98 taurus wagon brake light replacement

[Al D]

I removed the 2 scrws that are acessible when the tail gate is lifted.
The chiltons manual indicated t remove the assembly. however, there is something holding the unit in. It seems that replacing a brake light should be a simple operation.... I don't want to force the assembly out.

[Willyum]

Does your owner's manual give a clue? The manual for my '02 tells how to change all the bulbs.

[Al D]

Originally Posted by Willyum

Does your owner's manual give a clue? The manual for my '02 tells how to change all the bulbs.

The Manual Simply gives the bulb number and no instructions.

[Al D]

One of the mechanics at the dealer suggested placing a screw driver in between the lense and body and Popping the thing out being caref not to scratch the paint. ... he was really unsure and gave me little confidence that he knew what he was doing. I don't want to break the thing and have to buy a lense.

[drivewayMechanic]

I have the same problem with my 97 Sable Wagon. I've removed the 2 visible screws, but the lens assembly doesn't come off easily... and I don't want to break the lens. Have you gotten any further with yours? Or anyone else have any input?
Thanks.

[Al D]

Originally Posted by drivewayMechanic

I have the same problem with my 97 Sable Wagon. I've removed the 2 visible screws, but the lens assembly doesn't come off easily... and I don't want to break the lens. Have you gotten any further with yours? Or anyone else have any input?
Thanks.

I was able to get a mechanic at a dealer to print the section of the manual. There is a locating pin on the front side, so you have to pull the lense out sideways "carefully" if you like I can send you a copy of the write up, scaned. Al D

[drivewayMechanic]

Thank you for the response. After reading your note I took out the two bolts, I popped out the side lens from the front side, without breaking it and got access to the bulb... I was surprised to see that a plug is used to hold the lens in place like that. I've seen those plugs used to attach interior body moldings. Live and learn...
Thanks again.