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Ford Mustang Tail Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out reverse bulb in the tail lights of an updated fifth generation 2010 to 2014 Ford Mustang.

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2012 Mustang Tail Light
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Plastic Trunk Liner
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Pull Off Plastic Fastener
This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the face lifted 5th generation (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014) Ford Mustang in changing a burnt out reverse light bulb in the tail light assemblies.

Owners of the earlier 5th generation Mustang from 2005 to 2009 and possibly the 4th generation 1994 to 2004 models with similar tail light housings may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

The replacement reverse light bulbs for the 2010 to 2013 model years (and possibly also the 2014) is part number 912.

The replacement tail light bulbs for the 2005-2009 Mustangs with their part numbers are as follows: Brake # 4057, Turn Signal # 4057, Reverse # 921 and Rear Side Marker # 2825.

The tools needs to replace the bulbs include a pair of needle nose pliers or a flathead screwdriver and an 11mm deep well socket with a 1/4" drive ratcheting wrench.



 
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Top Fastener Removed
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Pull Out Lower Pop Rivet
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Pull Back Trunk Liner
The first two steps are to pop open the trunk lid and then move to the side of the vehicle with the burnt out tail light bulb.

Pull off the black plastic cylindrical fastener near the top of the plastic trunk panel.

Then pry out the black plastic pop rivet closer to the bottom of the panel with a flathead screwdriver or a pair of needle nose pliers.

Once the two fasteners have been removed, you can gently pull back the plastic panel that covers the rear corner of the trunk.

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Three Bolts & Nuts
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Need 11mm Deep Well Socket
The tail light assembly is held in place by three 11m nuts attached to bolt ends.

Loosen the 3 nuts with a deep well 11m socket and a ratcheting wrench or just use a pair of pliers to turn them counter clockwise.

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Loosen 11mm Nuts
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Spin off 11mm Nuts
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Loosen 2nd Nut
Spin off the 3 nuts and set them aside in a safe place.
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Loosen 3rd Nut
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2 Fasteners & 3 Nuts
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Tap On Bolt With Hammer
Once the 3 nuts have been removed, you can gently pull the tail light assembly off the rear of the car.

If you have trouble removing the housing, try lightly tapping on the bolt ends inside the trunk with a hammer.



 

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Pull Off Tail Light Housing
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LED Brake Light Bulb
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Small Reverse Bulb Sockets
To protect the plastic tail light lens and the painted bumper, place a towel on the bumper.

Turn over the tail light and rest it on the bumper.

For the 2005-2009 models, rotate any socket 1/4 turn counter clockwise to remove them from the housing.

On the 2010-2014 models, the larger sockets are the LED brake and turn signal light bulbs that should last the life time of the vehicle.

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Both Reverse Lights Out
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Pull Out Old # 912 Bulb
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Re-Insert Socket
The two smaller light grey sockets on the 2010-2014 models contain the reverse light bulbs.

Rotate the socket 1/4 turn counter clockwise and then pull it straight out of the housing.

Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket and push in a new # 912 bulb (2010-2014 models).

(A new reverse bulb for the 2005-2009 model years is part number 921.)

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1/4 Turn Clockwise - Lock
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Line Up Bolts & Holes
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Push On Tail Light Assembly
Re-insert the socket in to the housing and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it in place.

Line up the three bolt ends on the rear of the housing with the corresponding holes in the corner of the vehicle.

Gently push the tail light housing back in to place.

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Spin On 11mm Nuts
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Tighten Three 11mm Nuts
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Replace Plastic Trunk Cover
Hold the tail light in place with one hand and spin on the three nuts.

Tighten the 3 nuts by turning them clockwise with the deep well 11mm socket and ratcheting wrench or a pair of pliers.

Do not over tighten the nuts to avoid cracking the plastic tail light housing.

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Push On Plastic Fastener
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Push In Plastic Pop Rivet
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Test New Reverse Bulbs
Push the plastic panel back in place over the rear corner of the trunk.

Push on the upper cylindrical fastener that goes over a bolt end and push in the lower black plastic pop rivet fastener.

Test the new tail light bulbs by having someone step on the brake pedal, activate the hazard signals and place the transmission in reverse.

For more, check out my other Ford Mustang Repair & Maintenance Guides.
 

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