Ford Escape: Bulb Replacement

Lamp assembly condensation

Exterior lamps are vented to accommodate normal changes in pressure.

Condensation can be a natural by-product of this design. When moist air enters the lamp assembly through the vents, there is a possibility that condensation can occur when the temperature is cold. When normal condensation occurs, a thin film of mist can form on the interior of the lens. The thin mist eventually clears and exits through the vents during normal operation. Clearing time may take as long as 48 hours under dry weather conditions.

Examples of acceptable condensation are:

• Presence of thin mist (no streaks, drip marks or droplets)
• Fine mist covers less than 50% of the lens
Examples of unacceptable moisture (usually caused by a lamp water leak) are:
• Water puddle inside the lamp
• Large water droplets, drip marks or streaks present on the interior of the lens

Take your vehicle to a dealer for service if any of the above conditions of unacceptable moisture are present.

Using the right bulbs

Replacement bulbs are specified in the chart below. Headlamp bulbs must be marked with an authorized “D.O.T.” for North America and an “E” for Europe to ensure lamp performance, light brightness and pattern and safe visibility. The correct bulbs will not damage the lamp assembly or void the lamp assembly warranty and will provide quality bulb burn time.

Replacing headlamp bulbs

1. Make sure the headlamp control is in the off position.
2. Open the hood.
3. Reach over the front bolster.
4. Remove the bulb by turning it counterclockwise and then pulling it straight out.

5. Disconnect the electrical connector from the bulb.

WARNING: Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep out of children’s reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base and do not touch the glass. The oil from your hand could cause the bulb to break the next time the headlamps are operated.

6. Connect the electrical connector on the new bulb.
7. Insert the glass end of the new bulb into the headlamp assembly.

When the grooves in the plastic base are aligned, turn the new bulb clockwise to install.

Replacing front parking lamp/turn signal bulbs

1. Make sure the headlamp control is in the off position.
2. Open the hood.
3. Reach over the front bolster.
4. Rotate the bulb socket counterclockwise and remove from the lamp assembly.

5. Carefully pull the bulb out of the socket and push in the new bulb.
6. Install the bulb socket into the lamp assembly and rotate clockwise.

Replacing front sidemarker bulbs

For bulb replacement, see your authorized dealer.

Replacing tail/stop/turn/backup lamp bulbs

The tail/stop/turn/sidemarker/backup lamp bulbs are located in the same portion of the tail lamp assembly, one just below the other. Follow the same steps to replace either bulb:

1. Make sure the headlamp switch is in the off position and then open the liftgate to expose the lamp assembly screws.

2. Remove the two screws from the lamp assembly.
3. Carefully remove the lamp assembly away from the vehicle by pulling the assembly straight out to expose the bulb socket. DO NOT TIP THE LAMP ASSEMBLY SIDEWAYS.
4. Rotate the bulb socket counterclockwise and remove from lamp assembly.
5. Pull bulb straight out of socket and push in the new bulb.
6. Install the bulb socket into the lamp assembly and rotate clockwise.
7. Carefully install the tail lamp assembly on the vehicle and secure with two screws.

Replacing high-mount brake lamp bulbs

1. Remove the two screws and move the lamp assembly away from the liftgate.

2. Remove the bulb holder from the lamp assembly by pressing the snaps.

3. Pull the bulb straight out of the socket and push in the new bulb.

Install the new bulbs in reverse order.

Replacing license plate lamp bulbs

1. Make sure the headlamp switch is in the off position.
2. Press the lever and carefully pry the license plate lamp assembly (located above the license plate) from the liftgate.
3. Rotate the bulb socket counterclockwise and remove from lamp assembly.

4. Pull bulb straight out of socket and push in the new bulb.
5. Install the bulb socket into the lamp assembly and rotate clockwise.
6. To install, carefully press the lamp assembly into liftgate.

Replacing fog lamp bulbs (if equipped)

1. Make sure the fog lamp switch is in the off position.
2. From underneath the vehicle, carefully disconnect the electrical connector from the bulb.
3. Remove the bulb from the lamp assembly by pulling out the bulb while squeezing the upper and lower snap clips at the same time.

Install the new bulb in reverse order.

Interior Lamps

Multi-function lever