🔧 Fusion - Taillight Bulb Replacement

You can replace the taillight bulbs from inside the trunk without removing the whole taillight housing. The job is the same on both sides—remove the trunk access cover, twist the bulb socket out, then swap the bulb.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.3-0.7 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition off and remove the key before starting.
• ⚠️ Let bulbs cool first; they can burn you.
• ⚠️ Wear gloves and don’t touch the glass with bare fingers (skin oil can shorten bulb life).
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Flashlight
• Plastic trim removal tool

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Taillight bulb (dual-filament, 3157 type) - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the trunk and keep a flashlight handy.
• Tip: Replace bulbs in pairs for even brightness.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the left taillight bulb area

• Open the trunk.
• Use a flashlight to find the trunk side access panel behind the left taillight.
• Use a plastic trim removal tool to gently pop open/remove the access cover (a trim tool is a plastic pry tool that helps you remove panels without scratching them).

Step 2: Remove the taillight bulb socket

• Locate the taillight bulb socket (the plastic piece with wires going to it).
• Grip the socket firmly and rotate it counterclockwise about 1/4 turn by hand, then pull it straight out.

Step 3: Replace the bulb

• Put on nitrile gloves.
• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket (it’s a push-in style).
• Push the new 3157-type bulb straight into the socket until fully seated.
• Tip: If it feels loose, it’s not seated.

Step 4: Reinstall the socket and access cover

• Insert the socket back into the taillight housing.
• Rotate clockwise by hand until it locks in place.
• Reinstall the trunk access cover by pressing it back into place.

Step 5: Repeat on the right side

• Repeat Steps 1–4 on the right trunk access panel for the other taillight bulb.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the lights on and confirm both taillights illuminate evenly.
• Press the brake pedal (or have someone help) and confirm both brake lights get noticeably brighter.
• If a bulb doesn’t work, remove it and reseat it, then re-check.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$140 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $10-$30 (parts only)

You Save: $50-$110 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.7 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.