How do you remove and install the rear tail light assembly to replace a brake light?

Answer 1

1You should be able to replace brake light, tail light or turn signal bulbs on most vehicles manufactured during the 1990s [and later] without removing the lens or the tail light assembly.

On most newer model cars, the tail light bulbs and tail light assemblies [including brake and turn bulbs] can be accessed through the trunk, many times hidden behind carpet, plastic or fiber panels.

The lampholder [bulb socket] generally is inserted into the assembly with a "quarter-turn" rotation. To remove, rotate about one quarter turn counter-clockwise, remove the lamp from its socket with about a quarter turn counter-clockwise, install the new lamp with a quarter turn clockwise, reinsert the holder/socket into the assembly, and lock in with a quartr turn clock-wise.

2, a Dissenting OpinionOn a 1997 Escort LX, you cannot get access to the bulb holder without removing the tail light lens assembly. I took the two screws out that hold the edge under the trunk lid, but cannot get the tail light assembly off. What is the trick? 3I suspect that the two screws which you removed only help to secure the assembly in the body opening, but does NOT allow removal of the lens from the assembly. The two are probably "glued" together to keep water out. The reason you cannot remove the assembly is probably that there is another screw [or two] holding the assembly in the body, and it is possible that they may be accessed from inside the vehicle [hidden behind a quarter trim panel].

On the '97 Escort, I suspect that the bulb can be accessed and changed as described in answer 1 above. You just have to get access to the lampholder by removing some type of concealing interior trim panel. j3h.

4I have a 95 Lumina, and you have to remove the 3 wingnuts inside the trunk, then remove the tail light assembly....its really easy.