I need to clean the back window behind the center brake light on a sedan. I have the back cover off and see two flexable tabs. Do I push up or down or pull out to release the housing. Looks like fragile plastic so I dont want to break anything.

The center brake light is attached to the shelf with some press-fit washers. You need to remove the entire shelf, which involves removing the rear seat and the headrests, and some trim.

Rear seat is simple, the bottom cushion is released with the two red tabs. The backrest is secured with three 8mm nuts, one at each outboard side and one underneath the center armrest. Afterwards, the seat lifts upward, which can be a bit tough because it's bulky.

Removing the headrests is easy. Pry out the plastic trim around the metal poles and you'll see a small black lever which when pressed, will allow removal of the headrests.

Next, remove the rear sail panels. After removing the trim around the door opening, you can carefully pry it out. Start at the top outer corner.

Don't forget to remove two screws on the plastic latches of the first aid kit. The shelf should pull straight out, with the brakelight attached.

Uh, speedyturbo is WRONG... The main housing and base (attached to shelf) are 2 seperate pieces.

You are on the right track with those 2 black tabs. Forget which way, but slight pressure will allow the main housing to slip right off so you can clean the window. Be careful... that plastic gets brittle with age.

Yes, although removing the entire shelf is a better way to do it... you'd be surprised at how much dust / dirt is under there. You also have a lower likelihood of breaking something. Someone is not necessarily "wrong" because they present an alternate method of doing something.

Sorry if I came down too hard speedy... all he wanted to do is clean the back window.

Complete removal of the rear shelf is not an easy job. Been there, done that. I just anwered quick so he wouldn't spend his whole day just to clean the glass.