The Ford Escort was completely redesigned for 1997 with a more rounded, modern look. A two-door Escort was missing from the lineup, but customers only had to wait one year to get one. The ZX2 was introduced in 1998 and lasted only until the 2003 model year, but that was three years beyond all other Escort models. The Escort sedan and wagon were dropped after the 1999 model year to make way for the new Focus in 2000. The tail lights on the ZX2 house the brake, stop, back-up and turn signal lights, and are easy to remove for repair or replacement.
Open the trunk lid. With a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the two taillight retaining screws revealed on the edge of the taillight assembly after opening the trunk lid. Place the screws aside.
Disengage the hidden taillight retaining clips by gently hitting the taillight assembly towards the outside edge of the car with your hand.
Grasp the taillight assembly and pull it straight out from the back of the car. Be aware the bulb wiring will still be attached to the back side of the taillight assembly.
Remove the bulb sockets from the back side of the taillight assembly by rotating them in a counterclockwise direction and pulling them straight out of the taillight.
Push the bulb sockets back into the mounting holes on the back side of the replacement taillight assembly. Turn each socket in a clockwise direction until it locks into place.
Position the taillight assembly onto the rear fender. Gently tap the lens so that the hidden retaining clips engage. Replace the two retaining screws and tighten them with a Phillips screwdriver. Close the trunk lid.
