Buy Ford F-150 Heritage Tail Light Assembly
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Right Passenger Tail Light for Ford F-150 1997-2003, F-Super Duty 1999-2007, Lens and Housing, Halogen, F-150/F-150 Heritage, Stepside, Replacement
OEM #F85Z13404CA, Partslink #: FO2801117 -
Tail Light for Ford F-150 (1997-2003) / F-Super Duty (1999-2007), Left Driver, Lens and Housing, Halogen, F-150/F-150 Heritage, Stepside, Replacement
OEM #F85Z13405CA, Partslink #: FO2800117 -
Tail Light for Ford F-150 2001-2004, F-150 Heritage 2004 Crew Cab, Left Driver, Lens and Housing, Excludes Lightning Models, Replacement
High-Quality TYC/DEPO-brand item; OEM #YL3Z13405AA, Partslink #: FO2800178 -
Tail Light for Ford F-150 2001-2004, Right Passenger Side, Lens and Housing, Flareside, Regular/Super Cab, Compatible with Lightning Model, Replacement
High-Quality TYC/DEPO-brand item; OEM #1L3Z13404CA, Partslink #: FO2801167 -
Tail Light Lens and Housing for 2001-2004 Ford F-150, Flareside, Regular/Super Cab, with Lightning Model, Left Driver Side, Replacement
High-Quality TYC/DEPO-brand item; OEM #1L3Z13405CA, Partslink #: FO2800167 -
Tail Light Right Passenger for Ford F-150 2001-2004, F-150 Heritage 2004 Only, Lens and Housing, Excludes Lightning Models, Crew Cab, Replacement
High-Quality TYC/DEPO-brand item; OEM #YL3Z13404AA, Partslink #: FO2801178
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Ford F-150 Heritage tail lights are simple to service yet packed with details that matter for safety, style, and long-term savings. The 2004-only Heritage body uses a two-bolt rear lamp that accepts 3156/3157 bulbs, meets federal red-light rules, and can be upgraded to quick-glowing LEDs for faster brake-light reaction time.
Overview
The Heritage trim was sold only for model year 2004 as the last version of Ford's 10th-generation F-150, so its tail light assembly is unique to that single year (Wikipedia). The lamp has a red stop/park chamber, a clear reverse section, and two twist-lock bulb sockets.
Compatibility
- Fits all 2004 F-150 Heritage beds and trims, both Styleside and Flareside.
- Does not interchange with 2004-2008 11th-generation F-150 or later models.
- Uses 3156/3157 dual-filament bulbs for stop/turn/tail and 3156 single-filament for reverse lights (XenonPro).
Features
- Impact-resistant polycarbonate lens and molded ABS housing resist cracking (Plastics News).
- Factory gasket helps seal out rain, but keep an eye on micro-cracks that can let moisture in (NHTSA).
- Meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108 red-light color rule (NHTSA).
Materials
Polycarbonate is light, clear, and recyclable; new grades now contain up to 75 % post-consumer content (Plastics News). Housings are usually black ABS or polypropylene, both of which can be ground and reused in auto parts (Recycling Today).
Bulb Types
| Function | Standard bulb | Notes |
| Tail/Brake/Turn | 3157 or 4057 | Dual-filament halogen (XenonPro) |
| Reverse | 3156 or 912 | Single-filament |
| High-mount stop (cab light) | 921 | Separate unit |
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LED replacements light up about 0.25 seconds faster than incandescent bulbs, giving following drivers extra stopping time (ResearchGate, ResearchGate).
Installation
- Lower the tailgate.
- Remove the two 8 mm (or T-25 Torx) screws on the lamp edge.
- Pull the tail lamp straight back-plastic pegs release from grommets (YouTube).
- Twist bulb sockets counter-clockwise and transfer to the new lamp.
- Re-insert assembly; snug the screws-hand-tight is fine; overtightening can crack plastic (F150 Forum).
- Test all lights before closing the tailgate.
Maintenance
AAA recommends a monthly walk-around to be sure every rear light works (AAA). Replace burned-out bulbs right away; a dark tail lamp can draw traffic-tickets and raises crash risk.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
| Fast turn-signal flash | LED bulbs trigger truck's bulb-out logic | Add load-resistor or LED-compatible flasher (F150 Forum) |
| Water inside lens | Gasket leak or micro-crack | Dry lamp, replace gasket, or swap lamp (NHTSA) |
| No lights at all | Blown fuse or bad ground | Check fuse #14 (15 A) and clean chassis ground (F150 Forum) |
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Regulations
- FMVSS 108 requires red light output and prohibits extra lamps that reduce required lamp effectiveness (NHTSA, Federal Register).
- Texas Transportation Code §547.322 says each tail lamp must be visible 1,000 ft at night (Texas Statutes). State rules are similar nationwide-check your local DMV.
For federal safety info and open recalls, visit the NHTSA lookup page with your VIN.
Custom Upgrades
- LED conversions cut power draw and improve reaction time. Use CAN-bus-ready bulbs or add resistors.
- Smoked or clear lenses are popular but must still show red light to the rear to stay legal (NHTSA).
- Sequential turn modules are allowed if they do not dim required lamp area (NHTSA, NHTSA).
Safety
NHTSA research shows poor rear visibility contributes to backup crashes in large trucks like the F-150 (NHTSA). A working, bright tail lamp helps drivers behind you see braking sooner and reduces rear-end collisions.
Environmental Impact
A U.S. life-cycle study found LED lamps cut energy use and greenhouse gases compared with halogens (Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy). When you upgrade, recycle the old plastic lamp-many local recycling centers accept automotive lighting made from PC or ABS (Plastics News).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What years does the Heritage tail lamp fit?
A: Only the 2004 F-150 Heritage uses this exact rear light (Wikipedia).
Q: Which bulbs go in the lamp?
A: Use 3157 (or 4057) for tail/stop/turn and 3156 for reverse (XenonPro).
Q: Can I switch to LEDs?
A: Yes-choose 3157-LED bulbs and add resistors to stop hyper-flash (F150 Forum).
Q: How do I stop the fast-blinking turn signal?
A: Install an LED-ready flasher relay or 6-ohm resistors on the turn-signal wires .
Q: Do I need special tools?
A: Just a T-25 Torx or 8 mm socket and a Phillips screwdriver for bulb swap (YouTube).
Q: How tight should the screws be?
A: Hand-tight; overtightening can crack the plastic housing (F150 Forum).
Q: How do I check for water leaks?
A: Look for fogging or drops inside the lens after a wash; if present, dry and reseal or replace (NHTSA).
Q: Is tinting my tail lamp legal?
A: Only if the red light is still visible 1,000 ft at night per most state laws (Texas Statutes).
Q: How often should I inspect the rear lights?
A: Do a quick light check every month, says AAA (AAA).
Q: Are LEDs better for the battery?
A: Yes-they draw less power and last longer than halogen bulbs (Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy).
Q: Can I recycle the old tail lamp?
A: Yes-polycarbonate and ABS can go to plastic recycling centers (Plastics News).
Q: What if my dash shows "bulb out" but lights work?
A: The truck senses resistance; add a resistor or restore halogen bulbs to clear the alert (F150 Forum).
Q: Does the lamp come in left and right versions?
A: Yes-driver and passenger sides are mirror-image parts; check mounting tabs before purchase (YouTube).
Q: How bright must the lamp be?
A: Federal rule FMVSS 108 sets minimum candlepower; any DOT-marked lamp meets that requirement (NHTSA).
Q: Where can I find official service info?
A: See the Ford 2004 F-150 Heritage Owner Manual for wiring and bulb data.
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