Safety Glasses
Nitrile Gloves
Tail Light Bulbs
Step 1: Park On A Flat, Level Surface and Open the Tailgate
Be sure your truck is in Park and on a solid, flat surface and its tailgate is down.
Be sure your truck is in Park and on a solid, flat surface and its tailgate is down.
Your Ford F-150’s tail light bulbs help let other drivers see your vehicle, and may also help communicate your next move on the road by also working as a brake light or turn signal. This video and these step-by-step instructions detail a 2012 Ford F-150 XLT tail light replacement, and this procedure also applies to most Ford F-150s from 2009 to 2014.
Replacing a burned-out or malfunctioning tail light bulb not only lets other drivers know your position on the road, and may also prevent you from getting a ticket or warning while driving. If you notice that one of your tail light bulbs is flickering, dim, burned out, or otherwise malfunctioning, it’s best to remove and replace the bulb for increased safety. It’s also recommended that you replace the tail light bulbs on both sides at the same time since they are presumably the same age and may fail at around the same time. Whether you’re replacing the tail light assembly or need to access a brake light or tail light bulb, these helpful resources can help you repair your truck’s tail light and get it working again in no time. If you need help with another light bulb replacement, O’Reilly also offers FREE bulb installation with purchase on most vehicles to help save you time and money.
If you’re not completely comfortable doing this yourself, we’d be happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.
Step 2: Remove The Tail Light Assembly
Using a ratchet and 8mm socket, remove the bolts that fasten the tail light assembly to your truck. Once the bolts have been removed, gently pull back on the tabs that secure the assembly.
Using a ratchet and 8mm socket, remove the bolts that fasten the tail light assembly to your truck. Once the bolts have been removed, gently pull back on the tabs that secure the assembly.
Step 3: Remove & Replace The Old Bulb
Remove the bulb socket from the assembly by turning it counterclockwise and pulling it out, then remove the old bulb by pulling it straight back and out of the socket. Push the new bulb into the socket and insert the socket into the assembly, turning it clockwise to secure it.
Remove the bulb socket from the assembly by turning it counterclockwise and pulling it out, then remove the old bulb by pulling it straight back and out of the socket. Push the new bulb into the socket and insert the socket into the assembly, turning it clockwise to secure it.
Step 4: Reinstall the Tail Light Assembly
Push the tail light assembly back into place and be sure that its plastic tabs are aligned and engaged with your truck. Then reinstall the two bolts you removed in Step 2.
Push the tail light assembly back into place and be sure that its plastic tabs are aligned and engaged with your truck. Then reinstall the two bolts you removed in Step 2.
The tail lights on your 2009-2014 Ford F-150 are responsible for keeping you and others safe on the road and help keep you from being stopped due to a burned out bulb. Performing a DIY truck tail light bulb replacement can not only save you time and money but can also increase your safety and peace of mind on the road. Find the exact parts for your Ford F-150 at O’Reilly Auto Parts, where we carry truck tail light assemblies, replacement tail light bulbs, headlight restoration kits, and much more to help you maintain your vehicle’s lighting.
How to Disclaimer: The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Before undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the required repair or remedy. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaim any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.