Change the tail light bulbs on your 2011-2018 Ford Focus | O'Reilly Auto Parts

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These step-by-step instructions and video detail how to replace the tail light bulbs on a 2014 Ford Focus SE, and the replacement steps will be similar to 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 Ford Focus models. Replacing a burned out or failing tail light bulb helps you see clearly, follow road laws, and lets other drivers know of your vehicle’s presence on the road. If your Focus’s tail light bulbs are burned out or malfunctioning, you should replace both tail light bulbs together since they will likely fail at around the same time. O’Reilly Auto Parts carries headlight bulbs, tail light bulbs, and other exterior light bulbs for your Ford Focus to help you make your repairs.

Tools & Materials List

Step by Step Instructions:

Locate Old Bulb

Install New Bulb

Changing the Bulb on the Trunk

Additional Resources

The tail lights on your Ford Focus help you be seen in poor weather or darkness, and are required by law to work properly. Changing a dim, flickering, or burned out tail light bulb on your 2011-2018 Ford Focus is a simple repair that can help you see better while driving. It’s recommended that when changing one tail light bulb, the other should be replaced as well, since both bulbs have been used for the same amount of time and will likely fail around the same age. Failing taillight bulbs on your Ford Focus can make it difficult for other drivers to see your vehicle on the road, and could put you and others in danger. Our detailed instructions can help you perform a tail light bulb replacement on your Ford Focus to keep you safe on the road. If you’re not completely comfortable doing this yourself, we’d be happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.

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Collin opens the trunk of the Ford Focus to locate the tail light assembly.

Step 1: Locate the Old Bulb

Open your trunk and locate the panel on the back side of your tail light assembly. Remove the panel by simply pulling out and disengaging the tabs.

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Collin removes the tail light assembly.

Step 2: Remove the Tail Light Assembly

Remove the plastic wingnuts holding the tail light assembly by turning them counterclockwise. Pull directly out on the assembly toward the side of the vehicle to release it.

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Collin gently disengages the old bulb from the tail light assembly and sets them aside.

Step 3: Disengage the Old Bulbs from the Assembly

Turn each bulb counterclockwise and pull gently to remove them from the assembly. Lower the bulbs carefully and set the assembly aside.

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Collin gently removes the old bulb from the tail light assembly socket.

Step 4: Remove the Old Bulb

Gently pull out the bulb that needs replacement to remove it from its socket.

Do It Right: We always recommend replacing bulbs in pairs, so repeat these steps on the other side.

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Collin installs the new bulb into the tail light assembly socket and reengages the tail light bulbs in the assembly.

Step 5: Install the New Bulb

Slide your new bulb into place in its socket.

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Collin replaces the tail light assembly onto the Focus

Step 6: Replace the Tail Light Assembly

Lift the assembly back into place and turn the bulbs clockwise into the housing to secure them. Align the tab on the assembly and press it back into place. Fasten it from the inside by replacing the two plastic wingnuts, turning them clockwise. Snap the panel back in.

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Collin disengages the lens on the Focus’ truck to access the bulb located there.

Step 7: Replace the Bulb On Your Trunk

To replace the bulb behind the lens on your trunk, turn the plastic wingnut counterclockwise to remove it and push out the lens from the side to disengage it. Turn the bulb counterclockwise, carefully pulling the bulb out of the back. Set the lens aside.

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Collin removes the bulb by gently pulling on it.

Step 8: Disengage the Bulb

Gently pull the bulb to disengage it.

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Collin holds up new bulb installed in socket. New bulb and socket are secured in the back of the lens.

Step 9: Install Replacement Bulb

Push the replacement bulb into place in the socket. Turn the bulb clockwise to secure it in the back of the lens.

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Collin presses the lens back into the rest of the truck light assembly and secures the lens by tightening the wingnut clockwise at the back.

Step 10: Replace Lens

Press the lens back into place and replace the wingnut by turning it clockwise.

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These step-by-step instructions and video detail how to replace the tail light bulbs on a 2014 Ford Focus SE, and the replacement steps will be similar to 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 Ford Focus models. Replacing a burned out or failing tail light bulb helps you see clearly, follow road laws, and lets other drivers know of your vehicle’s presence on the road. If your Focus’s tail light bulbs are burned out or malfunctioning, you should replace both tail light bulbs together since they will likely fail at around the same time. O’Reilly Auto Parts carries headlight bulbs, tail light bulbs, and other exterior light bulbs for your Ford Focus to help you make your repairs.

The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.

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