I’m not a huge truck person. I never really saw the appeal of a big, brawny truck. But my husband loves them.
So when we got married and he suggested we buy an 86 F150, I went along with it. I have to admit, it’s grown on me. And one of the things I love most about it are the tail lights.
They’re so big and bright and make the truck look really tough.
If your F-150 is from 1986, then it’s time to upgrade the tail lights. Newer models have much brighter and safer tail lights, so it’s definitely worth the investment. You can find a great selection of aftermarket tail lights online, so take your pick and make your truck stand out on the road!
86 F150 Tail Light Bulb
If your 1986 Ford F-150 is equipped with a rear anti-lock braking system (ABS), the tail light bulb may be burned out. The ABS system uses a separate, dedicated bulbs for the tail lights. When one of these bulbs burns out, it will cause the ABS warning light to illuminate on the instrument panel.
You can replace the burned out bulb by following these steps:
1. Open the trunk and locate the two screws that secure the taillight assembly to the body of the car. Remove these screws with a Phillips head screwdriver and pull off the entire taillight assembly.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector from the back of the taillight assembly by depressing the tab and pulling it away from the socket.
3. Remove the two screws that secure each individual light bulb socket to the taillight housing and pull out both sockets. Be careful not to touch either bulb with your fingers, as this will cause them to burn out prematurely.
Use a paper towel or other clean cloth if necessary to handle them.
4. Insert new bulbs into each socket, being careful not to touch them with your fingers, and reattach each socket to its respective hole in Taillight housing using small Phillips head screws provided in kit . Reattach entire Taillight Housing onto vehicle using original large Phillips head screws.
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-How Do I Change a Tail Light on an 86 F150
Assuming you need to change the entire taillight assembly and not just a bulb:
1. Open your truck’s tailgate and locate the two screws that secure the taillight assembly to the truck.
2. Remove the screws with a Phillips head screwdriver and pull the assembly away from the truck.
3. Unplug the wiring harness from the back of the taillight assembly.
4. Take your new taillight assembly and line it up with the holes where you removed the old one.
5. Plug in the wiring harness to your new taillight assembly.
6. Screw in the two screws that will secure it to your truck bed.
80-96 f150 no headlights or dash lights or no taillights easy fix!
Conclusion
If you’re looking to add some style to your 86 F150, one of the best ways to do it is by upgrading your tail lights. There are a ton of different aftermarket options out there, so you can really find something that fits your personal taste. Plus, with LED technology becoming more and more popular, you can get some super bright and efficient tail lights that will really make your truck stand out on the road.