This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the tail light assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150, including disconnecting the electrical connector and installing the new assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification for left or right side

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off all lights and remove key from ignition
3. Open tailgate to access tail light mounting bolts from inside bed

Procedure

1. 1

   Access tail light mounting area
   With the tailgate open, locate the tail light assembly from inside the bed. The mounting bolts are accessible from the rear interior panel of the bed near the bedside.
2. 2

   Remove bed liner or trim panel if equipped
   If your F-150 has a spray-in bedliner or plastic bed liner, you may need to pull back or remove the section covering the tail light mounting bolts. Some models have a small access panel that can be removed. Use trim removal tool if necessary to avoid damage.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the wiring harness connector attached to the back of the tail light assembly. Press the release tab and pull the connector straight out from the tail light assembly. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
4. 4

   Remove tail light mounting bolts
   Using an 8mm socket, remove the two or three mounting bolts securing the tail light assembly to the body. These bolts are typically located along the inner edge of the assembly accessible from inside the bed. Keep bolts in a safe place for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove tail light assembly
   From the exterior of the vehicle, carefully pull the tail light assembly straight back away from the body. The assembly may have alignment pins or clips, so use gentle steady pressure. Do not force or pry with metal tools against painted surfaces.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting surface and seals
   Check the body mounting surface for damage, rust, or debris. Clean the area if necessary. Inspect the seal or gasket on the new tail light assembly to ensure it is properly seated and undamaged.
7. 7

   Install new tail light assembly
   Align the new tail light assembly with the mounting holes and any alignment pins on the body. Push the assembly firmly into place ensuring the seal seats properly against the body panel. Verify alignment is correct before proceeding.
8. 8

   Install and torque mounting bolts
   From inside the bed, thread the mounting bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once all bolts are hand-tight, use a torque wrench to tighten each bolt to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even pressure on the assembly.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Push the wiring harness connector firmly into the back of the new tail light assembly until you hear or feel a positive click, indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is secure.
10. 10

    Reinstall bed liner or trim panel
    If any bed liner sections or trim panels were removed or pulled back, reinstall them to their original positions. Ensure no wiring is pinched or trapped.

Reassembly

1. Verify tail light assembly sits flush with body panel with no gaps
2. Ensure all mounting bolts are torqued to specification
3. Confirm electrical connector is fully seated and locked

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and test all tail light functions: running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights
• Walk around vehicle to verify new tail light matches the opposite side in appearance and brightness
• Check for proper seal around tail light assembly - no gaps should be visible that could allow water intrusion
• Test again with vehicle running to ensure all functions operate correctly under load

More procedures for this vehicle