2002 Ford Taurus Driver Side tail light bulb replacement

I would guess that you need a new bulb. Many of these tail lights actually have two filaments inside them, one that is used for a dimmer light (running light) and one that is used for a brighter light like (brake light, turn signal). The easiest thing to try (and probably the cheapest) would be to buy a replacement bulb and change it. Most places that sell automotive light bulbs will have a large catalog where you look up the make model and year of the car you need a light for and it will tell you which replacement bulb you will need. Then look in your cars manual to see how you access and replace the bulb.

Replace the fuse. Most of the time when the tail light fuse is blown it will go un-noticed. This is why they combine the instrument cluster lighting, and tail lights on the same fuse. That way if the dash lights are out you know the tail lights must be out also.

open the trunk. on the affected side there is a cover behind the lights. remove it and twist the affeced bulbs plugin out. remove bulb and install new one.

This is a pretty simple DIY I just didi it last Saturday! When you open the hatch there are 2 robertson screws on the side of the door seal where the tail lights meet the door opening. Remove both screws and pull the tail light lens straight out towards you trying not to pull the inside out much further than the other side (it is held in with clips on the outer edge that may break. The whole light assembly will come out in your hands with only the bulb holder wires keeping it attached. The bulbs twist 1/4 turn to remove and easy replacement of the bulb. Do the reverse to replace! Hope this helps

You go through the trunk and on either side is the light housing unit that you remove 4 nuts from, pull out and there will be the individual bulbs to be replaced.

IN DEPTH:

In order to replace the light bulbs you will have to remove the entire rear light housing unit. In order to do this you must do the following:

1.Pop the trunk.

2.Loosen the trunk lining in order to reach the 4 nuts that are located on the right or left side and hold the light housing in place.

3.You loosen the trunk lining fabric by removing two small, black plastic fasteners that anchor the trunk lining fabric. These either screw loose or you will need to pop off using a blunt- nosed pliers ( a flat head screwdriver works in a pinch) by first pulling the square bit out (towards the direction of the back seat,) followed by the circular components.

4.Pull the fabric loose on either the left or right side to expose the 4 nuts holding the light assembly in place.

5.Now, look for the four gold colored washer and nut assemblies surrounding the tail-light assembly. Find yourself a 7/16 socket and remove those bad boys. The tail-light itself should be able to pop- out, otherwise you've missed a washer- nut.

6.Ease the tail- light assembly off of it's perch on the car and hold it red- side down. This will expose the wiring and "turn- locks" for the blinker and tail- light.

7.Remove the bulbs from the assembly by turning the turn- locks in the direction (counter- clockwise) indicated by the plastic molding, and pulling upwards, off of the tail- light assembly.

8.Pull the bulb from the turn- lock with a moderate tug of the hand.

You have a bad connector or wire. Use a multimeter to check the wire and connectors from both lights. My bet is on the wire.

RE: 2002 Toyota Highlander 2.4cyl. 4X4 Base Model

I am a Certified Technician and have basic knowledge with electronics in electrical wiring. I searched the web and discovered this is a common problem.

I fixed the problem and it was a simple procedure... The problem is with the reverse light socket at the side with no brake light. This socket functions as a hub to direct current to the brake bulbs.

Remove reverse light socket and re-seat bulb. Check for loose or broken prongs. Replace if necessary.

Swap the reverse socket with the other side.

remove the trunk trim covering the tail lamp retainiing bolts .... remove bolts, remove tail lamp lens assembly...advise replace ALL the bulbs since your there, reverse steps to reinstall....not to tuff to do...hope this helps you...GL

Bad earth connection.Clean or replce wire.

Believe it or not, for the Taurus wagon, Ford wants you to take it in to the shop. The Taurus wagon tail light assembly is really a stupid design. I will do my best to describe it here. You must remove the two phillip screws on the tailight assembly, seen when you have the hatch door up. The trick is the assembly is still held with a hinge type, snap in deal that holds the front part of the assembly tight to the body side. You might be able to see or access it from inside the spare tire cover or the access door on the passenger side. Being oh so careful to release the clip so you can pull the assembly free to change the bulb. Hope this is some help.

The tail lamp / break lamp uses bulb number 3157.