How to Replace Interior Reading Lamps on a Ford F-150 Truck
Ford F-150 trucks come equipped with reading lamps that are mounted either in the center roof console unit near the windshield, or small lighting units over both the passenger and driver's seats. Each lamp is controlled by its own switch and is often wired in as the door light too. The light bulbs in each lamp will eventually burn out, and you will need to know how to replace them so you can still read your maps, blueprints or newspaper while you wait for the day to begin. The process is easy and takes about 10 minutes.
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Things You'll Need
- Flat head screwdriver (optional)
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Replacement bulb
Instructions
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1
Make sure that the interior reading lamps are switched off. If the reading lamp doubles as an interior light that comes on when the door is open, the doors to the truck need to be closed.
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2
Remove the lighting panel from the lamp unit. The lighting panel is the plastic shield over the light bulb. Depending on the year of your F-150 the lighting panel may be held in place by a snap frame, or it may be held in place by screws. If no screws are visible, then use a flat head screwdriver to gently pry the side of the plastic frame off the lighting panel and then pull the panel out of the clips holding it to the unit to reveal the bulb. If screws are visible, use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws and then pull the panel out of the clips.
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3
Pinch the old bulb at the base and pull it out of the socket. Some of the older F-150s have a bulb socket that you must first push the bulb into and then twist the bulb until the molded bumps on the side of the bulb line up with the release channels of the socket; only then can you pull the bulb out.
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Install your replacement bulb by reversing the method you used to remove the old one. Make sure that the bulb you have purchased is one designated as an interior light for your year Ford F-150.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't limit yourself to just getting a stock replacement bulb. Depending on your year F-150 there may be other aftermarket lighting options available including longer lasting lights, different colors and enhanced brightness.
Don't use a bulb that is not designed for your year F150. If your bulb is too powerful for the electrical system in your year truck, you could blow out the bulb or potentially cause a fire.
