2013 Cooper Clubman S, 60K+/- miles

This little car is driving me nuts. Driver side brake light bulb is burnt out. A couple of minutes on YouTube and I see it's an easy change-out. No worries, right?

I remove the rear light assembly and I CANNOT CANNOT CANNOT remove the top bulb holder. The lower two twist out easily but the top one, where the brake light bulb is located, will not turn and release. I'm twisting so hard I'm worried about breaking something and the thing barely moves. It appears there may be a blob of plastic or other material on the light assembly that lines up with the notch in the bulb holder. I've poked a small screwdriver between the blob and the bulb holder but that hasn't helped at all. I've posted a couple of pics with the blob circled as well as a pic of the lower bulb holder which is easily removed. Any thoughts about what I need to do to remove the bulb holder? I can't believe something this simple is so difficult. Thanks!!!

 

Hi - looks like something (short circuit someplace) has melted the light casing and 'glued' the twist off light holder to the main unit - try a file or a Dremel type tool to grind that blob of plastic off

 

I was finally able to get it free. It required a small flat-blade screwdriver aligned underneath the holder beneath the blob. Required gloved hands due to the amount of required torque. It has loosened up some so hopefully the next replacement won't be as problematic.

The other side was easy. No blob!