05-09 Exterior Modifications Making Your '05 Stand Out from the Crowd

Changing out a tail light

Old Mar 2, 2008 | 04:54 PM
  #1  
silstang23's Avatar
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Changing out a tail light

So I've noticed my left blinker clicks twice as fast as normal. I know it means I have a burnt bulb. So I turned on my lights and looked at all my lights on the left, front and back. They all worked. Then I thought for a second. I got my girlfriend to come outside and look while I press the brake and sure enough one of the back brake lights don't work. So I guess my question is: Is it hard to change out the bulb on the left rear? Its the one farthest to the outside. Also can I just pick up that bulb at an auto parts store?
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Old Mar 2, 2008 | 04:57 PM
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05GT-O.C.D.'s Avatar
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From: Football HOF, Canton OH
Yes the bulbs can be purchased at your auto parts store. Changing the bulb isn't hard. Take off the rear trunk trim panel, then the taillight is held in w/ 3 bolts. Take out the lamp and the bulbs are all right there in their sockets.
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Old Mar 2, 2008 | 04:59 PM
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05GT-O.C.D.'s Avatar
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From: Football HOF, Canton OH
Come to think of it, I don't even think you need to go to an autoparts store. You should be able to just swap your innermost bulb with the outermost bulb and be all set to go.
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Old Mar 2, 2008 | 05:53 PM
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You know what, thats a good idea. I never though about that seeing that the inner most bulb doesn't light up when we apply our brakes. Would it be the same exact type of bulb though? Not that it really matters though because the bulb can't be that expensive. Im sure its pretty cheap. Thanks for the reply though.
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Old Mar 2, 2008 | 05:54 PM
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05GT-O.C.D.'s Avatar
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From: Football HOF, Canton OH
I know on the 05's they were the same... not sure if anything's changed over the years, but I doubt it.
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Old Mar 3, 2008 | 06:43 AM
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If you can, lay a towel or something soft on your bumper when you remove your tail light.

I have had the tail lights out of about 6 Mustangs (while installing sequentials) and sometimes they stick a little. When you pop them out they tend to fall towards the bumper and could leave a mark.
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Old Mar 3, 2008 | 08:29 AM
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Only bulb that is hard to change is the right side IF you have Shaker 1000 -- you either have to have very small hands or take out the Shaker. That isn't fun.
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Old Mar 8, 2008 | 03:23 AM
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+1 on protecting the bumper as the light sits awfully close! I've had mine out twice(first time for sequentials-second for bulb replacement). The first time I did not remove the Shaker1000 subs, but after removing that and the amps for weight savings at the track, I found it only takes just over 5 minutes to remove and will save skinned knuckles/fingers and a lot less cussing
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Old Mar 20, 2008 | 07:38 PM
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From: South Carolina
Changed mine today and its really not that tough but the molded carpet got annoying when pulling it back, I felt as though it would've ripped b/c the black peg wouldn't come out easily so I just left it attached.
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Old Mar 20, 2008 | 08:25 PM
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Originally Posted by ex-Galaxie500
Changed mine today and its really not that tough but the molded carpet got annoying when pulling it back, I felt as though it would've ripped b/c the black peg wouldn't come out easily so I just left it attached.
I've found a pair of curved needle nose pliers works well to get those stubbern barbed pegs. But you still need to pry them up a little with a screwdriver blade to get them started.

The 4057 bulb is not yet available at general autoparts stores. You can use a 3157 but you may ***edit (or may not)*** notice a difference in brightness, which then requires swapping all bulbs for the 3157 to be even (6 bulbs at parts store pricing) or just cough up the Ford Parts counter price for one bulb. But if it is just the brake (major) filament that is burned out...swaping it with the inboard bulb that only works with the parking lights (minor) filament as mentioned by 05GT-O.C.D will work wonders for free

Last edited by mot250; Mar 21, 2008 at 07:09 AM. Reason: added "(or may not)" based on mrkabc's comments below
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Old Mar 20, 2008 | 08:56 PM
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I just replace both of the front side marker bulbs and the passenger turn signal bulb. They all 3 went out about 2 weeks apart. The local autoparts store had them all in stock. Good to know about the 3157 bulb working too. Thanks
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Old Mar 21, 2008 | 01:15 AM
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Originally Posted by mot250
The 4057 bulb is not yet available at general autoparts stores. You can use a 3157 but you may notice a difference in brightness, which then requires swapping all bulbs for the 3157 to be even (6 bulbs at parts store pricing) or just cough up the Ford Parts counter price for one bulb.
Really? There is a difference in brightness? I hadn't noticed. I have 3157 bulbs in my passenger tail light and the stock ones in the drivers side. No difference that I can see.

I lost one of my passenger side bulbs, and with the Shaker 1000 box in the trunk I'll be d**ned if I go to all that effort to replace just ONE bulb. I'm changing them all!!!

The 3157 will be just fine. Go get a set of the Sylvania "long life" bulbs and you'll be OK.
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Old Mar 21, 2008 | 09:08 AM
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Originally Posted by kooldawg6
+1 on protecting the bumper as the light sits awfully close! I've had mine out twice(first time for sequentials-second for bulb replacement). The first time I did not remove the Shaker1000 subs, but after removing that and the amps for weight savings at the track, I found it only takes just over 5 minutes to remove and will save skinned knuckles/fingers and a lot less cussing
Obviously I missed something on taking out Shaker in 5 minutes. What order did you do it in? It took me about 20 when I put in sequentials when I first got car. What order did you unbolt?
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