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Ford Flex Reverse Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out reverse bulb in the tail light housings of a 1st generation 2009 to 2019 Ford Flex.

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2019 Flex Tail Light Housing
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Open Tailgate Door
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Loosen Lower Screw
This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the first generation (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019) Ford Flex crossover SUV in changing a burnt out reverse (also known as the backup or back-up) bulb located in the tail light housing.

Owners of other Ford or Lincoln vehicle such as the Explorer, Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, C-Max, Mustang, Taurus, EcoSport, Escape, Edge, Expedition, Transit Connect, F-150, Ranger, MKZ, MKC, Navigator, MKX and Continental may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

The replacement miniature wedge base reverse light bulb part number is 921.

If you would like to have brighter reverse lights, install some compatible 921 LED bulbs.

If you have an earlier model year Flex, the compatible replacement bulb part numbers are as follows: Brake # 4157 or 3157, Rear Turn Signal # 4157 or 3157 and Rear Side Marker # 194.

The earliest Flex models may be equipped with 3057 brake bulbs. Please check your old burnt out light bulb before purchasing new bulbs.

The tools needed to access and replace the bulbs include an 8mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet and possibly also a plastic pry bar tool.



 

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Loosen Counterclockwise
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Second Screw Removed
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Two Bolts Removed
The first two steps are to open the rear tailgate door for the cargo area and then move to the side of the vehicle with the burnt out reverse light bulb.

Locate the two black metal screws on the inner edge of the tail light housing.

Loosen the screws by turning them in the counterclockwise direction with an 8mm socket and a 1/4" drive ratchet.

Set the two screws aside in a safe place.

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Pry Front Outer Edge
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Two Metal Pegs / Spikes
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Pull Off Tail Light Housing
The tail light housing is still held in place to the rear corner of the car by two metal pegs or "spikes" that are inserted into plastic grommets attached to the rear quarter panel.

You may need to use a plastic pry bar tool to loosen the two friction fasteners.

Gently pry in between the front outer edge of the tail light housing and the painted body panel.

Carefully pull the tail light housing straight off the rear corner of the SUV.

To protect the glass lens cover and the rear bumper cover from being scratched, place a towel on the bumper.

Turn over the tail light housing to access the bulb socket.

On this 2019 Flex, the brake, rear turn signal and side marker lights are LED bulbs that should last the life time of the vehicle.

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1/4 Turn Counterclockwise
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Remove Bulb Socket
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Pull Out Old Bulb
Rotate the grey plastic reverse light bulb socket 1/4 turn in the counterclockwise direction before pulling it straight out of the housing.

Gently pull the old light bulb straight out of the socket.

You may need to slightly wiggle the bulb while pulling it straight out.

The original OEM light bulb in this 2019 Flex was a Toshiba 921.



 

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Push In New Light Bulb
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1/4 Turn Clockwise - Lock
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Plastic Grommet
Push a new 921 light bulb straight into the socket.

If you would like to have brighter reverse lights, install some compatible replacement 921 LED bulbs.

One of the plastic grommets came out of the body panel when I removed the tail light housing.

So I pulled it off the metal peg and pushed it back into place on the vehicle.

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Push Grommet In Place
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Two Pegs & Grommets
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Slide On Tail Light Housing
Line up the two metal pegs on the back side of the housing with their corresponding white plastic grommets on the body panel.

Slide the tail light housing back into place and secure the two friction fasteners.

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Tighten Clockwise
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Replace 2nd Screw
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Tail Light Bulb Replaced
Replace the two screws and tighten them in the clockwise direction with the 8mm socket and a 1/4" drive ratchet until they are snug.

Try to avoid over tightening the screws to prevent from cracking the plastic inner edge of the housing.

Be sure to record the bulb change in your vehicle's service records.

Please check out all of my Ford Flex DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.
 

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