2001 Avalon - How to change center rear brake light?

[Counselor828]

I need to change the bulb in the center (rear window) brake light. How do I do it? How do I get the housing out of the rear seat deck area to get access to the bulb? Thanks in advance. Chris.

[Riick]

Ease a putty knife under area of housing closest to you, and lift straight UP about an inch.
(( Screwdriver will also do the job but putty knife less likely to slip & scratch things ))
Now pull whole thing toward you about 2 inches.
Lift again & Disconnect wiring (look closely you'll see how)
Now pull old bulb and replace.
Push whole thing back into place and pop little plastic rivets down into their holes.
.

[ChiTDI]

That reco works perfectly on an '02 as well. Thanks