How to Change a Broken Tail Light Bulb in a Ford F150
Introduction: How to Change a Broken Tail Light Bulb in a Ford F150
Whether your tail light is physically broken, burnt out, or just plain stopped working, this simple repair should fix your issue. As with all automotive repair and especially any repairs to electrical components always read the service and owner manuals that came with your vehicle before attempting any repair for the proper procedures. Always make sure your vehicle is turned fully off before performing any electrical/lightning system repair.
Step 1: Supplies
For this repair you'll need:
- 5/16" socket & Socket Wrench (just a normal 5/16" wrench will work just fine if that is what you have)
- Paper towels (for drying any moisture and wiping away grime)
- New bulb
Step 2: Removing the Mounting Bolts
Using the socket and wrench loosen the two bolts holding the tail light in place. On this make and model of vehicle they are accessible by lowering the tail gate.
Step 3: Pull the Tail Light Off
Once the the two bolts have been removed the tail light assembly can be pulled off. lightly pull the assembly straight out of the housing. There are two clip at the back of the housing that will disconnect allowing you to pull the assembly free. Make sure to not break these clips as they're needed for reassembly.
Step 4: Removing the Connector From the Tail Light
Once the Tail light assembly is pulled out of the housing and is off the vehicle, and in order to make changing the bulb easier, remove the connector that connects the wiring of the vehicle to the tail light assembly. Remove the connector by pressing into the clip and gently pulling the connector out.
Step 5: Removing the Broken Bulb
Once you have the tail light assembly removed and disconnected, its time to remove the broken bulb. locate whether the broken bulb is the lower, upper, or central bulb. 320
After determining which bulb is broken twist the bulb connector counter clockwise (or opposite the marked "lock" direction) and pull out the connector and bulb. Once the connector is free, remove the bulb. In this case my bulb was stuck in the connector so I had to carefully use pliers to pull it out without further breaking the glass.
Step 6: Wiping Down the Tail Light
Wipe down the connector and area around the hole for the bulb to remove any moisture or dust and grime before inserting the new bulb.
Step 7: Installing the New Bulb
Ensure that the new bulb is the correct bulb for your vehicle by consulting the owner manual. Insert the new bulb in to the connector and then insert the connector back in the hole and twist to lock.
Step 8: Reinstalling the Assembly
After installing the new bulb, gently reconnect the wiring connector back into the tail light assembly. Make sure the connector is on the same way it was when you took it off and make sure that it clicks securely. Line the two clips at the back of the tail light with the two clip holes in the housing. Click them in place by pushing the light back into the housing.
Step 9: Tighten the Bolts
Put the two bolts back into the bolt holes and tighten snugly but not too tight to prevent damage.
Step 10: Finished!
You're done! Just like that your bulb is replaced and the tail light functions as normal again. Properly dispose of the old bulb and take care since it is glass. Lastly enjoy once again having a working tail light! 320