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Tail light replacement?

Whichwaysup

Well-known member
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Dec 3, 2024
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Location
North Carolina
Current Ride
2022 Atlas Metallic Blue Tremor
Hey all, my son managed to back into my rear driverside panel, minor damage to the metal but cracked the tail light.

Over a grand new. . . Anyone have suggestions on options? Is the taillight specific to tremor trim or would I (he) be able to replace from a junkyard? 2022 3.5 eco
 
Bumping this because I have the same issue with my 2024. I was carrying a 4x6x12 at an angle in a 10 foot landscape trailer and cut it too closely when backing into the driveway. Fortunately, I only damaged the light, not the body. But, if I can get a same part number OEM from a salvage yard or dealer, is it plug and play, or are there sensors that will require Ford to access the computer to recognize a new one?
 

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Hey all, my son managed to back into my rear driverside panel, minor damage to the metal but cracked the tail light.

Over a grand new. . . Anyone have suggestions on options? Is the taillight specific to tremor trim or would I (he) be able to replace from a junkyard? 2022 3.5 eco
should be all the same as long as options match. if you have 402a with the leds/blis/etc prob look for higher optioned lariats and up. i dont think even the raptors had anything special tail light wise. they're def pricey though...was/is a problem with folks stealing the tailgate and the lights cause theyre so exp.

Bumping this because I have the same issue with my 2024. I was carrying a 4x6x12 at an angle in a 10 foot landscape trailer and cut it too closely when backing into the driveway. Fortunately, I only damaged the light, not the body. But, if I can get a same part number OEM from a salvage yard or dealer, is it plug and play, or are there sensors that will require Ford to access the computer to recognize a new one?
prob harder to find in a yard given how new that body is but likely same deal...just match options. i wouldnt think there'd be any programming to them if its 1:1 but im just 14 retarded racoons in a trash bag.


aftermarkets might be same price/little cheaper for a pair if thats a possibility
 
im just 14 retarded racoons in a trash bag

Hah. There's a danger in group think!

Thanks! I have U-Pull-Its and Coparts really close and, at least for the latter, will see if they will let me look around for some cash tomorrow.
 
Welp. It turns out that my Tremor, although it does not have the onboard scale activated, nevertheless was pre-wired and pre-sensored for it, but likely when it was on the line some component was missing so it was a "LESS" feature on the build. The tail lights are special to the package, and range from $1,200 to $2,000, if you get it from a dealer selling parts at discount online or a brick-and-mortar dealer, respectively. So, my wallet is now $1,200 lighter. I'm old enough to remember raiding wrecks at U-Pull-Its for Explorers, Sport Tracs, old F-150s, etc. How times have changed. None of the yards had stock, and one said that even if he did, folks treat them like vultures before reselling them online.
 
con - obv
pro - could prob retrofit onboard scales if ya really wanted to beat that dead wallet even more
 
Ebay is still a good resource for used parts. I was able to find a replacement LED taillight for my 2022 for around $500. Just have to be careful on shipping charges since some sellers like to build in a profit margin there.
 
Welp. It turns out that my Tremor, although it does not have the onboard scale activated, nevertheless was pre-wired and pre-sensored for it, but likely when it was on the line some component was missing so it was a "LESS" feature on the build. The tail lights are special to the package, and range from $1,200 to $2,000, if you get it from a dealer selling parts at discount online or a brick-and-mortar dealer, respectively. So, my wallet is now $1,200 lighter. I'm old enough to remember raiding wrecks at U-Pull-Its for Explorers, Sport Tracs, old F-150s, etc. How times have changed. None of the yards had stock, and one said that even if he did, folks treat them like vultures before reselling them online.
This is typical of all modern vehicles with LED headlights and taillights. The odds of one finding a good set or a set at all from such places are practically zero and if you do find some, they’re very pricey so you might as well spend a few bucks more on a brand new one or pair.
 
In the words of Jerry Springer, and now for my final thoughts (whine -- forgive me).

Tonight I replaced the taillight. Three lamps sent to the dealer, each of which bore significant shelf and/or shipping wear. All were in Ford boxes, packed inside of a plastic bag, and supported by brown paper packaging. Each of them looked like they were washed regularly with a Mr. Clean sponge. Not the dealer's fault. Dealer thought each looked bad and tried its best to get me a good one.

Whatever Ford parts does from the moment they arrive on racks to the point they are delivered to dealers is the problem. They should be wrapped in either a soft material or have protective plastic on them a'la new appliance glass/handles. The only way to get a "perfect" taillight is on your vehicle (don't ever break it!) or, as time goes on, if more of these trucks are wrecked, you might get lucky at salvage yards. Because the perfect parts seemingly only exist in the Rouge Plant; once they leave there, or are packaged to be shipped elsewhere, they look like they were removed from well-used vehicles.

Compare my old taillight, after two years, with minimal marring (passes the bright light swirl mark test; I always washed the truck with a microfiber mitt):

IMG_9060.webp


To the first replacement:

first.webp


The second:

second.webp


To the third (which, having given up, I installed):


IMG_9064.webp


IMG_9069.webp


The marks were/are consistent over each taillight, even though I highlighted only parts above.

I suppose I'd be less disappointed if the truck was a little older, if I didn't take care of it like I did, etc. And at $1,200-$2,000 for a part depending on from whom you get it, it's a lot to pay for something much less than pristine. But, it is what it is. Maybe I will write Ford to humbly suggest it do a better job protecting and preparing parts like these for shipping. On the other hand, in ten years, my truck will be crushed, melted, and turned into something else, so life goes on.

P.S. I had to transfer the BSR sensor from the old to the new. Easy -- three Torx screws and plug and play. Just be sure to properly route/tuck the tires in their holders.
 
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