If the 2002 is like the 2004, I just changed mine. First, you need to pry off the cover for each light. The best way is to find the side of the cover that has the arrow etched into it. It has a longer lip, and is easier to pry with a screwdriver. Once off, turn the light housing counterclockwise to get it out of the light cover. Then pull out the bulb (for one, I had to use a rubber gripper, the other one came out very easy). Replace the bulb and then twist the bulb housing clockwise to get in. When putting the light cover back in, the small fixed plastic notch on the light cover goes on the side of the opening without the notch. The longer, flexible notch (like on a remote control) goes on the other side and snaps right in. Took me about 5-7 minutes on the first one. Less than a minute with the second one once I knew what I was doing.
you need to remove the inside panel to get to these bulbs
They are located inside the trunk lid, underneath the felt lining. You need to unsnap and pull back the felt lining to access the bulbs for the license plate light.
From inside the trunk,twist the socket counterclockwise to remove the socket...
Change brake light bulbs Just remove the rear license plate. You can change the backup lights and brake light easily.
From the outside of the car.. Just un-screw the two screws and change the bulb.
through the rear package compartment under the matting
Changing the license plate bulb on a 2002 Lincoln LS is quite simple. You must first remove the license plate first. Then unscrew the old bulbs and screw in your new ones.
There are plastic bulb covers on either side of the license plate. Unscrew the screws and take the covers off. From there you can insert new bulbs.
They are located inside the trunk lid, underneath the felt lining. You need to unsnap and pull back the felt lining to access the bulbs for the license plate light.
from inside the trunk pop all of the plastic rivots and you can access the bulbs from the inside..
the plug on the back side of the bumper twists to the left and you pull it out of the bumper
there are 2 license plate bulbs-look up above license plate,see 2 lens covers.remove with Philips screwdriver and pull bulbs out of sockets.i just did it t'nite but the lites still don't work.may be short or broken wire-perhaps where wires go thru liftgate opening...haven't checked yet. look for simple solution...bulbs 1st!