How to Replace Tail Light Assembly 1997-2003 Ford F-150
Created on: 2017-03-30
How to install, repair, fix, change or replace a broken, damaged, burned out tail light / brake light bulb on 97, 98, 99, 00, 01, 02, 03 Ford F-150
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step 1 :Removing the Tail Light
- Open the tail gate
- Remove the two 8mm screws from the tail light
- Pry the tail light out with trim tools
- Disconnect the tail light electrical connectors
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step 2 :Replacing the Tail Light Bulbs
- Twist the brake light bulb socket counterclockwise out of the tail light
- Pull the bulb off the socket
- Push the new bulb onto the socket
- Twist the brake light bulb socket clockwise into the tail light
- Twist the reverse light bulb socket counterclockwise out of the tail light
- Pull the bulb off the socket
- Push the new bulb onto the socket
- Twist the reverse light bulb socket clockwise into the tail light
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step 3 :Installing the Tail Light
- Connect the tail light electrical connectors
- Slide the tail light into place using the locating tabs
- Insert the two 8mm screws into the tail light housing
- Close the tailgate
Tools needed
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8mm Socket
Ratchet
Trim Tool Set
Hi, I'm Mike from 1A Auto. We've been selling auto parts for over 30 years. We're dedicated to delivering quality auto parts, expert customer service, fast and free shipping, all backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Visit us at 1AAuto.com, your trusted source for quality auto parts.
In this video we're going to be working with our 1998 Ford F150. We're going to show you how to remove and replace your vehicle's tail lights, as well as the tail light bulbs. If you like this video, please click subscribe, we have a ton more information on this and many other vehicles and if you need these parts for your truck you can follow the link down in the description over to 1AAuto.com. Here are the items you'll need for this repair.
Open your tailgate and you can access the two 8 mm screws securing your taillight. Remove those with an 8 mm socket and ratchet. Now you can just pull these taillights out by hand, but they're very prone to breaking the tabs in the back. If you have a plastic trim tool it's a good idea to use that to pry out toward you and remove your taillight.
To change the bulbs, turn the socket counterclockwise. This has some LEDs in it but it's the same as a conventional bulb as far as replacing it. Simply pop it out and install your new one. You can then put the socket back into the taillight and turn it clockwise to lock. There's your brake light. The process for the reverse light is exactly the same: turn counterclockwise, remove the socket, remove the bulb, install your new bulb, reinstall the socket and turn it clockwise to engage.
To remove your taillight assembly lift the tabs, there should be two but our connectors. Ours are a little beat up. The bottom one doesn't have any tabs left on it but they should have two tabs you'd lift and pull off the connector and remove your taillight from the vehicle.
Reconnect the electrical connectors, these are color coded to the correct sockets. They have these little metal tabs that sit into the plastic retainers here. Line those up and pop them in. Reinstall your two 8 mm bolts. These are only plastic thread going in to a plastic hole so just get them snug. There's really no need to crank these down tight, otherwise you risk cracking that retainer and having a loose taillight. Close your tailgate and you're good to go.
Thanks for watching. Visit us at 1AAuto.com for quality auto parts, fast and free shipping, and the best customer service in the industry.
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