Ford Thunderbirds produced between 1992 and 1997 came equipped with LED tail lights. These tail lights were composed of a circuit board containing 20 LEDs, and could last a lot longer than traditional halogen bulbs. The tail lights were not perfect, however, and would malfunction for two main reasons: the LEDs burning out or the fuse blowing. Replacing the LEDs requires cutting into the tail light assembly to access them. If you do not wish to cut through the assembly, you can purchase a new assembly directly from Ford.
Turn off the Thunderbird's engine and open the hood.
Remove the lid from the fuse panel and locate the "PARK LPS" fuse.
Remove the "PARK LPS" fuse from the fuse panel and install a new 10A fuse in its place.
Reattach the fuse panel lid and close the hood.
Turn off the Thunderbird's engine and open the trunk.
Remove the carpet from the trunk and remove the trunk trim by pulling it off to reveal the tail lamp assembly screws.
Remove the two screws with a Phillips screwdriver and disconnect the electrical wire connector from the assembly. Pull the assembly out of the vehicle.
Place the new assembly into the vehicle and reattach its electrical wire connector. Reinstall the screws and place the trunk trim and carpet back into the trunk. Close the trunk.
Repeat steps 1, 2, and 3 from Section 2.
Use a dremel tool to cut the tail lamp assembly in half by going around the edge of the assembly. Be careful not to go too deep as that may ruin the reflector.
Pull apart the assembly and pull out the LED strips. Replace them with new strips and use a hot glue gun or another strong adhesive to glue the assembly back together.
Place the assembly back into the vehicle and reconnect the electrical wire connector. Reinstall the two screws and place the trunk trim and carpet back into the vehicle. Close the trunk.
