How to Replace a 2009 Ford Focus Brake, Backup, or Tail Light Bulb

Make sure you turn off the lights and remove keys from the ignition before beginning.

[@spectre5770]

my dad never taught me how to do this. i'm 23, and replacing my tail light as we speak. i think you deserve an 'honorary dad' trophy. thank you!

[@lc2010grad]

I know this video is 10 years old, but thank you so much for posting it! I was able to change one of my rear turn signal bulbs that had burned out. Feeling more than a little proud of myself, since it's my first car repair :)

[@MrMPRandGumbo]

Followed your video to change a blown rear signal light on my 2010 Focus. I appreciate the mention of the 7/16 deep well socket, plus using the needlenose pliers to carefully remove the nuts holding the housing on. The owner's manual on this procedure was just horrible. I am really disappointed that Ford didn't make the job of replacing the rear bulbs easier. Took over an hour and a lot of finesse to just change the one bulb. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to make the video.

[@scheidch]

Horrible is one way to put it... the diagram in the owner's manual didn't even look like it was for the same model of car.

[@sperryclark87]

Watching less than 5 minutes of this video saved me who knows how long! Thank you so much!

[@YoGRIND]

Thanks for posting. This is the second time you have help me fix my lights.

[@YoGRIND]

3 years later and I had to return again...now 3 rd time this video has helped me....thanks

[@StevenRodriguez0319]

Thanks buddy, I'm replacing my tail lights with full LED replacements and needed to know how to access the bolts. Great vid, very helpful.

[@pfsantos007]

Thank you. Took out the two nuts that hold the lens from behind but something was still holding it on. Your video confirmed that there was a clip (or whatever its called) and i could pull on the lens without worrying as much. I can't believe Ford not only did not provide an access panel on the trunk lining, but also made no access for the bulbs from the inside. Terrible. Quick tip...when putting the nuts back on one can use some tape between the nut and the socket so that it doesn't fall off into no mans land.

[@jameshall1300]

Thanks for posting this. Trying to replace this bulb really makes me miss my Accord and Honda engineering.

[@scheidch]

Nice. I had all the tools I needed except a 7/16 deep socket. Your video saved me about $40.

[@JB17509]

thank you! changed it myself once I knew the tools and what to access! your clear instructions made that possible!

[@alannadankiw7410]

Thank you! I followed your video and changed my moms rear turn signal on her 2010 Ford Focus.

[@SWOEnsign]

Thank you! The manual says to "unscrew the two wing nuts" which had me nearly pulling my hair out.

[@LuzioSilla]

Thanks, Buddy! You helped me get it done, showing each step with clear explanations.

[@richardhiley9551]

Excellent Video. Thanks for posting it. With your help it took me about 5 minutes to change the bulb. Great tip on the needle nose pliers..

[@michaelfabian2401]

Dude Thanks so MUCH! I just replaced my blinker bulb in my 2010 ford focus and it couldn't have been easier!

[@mofahimm]

Thanks for making this video .. I was able change my ford focus's tail lights on my own !!

[@BlisterBang]

A 7/16 socket will work, but Focus is metric. If you have to go out and get a deep well socket, you should get an 11mm. A hollow shaft 11mm or 7/16 nutdriver will also work.

[@horsemen54]

Great Video. Thanks so much. I just replaced my wives 2005 Focus. You did not even need a tool. Finger nuts with acces with out removing anything. I looked at my 2009 and wondered how its done. Now I know. much cheaper than dealer or mechanic doing it.

[@dcjohnson4406]

thank you for making this video I just repaired my bulb.. You made it a hundred times easier..

[@freakzilla445]

My friend needed help and your the man for the job, great video :)

[@kevenr17]

Thanks for the video!! Great help!! I have been looking for wing nuts for a freakin hour!! The manual said remove the wing nuts. Why so much just to change a bulb!!!

[@rickybrown652]

Great video. You're a lifesaver, man.

[@hectorb.colmenares6031]

Gracias muy util, me ayudo a cambiar la luz de mi ford focus. Thanks very usefull it helps me to change the lightbulb.

[@winstonsmith7545]

Thanks for the help! You’re a lifesaver

[@Shabooboo95]

VERY helpful video. Just got car last year and back left light finally went out. Wasn't sure how to take it out or attempt to without breaking something or taking it somewhere. Thank you and I think lightbulb is 3157 from what I was told.

[@BudFactorE]

Sherbooboo Hoffenfeffer I was told 3057

[@objectivist93]

Thanks for the video ! I was actually able to get by with just needle-nose and no deep-socket wrench, but I'd highly recommend using the wrench !!! Took me 2 hours. Whoever wrote the manual must have a twisted sense of humor. Replacing tail/brake/backup lights and turn signal bulbs 1. Make sure the headlamp control is in the off position and then open the trunk. 2. Remove two plastic screws and cover from inside the luggage compartment. 3. Remove two nuts from the lamp assembly. 4. Gently pull the lamp assembly away from the vehicle. 5. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull it out. 6. Pull the bulb straight out of the socket. Install the new bulb in reverse order.

[@TheTAA204]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@Washingtonfan85]

Thank you! Great tutorial.

[@georgewallace8496]

Basically a good video. I would add one more "important" step. After replacing the bulb(s) I would check it before putting everything back together.

[@ashwinvaishnav1785]

Thank you brother!

[@mlee1964]

Thanks for the video. I great help.

[@cupofkona]

Thanks for the video...what a crapload to change a bulb! And buy a tool accessory just for one bolt! THANKS

[@stilettochick89]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@JsBuonadonna]

What is the size of the nuts holding the light assembly in place? I have a 2008 Ford Focus with a burnt out tail light that I am trying to replace. I have all the tools I need except for a nut driver/wrench that is both the right size and can reach past that obscenely long bolt to get to the nut!

[@janetlynnpaschall3969]

Thank you sooo much!😷🙃😎

[@ChronMan24]

my rivets didn't have screws so i had to pull like a monster just to get them out. They warped to shit before coming out.

[@Yesther]

thank you so so much :)

[@mymbaby2238]

Will a 11mm deep socket work? Or I’ll need the sae deep socket set for the 3/8 wrench

[@justinreinhart3458]

Thank You

[@mariemarcusen646]

Thank you!

[@scarfacewhyte4742]

My brake like not working but signal working out of that same bulb,could you give any help on that?

[@robbmiller7796]

Works for 2010 Focus as well! 7/16 was not the right size for 2010 it was a size bigger or smaller I think

[@luray12002]

good video but they sure did make it a pain to change.

[@fatihdemir9978]

Ford engineering at it's finest... Lets make it difficult as possible to change tail light bulbs. My fathers Camry has a door in the truck that gains access to the tail light bulbs. Never buy a Ford folks, I have an 07 Edge that I regret purchasing. Get Japanese but If you're going American at least get a Chrysler.

[@armatey007]

I am helping my friend with her 2008 Ford Focus and it's a nightmare because we don't have a deep well socket. Meanwhile I don't need a single tool for my 2006 Toyota Corolla. The struggle is real.

[@JesseKaufman]

tripods are amazing things .. I can't even watch this

[@GodsTruthMinistries]

Thanks for the video. What another TERRIBLE DESIGN BY FORD. AGAIN!

[@matnkris]

All this to change a tail light? The earlier models of the Ford Focus required no tools.....WTF?!!!

[@kruble88]

Very helpful! Thanks.