How do you replace the tail light assembly on a 2000 Ford Focus SE Station Wagon?

To remove the rear light assembly for access to turn signals and brake lights:

1) Open the trunk to expose two screws.

2) Remove these two screws.

3) There are two brackets still holding the housing onto the car. Do NOT pull up and do NOT pull up on the housing; you will break the plastic pegs on the lamp housing.

4) Referring to the driver side lamp housing and facing the back of the car:

a) You can see these pegs and brackets on your left hand side if you pull the light housing GENTLY outward. The pegs are pointing into the vehicle from the left side of the car and stick into holes. There is also a spring bracket holding the housing on where the screws are.

b) To remove the housing from the brackets, push/pull the right side of the lamp housing outward and to the left. Do this carefully so that you do not break any of the plastic pegs. What you are looking to do is detach the housing from the spring bracket, and then push/pull the pegs from their holes. You are simply rotating the lamp housing out of the brackets.

Simply mirror instructions for removal of passenger side housing.

Replacement:

This part is a little easier. Line the pegs up with the holes, and then push gently to line up spring bracket with it's hole. Then, push with a little force to get the spring in the hole. Make sure the pegs are in their holes or else it will be crooked and loose.

Take your time! You do not want to break the plastic. It should eventually come loose. With any plastic on your vehicle, be careful not to force it. Good luck!