How to Change the Brake Lights on a 1998 Mercury Mountaineer

Brake lights alert other drivers when you are stopping.

When a brake light fails on your 1998 Mercury Mountaineer, it is important to change it right away. Your brake lights are a warning system to alert other drivers when you are stopping or slowing down. The Mercury Mountaineer taillight assembly contains three bulbs--the turn signal, the brake light and the reverse indicator light. Buy replacement bulbs at an auto parts retailer or Mercury dealership.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver

Instructions

1. Remove the retaining screws on the taillight assembly using a Phillips screwdriver. The Mercury Mountaineer rear combination lamp has two screws at the top of the light assembly.

2. Pull the light assembly away from the body of the truck. The assembly will pull straight out. Do not pull it too far to avoid damaging the wiring harnesses.

3. Lift the retaining tabs outward on the center bulb in the light assembly. Pull the wiring harness connection straight out from the bulb socket. Rotate the socket counterclockwise and pull it straight out of the light assembly.

4. Pull the retaining clips apart and remove the bulb from the socket. The Mountaineer bulb socket requires a flat-bladed screwdriver to loosen the retaining clips.

5. Press the new bulb into position and make sure the retaining clips lock into place. Insert the bulb socket into the light assembly and twist it clockwise until it's secure.

6. Press the wiring harness connection into place until it clicks. Position the taillight assembly against the truck body and replace the retaining screws. Tighten the screws with a Phillips screwdriver until the assembly is secure.

References

• "Haynes Repair Manual Mercury Mountaineer 1991 through 2001"; Jay Storer and John H Haynes; 2005