How to Replace Rear Brake Lights in a 2003 Ford Escape

The Escape, Ford's first compact SUV, debuted during the 2000 model year alongside the Mazda Tribute, the Japanese manufacturer's version of the Escape. The first generation of the Escape ended production in 2007, with minor upgrades along the way. The 2003 model has three different brake lights installed: one on either side of the rear lift gate, and a high-mount stop light located on the lift gate itself. Ford recommends inspecting all the Escape's exterior lights every two weeks and immediately replacing any that have burned out. Since brake lights are a safety feature, it's best to make sure they're always in working order.

Instructions

High-Mount Stop Light

1

Remove the two screws holding the high-mount stop lamp lens to the top of the rear lift gate, using a Phillips screwdriver.

2

Depress the retaining tabs on the bulb holder to remove it from the lens assembly.

3

Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket. Insert the new 168 bulb into the socket.

4

Snap the bulb holder back into the lens assembly.

5

Screw the lens assembly back onto the lift gate, using the Phillips screwdriver.

Side-Mount Stop Lights

6

Open the Escape's rear lift gate. Remove the two tail lamp assembly retaining screws, using a Phillips screwdriver.

7

Pull straight back on the tail lamp assembly to unsnap it from the rear of the Escape. Rotate the brake light bulb socket counterclockwise to unlock it from the tail lamp assembly.

8

Pull the socket straight out of the tail lamp assembly. Pull the bulb straight out of the socket. Install a new 3157k bulb into the socket.

9

Insert the bulb and socket into the tail lamp assembly. Rotate the socket clockwise to lock it into the tail lamp assembly.

10

Snap the tail lamp assembly back onto the rear of the Escape. Reinstall the two retaining screws, using a Phillips screwdriver.