How to Repair the Turn Signal Bulb on a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer

Mercury unveiled the second generation Mountaineer, their mid-sized SUV in 2002. Along with its cousin, the Ford Explorer, the 2002 was completely new from the ground up. The new exterior light package included integrated front and rear lamp assemblies housing a variety of lights in one place. The front assembly contains the headlight bulbs and turn signals, while the rear contains the brake lights, turn signals and running lights. Inspecting your 2002 Mountaineer's exterior lights once every two weeks is not only a good idea, but strongly recommended by Mercury. The only way to repair faulty bulbs is by replacement.

Instructions

Front Turn Signals

1

Remove the key from the ignition and extinguish the lights. Open the Mountaineer's hood.

2

Pull up on the two retaining pins at the back of the headlamp assembly to release the headlamp from the Mercury's front clip. Pull the headlamp assembly forward to access the sockets located in the back.

3

Grab the turn signal socket and rotate it counterclockwise to release it from the headlamp. Pull the socket out to expose the old bulb.

4

Pull the old bulb out of the socket and discard it. Plug the new 3157AK into the socket until it snaps into place.

5

Insert the new bulb and socket into the headlamp, and rotate clockwise to lock it in position. Slide the headlamp assembly back into the Mountaineer's front clip. Push the retaining pins back down to lock the headlamp assembly in place.

Rear Turn Signals

6

Open the rear lift gate. Remove the two hex-head retaining bolts from the side of the tail lamp assembly using a socket wrench and 7 mm socket.

7

Pull the tail lamp assembly off the rear of the Mercury, pulling backward and to the side gently, to expose the sockets in the back of the housing. Rotate the turn signal socket counterclockwise and then pull it out of the tail lamp.

8

Pull the old bulb from the turn signal socket and discard it. Plug the new 3057 bulb into the socket until it snaps into place.

9

Push the new bulb and socket into the back of the turn signal housing. Rotate the socket clockwise to lock it to the housing.

10

Slide the turn signal housing onto the back of the Mountaineer. Reinstall the retaining bolts using the socket and wrench. Close the lift gate.