The rear brake lights on a 1998 Ford Taurus show people behind you when you're about to stop, turn or back up. Since these lights are made of plastic, they can get damaged from a simple fender bender or from a neighborhood kid's errant baseball. When these break, you become a target for police officers, because it's illegal to drive with a broken tail light. Fortunately, Ford has made it accommodating for owners of their cars to replace these lights, and it can be done in under 15 minutes per side.
Open the trunk. Use the flathead screwdriver to remove the plastic tabs holding the plastic trim to the inside of the trunk panel and the carpeting. Lift off the plastic trim and pull aside the carpeting to reveal the brake light housing bolts.
Unbolt the tail light housing from the body using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Twist out the light sockets from the housing with your hands.
Install the sockets into the replacement lens by twisting them into place. Slide the housing into the body and bolt it in place using the ratchet. Reinstall the clips holding the carpet and plastic panels to the car.
