3rd Brake Light Bulb Replacement on a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LT 1.8L 4 Cyl. Sedan

Chevrolet Sonic Model Years - 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

Steps to remove a middle brake bulb on a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic

Learn More >

What would you like your bulbs to do? See Clearer Upgrade To LED HID Style

Consider a premium bulb like the Silverstar Ultra with a specially designed filament, proprietary gas mixture and lamp coating for the best downroad lighting. Learn more about Silverstar Ultra.
Upgrade your fog lights to LED with a direct install option that will connect easily to your car’s existing bulb housing. Sylvania has an option with aviation grade aluminum body and a turbo cooled fan. Check out Sylvania LEDs.
Consider a bulb like the zXe with a proprietary Xenon gas mixture to match the white light of HID lights for the brightest headlight and added clarity. More information on zXe bulbs.

Author

Hans Angermeier is an ASE certified Maintenance and Light Repair Technician and has produced over 100,000 videos showing drivers how to fix things on their cars. He has broad expertise on basic repair procedures covering the majority of cars on the road. Over the past 10 years, Hans has been focused on building CarCareKiosk, which is visited by millions of drivers each month.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic LT 1.8L 4 Cyl. Sedan Lights Highbeam (replace bulb)
Replace brights

On many cars, the high beam bulb runs at reduced power during the day - check 'em and change 'em!

2012 Chevrolet Sonic LT 1.8L 4 Cyl. Sedan
2012 Chevrolet Sonic LT 1.8L 4 Cyl. Sedan Tires & Wheels Check Tire Pressure
Add air to your tires

Properly inflated tires is the easiest way to improve fuel economy. The right tire pressure is NOT on the side of your tire btw

2012 Chevrolet Sonic LT 1.8L 4 Cyl. Sedan
2012 Chevrolet Sonic LT 1.8L 4 Cyl. Sedan Brake Fluid Add Fluid
Add brake fluid

If your brake fluid is a little low, learn how to add some here. Ignoring a low level leads to big problems

2012 Chevrolet Sonic LT 1.8L 4 Cyl. Sedan
2012 Chevrolet Sonic LT 1.8L 4 Cyl. Sedan Fuse (Interior) Check
Check for a blown interior fuse

Carmakers are hiding interior fuse boxes all over the place these days - see how to check your interior fuses here!

2012 Chevrolet Sonic LT 1.8L 4 Cyl. Sedan
See all videos for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
Share on   Share on Twitter   Share on Facebook
Parts & Tools
panel poppers
third brake light strips
electric screwdrivers
led replacement bulbs
dielectric grease
hid kits
gloves
We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate
Full list of part and tools
Video Description

The center brake light on your 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, which is sometimes referred to as the third brake light or stoplight is also known as the center high mount stop lamp (CHMSL). The 3rd brake lights up when you hit the brake pedal and helps prevent you from being rear ended by the cars behind you. See how to change the center brake light (CBL) on your Chevrolet Sonic in this how-to video. Be careful not to touch the bulb directly with your fingers when you replace the center brake light bulb on your Sonic, touching the bulb causes the it to burn out quicker.

A burnt out center brake light bulb in your Sonic is an excuse for a police officer to pull you over. Check your bulbs frequently and change burnt bulbs promptly. Sometimes the stoplight has multiple bulbs in the housing whereas in other vehicles, the 3rd brake light is an LED brake light strip that must be replaced all at once.

  • Advance Auto coupon for
    20% off entire order: KIOSK20
Ask Mechanic