2001 Ford F-250 Tail Light Installation

The Ford F-250's history stretches back to 1948, when Ford renamed its three-quarter-ton pickup the F-2. Ford slightly modified the F-2's name in 1953 to the F-250. The 2002 F-250, only two years removed from a complete redesign, came standard with a 260-horsepower, 5.4-liter V-8 engine. The redesign in 1999 brought about a slight name change, as Ford added "Super Duty" after the F-250 name. The body style of the F-250 had square headlights and vertical, rectangular taillight assemblies. Replacing a taillight in these rectangular taillight assemblies requires partial removal of the taillight assembly.

Instructions

1

Open the F-250's tailgate and find the two bolts in the tailgate jamb securing the taillight assembly.

2

Use a ratchet and socket to remove the two bolts securing the taillight assembly. Pull the taillight from the rear of the truck to remove it completely. The taillight has two locking tabs on the rear of it, so you may need to pull with some force to remove the assembly.

3

Twist the taillight socket counterclockwise to unlock it and pull the socket and bulb from the taillight assembly.

4

Grab the old bulb and pull it from the socket with a slight wiggling motion. Pick up a new 3157 bulb, using a clean, lint-free cloth, and press it into the socket. Touching the bulb with your bare hands may cause early bulb failure because of skin oils.

5

Press the socket and new bulb into the rear of the taillight assembly and twist the socket clockwise to lock it in place.

6

Set the taillight assembly back on the rear of the F-250 and press it until the locking tabs snap into place.

7

Tighten the two taillight assembly bolts, using a ratchet and socket. Close the F-250's tailgate.