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Tail light removal

Messages
172
Reactions
105
Points
27
Location
Gig Harbor, WA, USA
#1
Quick question...trying to remove the interior plastic cover. What’s the best way? I am having trouble getting it out. Use a knife to grab the side?
 

Messages
28
Reactions
17
Points
2
Location
Granite City, IL, USA
#2
I just used a small flathead screwdriver from the bottom of the panel. Took some pressure but it will come off.
 

OP
mkuluz
Messages
172
Reactions
105
Points
27
Location
Gig Harbor, WA, USA
Thread Starter #3
Thanks. Yeah I wasn’t sure what side to pry off first.
 

UNBROKEN

4000 Post Club
Messages
4,579
Reactions
5,352
Points
352
Location
Houston, TX, USA
#4
If you’re gonna do much interior disassembly some trim removal tools are cheap insurance against scarred up panels.
 

OP
mkuluz
Messages
172
Reactions
105
Points
27
Location
Gig Harbor, WA, USA
Thread Starter #5
Ill do am Amazon search. Thanks
 

Messages
255
Reactions
126
Points
37
Location
Murrieta, CA, USA
#7
I stripped one of the torx screws last night . Now I gotta use a dremel cutting wheel to cut a slot in it. Hopefully comes out with a flat head. Might end up replacing the trim piece too as I’m sure I’m gonna nick it. Pissed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

BrianL603

New Member
Messages
1
Reactions
0
Points
1
Location
New Hampshire
Vehicle
2021 FORD EXPLORER ST
#8
Can I get some help? First off I broke the cover off the access for the left side tail light. I also lost the piece that went on the outside of the of the tail light that gets screwed in. Don't ask. I added a pic of the right side as an example.
 

Attachments

Messages
158
Reactions
95
Points
27
Location
Minneapolis, MN, USA
Vehicle
2022 Ford Explorer ST
#9
Man, I was planning on throwing in some LED bulbs for the turn signals (rear) and reverse but all I see is people breaking the cover....
 

Jeppo

Active Member
Messages
502
Reactions
280
Points
82
Location
Davidson County, NC
Vehicle
2021 ST
#10
Man, I was planning on throwing in some LED bulbs for the turn signals (rear) and reverse but all I see is people breaking the cover....
Perhaps I’ve been lucky but it is possible to do this.
 

Messages
122
Reactions
81
Points
27
Location
Bowie, MD, USA
Vehicle
2021 Explorer ST
#12
Can I get some help? First off I broke the cover off the access for the left side tail light. I also lost the piece that went on the outside of the of the tail light that gets screwed in. Don't ask. I added a pic of the right side as an example.
No need to remove the BIG Torx bolts from what I remember. Hardest part is the pin that is forward to the front of the truck on the lens assembly. I ended up using a towel and small screwdriver to pry out, with a lot of praying not to scratch the paint. After I watched some YouTube videos to see if there was an easier way and everyone just yanked them out so I am not sure what the best way is but scary when doing.
 

randyknight

Member
Law Enforcement
Messages
159
Reactions
75
Points
27
Location
Chelsea, AL
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
#13
This video is a good guide on how to remove the tail light and trim.

 

Messages
122
Reactions
81
Points
27
Location
Bowie, MD, USA
Vehicle
2021 Explorer ST
#14
This video is a good guide on how to remove the tail light and trim.

Ha. He made the front pin look like it just falls out. No chance.
 

randyknight

Member
Law Enforcement
Messages
159
Reactions
75
Points
27
Location
Chelsea, AL
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
#15
Ha. He made the front pin look like it just falls out. No chance.
Pulled right out for me on both sides with no issues.
 

Messages
298
Reactions
219
Points
37
Location
Utah
Vehicle
2022 Ford Explorer Platinum
#16
This video is a good guide on how to remove the tail light and trim.

Great tutorial! Thanks for taking the time.
 



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