Ford Explorer
License Plate Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out license plate
light bulb in the tail gate of a 5th generation 2011 to 2015 Ford Explorer.
 2014 Explorer License Lights |
 Right Side Light Housing |
 Push In Release Tab |
| This
automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist
owners of the fifth generation (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015) Ford
Explorer SUV in changing a burnt out license plate light bulb in the
rear cargo tail gate door. Owners of other Ford or Lincoln vehicles with similar license plate light housings such as the Fusion, Mustang, Taurus, Escape, Edge, Flex, Expedition, F-150, Focus, C-MAX, MKC, MKZ, MKX, MKS, MKT and Navigator may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. A replacement bulb is part number 168, which is available from various manufacturers such as GE, Sylvania, PIAA and Eiko. If necessary, you may also use any other miniature wedge base bulbs such as the # 158, W5W, 194, 2825 or a compatible LED unit. The only tool needed to change the bulb is a small flathead screwdriver or a plastic pry bar tool used to pry out the light housing. |
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 Pull Down Light Housing |
 1/4 Turn Counterclockwise |
 Remove Bulb Socket |
| Carefully press in
the black plastic release tab on the right side of the license plate light
bulb housing with the small flathead screwdriver. Pull the housing down out of the tail gate. Rotate the round black plastic bulb socket on the left side of the housing 1/4 turn counterclockwise before pulling it straight out. |
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 Pull Out Old # 168 Bulb |
 Push In New # 168 Bulb |
 1/4 Turn Clockwise - Lock |
| Pull the old bulb
straight out of the socket and push in a new #
168 bulb. If necessary, you can also use any other miniature wedge base bulbs such as the # 158, 194, W5W, 2825 or a brighter LED unit. Re-insert the socket in to the housing and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it in place. |
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 Re-Insert Wires First |
 Snap In Retaining Clip |
 Test New License Bulb |
| Re-insert the wires
on the left side of the housing in to the tail gate first and then gently
snap in the retaining clip on the right side. Test the new bulb by turning on the headlights or by pressing the "Unlock" button on the key fob. For more, check out my other
Ford Explorer DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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