Ford Flex
License Plate Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out license plate
light bulb in the rear bumper cover of a 2009 to 2019 Ford Flex SUV.
 2019 Flex License Plate |
 Left Light Housing |
 Loosen Counterclockwise |
| This automotive
maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the
first generation (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019) Ford
Flex crossover SUV in changing a burnt out license plate light bulb located
in the rear bumper cover. Owners of other Ford or Lincoln vehicle such as the Explorer, Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, C-Max, Mustang, Taurus, EcoSport, Escape, Edge, Expedition, Transit Connect, F-150, Ranger, MKZ, MKC, Navigator, MKX and Continental may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. The compatible replacement festoon style light bulb is part number 6418 (also known as # C5W). If you would like to have brighter license plate lights, install some 6418 LED bulbs. The only tool required to access and replace the light bulbs is a standard Phillips head screwdriver. You may also need a small flathead screwdriver or a small plastic trim panel removal tool to pull out a stubborn light housing. |
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 Remove 2nd Screw |
 Two Screws Removed |
 Pull Out Light Housing |
| Remove the two
screws that secure the lens cover and socket to the light housing by turning
them in the counterclockwise direction with a Phillips head screwdriver. Keep a finger or two on the lens cover when you remove the second screw. It may fall out of the housing. Set the two screws aside in a safe place. If the lens cover and socket assembly don't fall out of the housing, use a small flathead screwdriver or a plastic pry bar tool to gently remove it. |
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 Lens Cover & Socket |
 Light Housing Removed |
 Pry Back Metal Bar |
| Gently pull back
one of the metal electrical contacts to release the old light bulb from the
socket. Pull the old light bulb out of the socket. |
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 Pull Out Old Light Bulb |
 Install New Light Bulb |
 Line Up Lens & Socket |
| The original OEM
light bulbs in this 2019 Flex Limited AWD were marked as part number Osram
C5W 12V.
Push a new number 6418 festoon style light bulb into the socket. If you would like to have brighter license plate lights that look bright white instead of yellow like the incandescent bulbs, install some compatible 6418 LED bulbs. Make sure the new bulb is securely installed in the socket. Tip - If you installed an LED bulb and it doesn't work at first, try removing it from the socket, rotating it 180 degrees and pushing it back into the socket. Some LED bulbs are polarized and will only work when the "+" positive and "-" negative electrical contacts are installed in the correct orientation. |
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 Replace Light Housing |
 Tighten Clockwise |
 Replace 2nd Screw |
| Line up the lens
cover and socket assembly with the opening in the light housing above the
license plate. The two angled corners of the lens cover should be positioned at the rear of the housing (closest to you). Re-insert the two screws and tighten them in the clockwise direction until they are snug. |
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 Lens Cover Secured |
 Test New Light Bulb |
 Testing License Plate Lights |
| Try to avoid over
tightening the screws to prevent from cracking the plastic lens cover. To test the new light bulbs, turn on the parking lights or the headlights. You could also press the "Unlock" button on the key fob to re-activate the exterior lights. Be sure to write down the bulb change or LED upgrade in your vehicle's service records. Please
check out all of my
Ford Flex DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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