Tail Light Assembly

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the tail light assembly on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150, including proper electrical connector disconnection and torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Push pin retainers (if damaged) × 2 — Ford W710591-S300

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off all lights and remove key from ignition
3. Allow any recently used lights to cool for at least 5 minutes
4. Open tailgate to access interior side of tail light mounting area if needed for specific models

Procedure

1. 1

   Access tail light mounting bolts from bed
   From inside the truck bed, locate the tail light assembly mounting area. On most models, the bolts are accessible from the bed side without removing interior panels. Some models may have a small access panel or require moving the bed liner aside.
2. 2

   Remove tail light mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the two tail light mounting bolts securing the assembly to the body. These bolts are located on the inboard side of the tail light housing, accessible from the truck bed. Keep bolts in a safe location for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Pull tail light assembly away from body
   Carefully pull the tail light assembly straight back away from the vehicle body. The assembly is held by the mounting bolts and alignment pins. Apply steady, even pressure and wiggle slightly if needed to release it from the body gasket seal. Do not pull too far as electrical connectors are still attached.
4. 4

   Disconnect electrical connectors
   Locate the electrical connector(s) on the back of the tail light assembly. Press the release tab on each connector and pull straight off. Some models have two connectors - one for standard lights and one for trailer wiring. Note the orientation of connectors for reinstallation.
   ⚠Do not pull on wires - only grasp the connector body to avoid damaging wiring harness
5. 5

   Remove tail light assembly
   With all electrical connectors disconnected, completely remove the tail light assembly from the vehicle. Inspect the body mounting surface and gasket area for damage or debris.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surface
   Clean the body mounting surface where the tail light seals with a clean cloth. Remove any dirt, debris, or old gasket material. Ensure the alignment pin holes in the body are clear of obstructions.
7. 7

   Prepare new tail light assembly
   Inspect the new tail light assembly gasket to ensure it is properly seated. If applicable, apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the electrical connector terminals on the new assembly to prevent corrosion. Verify all bulbs are properly installed if not pre-installed.
8. 8

   Connect electrical connectors
   Route the wiring harness connectors to the new tail light assembly and connect each connector. Push firmly until you hear and feel each connector click into place. Verify the connection is secure by gently tugging on the connector body.
9. 9

   Position tail light assembly
   Align the tail light assembly with the body opening, ensuring the alignment pins on the assembly engage with the corresponding holes in the body panel. Push the assembly flush against the body, compressing the gasket evenly around the entire perimeter.
10. 10

    Install and torque mounting bolts
    Insert the two tail light mounting bolts from the truck bed side and hand-thread them into the tail light assembly. Once both bolts are started, use a torque wrench with a 10mm socket to tighten each bolt to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even gasket compression.
    Torque spec

    Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify tail light assembly is flush with body panel all around with no gaps
2. Ensure bed liner or access panels are returned to original position
3. Check that gasket is properly compressed and sealed around entire perimeter

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify parking lights illuminate properly
• Have helper apply brake pedal and verify brake lights function on replaced assembly
• Activate turn signals and verify proper operation on both sides
• Test reverse lights by shifting to reverse (with parking brake engaged)
• If equipped, test trailer lights with trailer connected or test harness
• Inspect for proper seal - no light leakage around gasket edges
• Verify no warning lights on instrument cluster related to lighting system

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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