How to change headlamp and turn signal bulbs on 2000-2005 Taurus?

Answer 1

These procedures are detailed in the Owners ManualSee "Related Questions" below for more Replacing Headlamp BulbsHow to replace the headlamp bulbs in a 2000-2005 Ford Taurus

To replace headlight bulb:

1. Make sure headlight switch is turned OFF.
2. Remove the bolt at the end of the headlamp housing.
3. Pull the two black tabs with the L shaped bracket toward the back and then up and pull out(Located at the back of the headlamp) to release the headlamp assembly from the vehicle and pull headlamp assembly forward.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector from the bulb by pulling it.
5. Remove the bulb socket retaining ring by rotating it counterclockwise.
6. Remove the bulb from the lamp assembly by pulling straight back.

   Do not twist, as there are alignment slots built into the lamp assembly socket.

   It may take some effort to remove the lamp because it has a rubber o-ring type seal - try a bit of wiggling side-to-side

7. Insert new bulb into headlight assembly - don't touch the glass - use gloves, paper towel, or similar

   Make sure that the flat surface of the bulb socket is facing upward, and is firmly seated

8. Re-attach retainer ring by rotating clockwise
9. Reconnect the electrical harness
10. Re-install headlight assembly - hold snugly into place until the brackets line up and retainer pins can be pushed down

Replacing front parking lamp/turn signal/cornering lamp bulbs

1. Remove headlight / lens assembly per above steps
2. Rotate the bulb socket of the offending bulb counterclockwise and remove from the lamp assembly.
3. Carefully pull bulb straight out of the socket and push in the new bulb
4. Install the bulb socket into the headlight assembly by rotating it clockwise
5. Re-install headlight assembly - hold snugly into place until the brackets line up and retainer pins can be pushed down

NOTES

• Do not touch the glass of the new halogen bulb - the oils in the skin will shorten the life-span of the new bulb, or possibly cause the bulb to explode when first turned on

  If the bulb is accidentally touched, it should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol before being used.

• This procedure is well detailed, with illustrations, in the Owners Manual.

  See "Related Questions" below in case you can't find yours.

Additional Information1996-2005Bulb Numbers:

• FRONT Turn-signal - 3457 AK (amber)
• Headlamp - 9007 QL (9007LL optional)
• Tail lamp/brake/turn lamp 3157
• Tail lamp/brake lamp (wagon) 3157
• Rear turn lamp (wagon) 3456K
• Backup lamp 921
• Backup lamp (wagon) 3156
• License plate lamp (2) 168
• High-mount brake lamp (2) 912
• Rear side marker lamp (wagon) (2) 168

The above information extracted from the Owners Manuals(see below)

Remove screws holding the plastic headlight and remove the headlight. Remove socket (twist/pull) and pull out the bulb.

DIY - 5 Minute Turn Signal Bulb ReplacementThis is very simple to do. First you will need an 8mm socket and wrench to loosen one bolt. Second a good long flat head screwdriver. There are two black metal folded tabs behind the headlight assembly and one 8mm bolt holding it in plae at the center point of the front of the car. Loosen the bolt and remove. Use the screw driver to pull up the metal straps and then slide forward the entire assembly. This will slide easily unless your front bumper has been bumped! That will make it a little difficult to slide if it is out of alignment. If it was never bumped than this should take all of 5 minutes. See pictures here:

http://204.200.208.247/taurus_bulb

It's actually quite easy. You must remove the entire plastic housing. Behind the light there ate two locking bars that slip up and down. Remove those and a screw holding the light/lens in place. From there remove the bulb covering, then remove the twist lock holding the bulb in place. After that, just pull the bulb out and replace. Put back in reverse order.

Open the hood, looking down at the headlamp assembly, you'll see a 5/16 retaining bolt on the inboard corner. Remove the bolt. Look for two tabs at the rear of the assembly. Pull up and remove these tabs, you may need a large screwdriver to lever them. Pull the assembly out and remove the wiring harness attachment. Turn the retaining collar to the left and remove. Unplug the wiring socket from the lamp. Turn the lamp retaining collar to the left and remove. Pull the lamp out of the assembly. Replace with the new lamp, being VERY careful not to touch the lamp other than on the base. Halogen lamps will heat up any oils from contact with your hand and probably explode. Reverse the above directions to reinstall the headlamp assembly.

Very easy. 2002 Ford Taurus.

Take a look at the entire headlight assembly. Look down on the assembly and toward the side closest the radiator you will see a small bolt to unscrew on each housing.

Look toward the rear of the headlight and you will see two metal clips that need to come out. A medium size flathead will get them started but they should come staight up. The assembly will now pull out of the front of the vehicle. Be sure to unclip the small wiring harness.

Uncrew the back of the assembly and you will see the back of the bulb. Detach wiring. Unscrew the ring holding the lamp. Remove old bulb.

DO NOT touch the glass of your lamps! It will cause hot spots and the bulb will burn out.

Take new bulb and notice the notches...they will orient the bulb correctly. Screw on ring. Attach wiring. Screw on the back of the assembly. Attach the wiring and install back into the front of your vehicle.

The headlight lens is held in with 1 bolt on the front inside end of the lens, and 2 retainer pins at the backside (pull straight up to remove).

The Owners Manual has the steps and illustrations around page 37.

See "Related Questions" below for free online Owners Manual