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Replace light bulb

Tiny
KENNI
  • MEMBER
  • 1986 FORD E-SERIES VAN
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
Need to replace the front passenger side turn bulb on a 1986 Ford E150 Econoline van; it is burned out. Can't find easy access. Must I remove the battery in order to get access to this bulb in order to replace it? Thanks. - Ken -
Thursday, May 26th, 2022 AT 1:59 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

It has been a while since I've done one. However, if I recall correctly, there should be two screws holding the assembly to the vehicle. If you remove them, the assembly will come off and then you can access the bult.

Take a look at pic 1 below. I have arrows pointing to where I believe the screws are located. Check if I'm correct.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Thursday, May 26th, 2022 AT 7:43 PM
Tiny
KENNI
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hello Joe,

Attached is a photo of the 1986 Econoline front end. As you can see, the front light does not match up with the photo that you emailed. Your photo must be a different model or year. Please give this another shot using the new photo. Thanks. - Ken -
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Thursday, May 26th, 2022 AT 10:31 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Ken, you're right. That was a 96. Sorry about that. This one either requires the battery removal or the front grille. The lens assembly is clipped to the rear of the grill.

I attached what it looks like from the rear.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Friday, May 27th, 2022 AT 8:35 PM
Tiny
KENNI
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  • 4 POSTS
Hi Joe,

I'm going to try dropping the grille first; that approach looks a lot easier than removing the battery. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks. - Ken -
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Saturday, May 28th, 2022 AT 12:05 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Ken,

Let me know how things turn out for you. There are a lot of screws at the bottom and if I recall, there is one that is somewhat hidden to the left and slightly below the Ford emblem.

Let me know if you get it.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, May 28th, 2022 AT 8:53 PM
Tiny
KENNI
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
May 31
Hi Joe,

Today I easily replaced the burned-out bulb on the driver's side. Once I did that and tested the turn lights, much to my surprise, both worked! So that means that the passenger side turn light was not burned-out, only the driver's side turn light was burned-out. So, I lucked out by not having to remove the battery or the grille to replace the passenger side bulb, at least for now. As we both know, due to the age of this Ford, when one light burns out, the other can't be far behind. So basically, I am putting off the battery removal project until the passenger side light burns out. Thanks for your help! - Ken -
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Tuesday, May 31st, 2022 AT 5:25 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Ken,

That's good news. Hopefully, there won't be any issues requiring replacement. However, if your luck is like mine, what you said is correct. It will burn out tomorrow. LOL

Regardless, I'm glad to know it's resolved. Please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome here.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, May 31st, 2022 AT 8:58 PM

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