In 1975, the Ford F-150 made its debut, slotted between the F-100 and F-250, and it became an immediate success. In 2003, buyers could format the F-150 in just about any way imaginable, with three engine sizes to choose from, two- or four-wheel drive, three cab configurations and even a high-performance Lightning variant. Regardless of the format of your F-150, it has two light bulbs that illuminate the license plate at night, and replacing one of these tag bulbs is a fairly simple process.
Position yourself under the rear of the truck where you can access the backside of the rear bumper. Reach behind the bumper, just behind the burned out tag light, and feel for the wiring and socket connecting to the tag light assembly.
Twist the tag light socket counterclockwise to unlock it. Pull the tag light socket and the bulb from the bumper. Pull the bulb from the tag light socket, using a slight wiggling motion.
Hold a new No. 168 bulb with a clean, lint-free cloth -- touching the bulb with your bare hands may cause it to fail early. Press the tag light bulb into the socket until it is fully seated in the socket.
Guide the tag light socket and new tag light bulb into the opening on the backside of the tag light assembly. Twist the tag light socket clockwise to lock it in place.
