This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear tail light assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150, including disconnecting the wiring harness and securing the new assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light assembly (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM 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. Lower tailgate for improved access (optional but recommended)
4. Identify which tail light assembly requires replacement (driver or passenger side)

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the tail light mounting area
   Open the tailgate. The tail light assembly is accessible from the rear cargo bed area. You will access the back of the tail light from inside the bed near the bed rail. No interior trim removal is required on most configurations.
2. 2

   Remove cargo bed access cover (if equipped)
   Some F-150 configurations have a small access panel or cover near the tail light area. If present, remove any push-pin retainers or fasteners securing this cover. Use a trim tool to carefully pry out push-pins by lifting the center, then removing the entire retainer.
3. 3

   Disconnect the tail light wiring harness
   Locate the electrical connector at the back of the tail light assembly. Press the release tab on the connector and pull straight back to disconnect. On some models, there may be a secondary locking tab that must be released first. Ensure the connector is fully separated before proceeding.
4. 4

   Remove tail light mounting bolts
   Using a 7mm socket with extension, remove the two mounting bolts securing the tail light assembly to the body. These bolts are accessible from inside the bed area. Keep the bolts in a safe location for reinstallation or replacement.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove the tail light assembly
   From the outside of the vehicle, gently pull the tail light assembly straight back away from the body. The assembly is held by the two bolts you just removed and may have alignment pins or clips. Apply steady, even pressure and wiggle slightly if needed to disengage any clips. Be careful not to scratch the paint on the truck bed or fender.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting area and clean surfaces
   With the assembly removed, inspect the mounting surface on the vehicle body for damage, corrosion, or debris. Check the condition of any gasket or seal that may have been between the assembly and body. Clean the mounting surface with a clean cloth to ensure proper seating of the new assembly.
7. 7

   Prepare new tail light assembly
   Remove the new tail light assembly from packaging. Verify it matches the original unit. If the assembly includes a new gasket or seal, ensure it is properly positioned on the back of the new housing. Do not remove any protective films from the lens until installation is complete.
8. 8

   Install new tail light assembly
   Position the new tail light assembly into the opening from the outside of the vehicle. Align any locating pins or tabs with their corresponding holes in the body. Press the assembly firmly into place, ensuring the gasket seats evenly against the body panel. The assembly should sit flush with no gaps.
9. 9

   Install and torque mounting bolts
   From inside the bed, insert the two tail light mounting bolts through the assembly and into the body mounting points. Hand-thread the bolts to avoid cross-threading. Using a torque wrench with 7mm socket, tighten the bolts to specification in a alternating pattern to ensure even seating.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    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. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully locked. If equipped with a secondary locking tab, ensure it engages properly.
11. 11

    Reinstall access cover
    If an access cover or panel was removed in step 2, reinstall it now. Insert any push-pin retainers by first inserting the outer portion into the hole, then pressing the center pin until it is flush. Replace any damaged retainers with new ones.

Reassembly

1. Remove any protective film from the tail light lens
2. Close the tailgate and verify it does not contact the tail light assembly
3. Ensure all tools and fasteners have been removed from the cargo bed area

Verification

• Turn the ignition to the ON position (engine does not need to run)
• Turn on headlights and verify tail lights illuminate
• Have an assistant press the brake pedal while you verify brake lights illuminate
• Activate turn signals and verify the appropriate turn signal functions on the new assembly
• Turn on hazard lights and verify proper operation
• If equipped, verify reverse lights illuminate when transmission is in reverse
• Inspect the gap between the tail light assembly and body panel to ensure even fitment with no gaps or misalignment
• Check for any moisture inside the lens; a proper seal should prevent moisture intrusion

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