runs up to and under the plastic shell of the trunk, and it looks like some special clips are holding the plastic down.

So if anyone has any help in this area, I would be most grateful. Thanks.

Here is a picture to show what I've described:

 

Just pop the plastic clips and make sure you don't break them, they'll pop right back in.
But they are kinda flimsy, I broke two or thre of them when I put my springs on.

 

Use a flat head scredriver to get them out you need to pop out the little circle inner piece first, then you have to take off 3 nuts on the back of the housing with a 10mm socket. and just reverse the process to put it back. But do be careful with those clips they will break on you.

 

Thank you.