replacing brake light

[spexmfg]

1998 taurus wagon Brake lite out on R, raised rear hatch and removed the two
screws holding the plastic brake lite cover in place but the
plastic housing only moves about an inch. I am reluctant to
force without knowing of occult fasteners or maneuvers to remove without damage. I checked the L side where spare
tire hides but no obvious access under the trim panel from inside the car.. R side trim panel more complex to remove anyway. So how do I get to the bulb?

[GPFred]

What year of Taurus and type of Taurus do you have? In my 98 Taurus Se I have to go thru the trunk. I have to remove the cover panel over the lock latch, and then fold back the covering behind the light housing. Then I have to remove 5 nuts to release the taillight housing. Once the housing is out, then the bulb plugs are easily removed to allow replacement of the bulb. Its a pain every time I have to change a bulb, but its the only way. Good Luck.

[spexmfg]

Originally Posted by spexmfg

1998 taurus wagon Brake lite out on R, raised rear hatch and removed the two
screws holding the plastic brake lite cover in place but the
plastic housing only moves about an inch. I am reluctant to
force without knowing of occult fasteners or maneuvers to remove without damage. I checked the L side where spare
tire hides but no obvious access under the trim panel from inside the car.. R side trim panel more complex to remove anyway. So how do I get to the bulb?

1998 wagon is different than the sedan. thank you forthe help

[shorod]

From the 1998 Factory Service Manual:
"Wagon


Removal

1. With liftgate (40010) in full open position, locate two rear lamp attachment screws and remove. Rear lamp should remain attached with a locator pin.

2. Carefully grasp rear lamp at attachment screw location and under forward-most portion of lens. Pull outward firmly to disengage the locator pin and allow the rear lamp to be removed.

3. Remove lamp socket and wiring (13410) by gently pulling it off of the socket base.

4. Twist the lamp socket counterclockwise 1/4 turn and remove from rear lamp.

5. Carefully remove the old bulb by gently pulling it straight out of its socket. Do not rotate the bulb when removing it."

-Rod