Owners of other Ford or Lincoln SUV, crossover or hatchback vehicles with similar cargo area lights such as the Escape, Edge, Flex, Expedition, Focus, C-MAX, MKC, MKX, MKT and Navigator may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

A replacement "festoon" or "fuse" style bulb is part number 212-2 which is available from various manufacturers such as Sylvania, GE, PIAA and Eiko.

You may also use a compatible LED unit that is about 1.72 inches or 43mm in length.

The only tool needed to change the bulb is a small flathead screwdriver or a plastic pry bar tool used to pry out the light bulb housing.

Carefully insert the blade of the small flathead screwdriver in between the edge of the light housing and the cargo area's plastic side panel.

Gently pry out the light housing. You may need to remove and re-insert the blade of the flathead screwdriver in to several locations on the edges of the housing to remove it from the panel.

Pull the housing straight out of the panel and press the release tab on the electrical connector before sliding it straight off.

If the old bulb was recently illuminated, be careful since it might still be hot enough to burn your skin.

Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket.

(Tip: If you install an LED bulb and it doesn't work at first, try flipping it around in the socket.)

Push the power plug straight on to the base of the housing until it clicks securely in to place.

Test the new cargo area light bulb by opening the tail gate door or press the "Unlock" button on the key fob.

For more, check out my other Ford Explorer DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.