Buy Ford Transit Connect Tail Light Assembly

Key Points

The Ford Transit Connect tail light-also called a tail lamp, rear light, brake light, stop lamp, or rear combination lamp-keeps you visible to traffic and shows when you brake or signal. It mounts high on the van's D-pillars, uses red and clear lenses, and meets U.S. safety rule FMVSS 108 for color and brightness. (eCFR) Models from 2010-2023 share the same basic job, but housing shape, bulb type, and wiring differ by generation. Owner-manual instructions confirm that bulbs are replaceable at home with simple tools. (Ford Service Content, Ford Service Content)

Fitment Years

• Gen 1 (2010-2013) - Tall, narrow lamp; separate turn-signal bulb.
• Gen 2 pre-facelift (2014-2018) - Wider lens wraps onto quarter panel.
• Gen 2 facelift (2019-2023) - Same mounting points; updated reflector pattern. Production of U.S. vans ends after MY 2023. (Car and Driver)

What It Does

A tail light assembly bundles three main jobs:

1. Running light shines red whenever headlights are on.
2. Stop light glows brighter red when you hit the brake.
3. Turn/flash and hazard blink amber or red to show direction.
   It also holds reflectors that bounce head-lamp beams back at night so the van can be seen if bulbs fail-another FMVSS 108 rule. (eCFR)

Parts & Materials

The outer lens is impact-tough polycarbonate, the same Lexan™ resin used on many modern vehicles for UV resistance and clarity. (SABIC, SABIC) Inside, chrome-plated plastic bowls focus light. A butyl rubber seal keeps water out, but leaks can appear if the gasket is pinched or the lamp is cracked. (Ford Transit USA Forum)

Safety Rules

• Color: Rear lamps must shine red; turn signals may be red or amber. (eCFR)
• Height: Mounting height must sit 15-72 inches above the road.
• Visibility: Light must be visible 500 ft at night with clear weather.
  Breaking these rules can lead to inspection failure or traffic stops.

Common Problems

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Real-world posts show water leaks at the lamp and roof joints on some vans; resealing solves most cases. (Ford Transit USA Forum)

Bulbs & LEDs

• Gen 1 (2010-13): Incandescent 1157/7506 dual-filament bulbs.
• Gen 2 (2014-23): Compact wedge 7443 bulbs. (Ford Service Content)
  Switching to LED saves energy and lights up about 0.2 seconds faster, giving drivers behind you extra stopping distance. (Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, SAE International) When retrofitting LEDs, add resistors so the body control module reads the correct load.

Install Steps

1. Open rear door and remove two Torx-T25 screws on the inside edge.
2. Pull lamp straight back; nylon clips release with firm pressure.
3. Twist bulb holders counter-clockwise and lift out.
4. Swap bulbs or move harness to new housing.
5. Press lamp in until clips click; reinstall screws to 2 N·m. A 5-minute video shows the whole process on a 2022 van. (YouTube)

Care Tips

• Wash lens with car-wash soap; avoid harsh solvents that cloud plastic.
• Apply a UV-protectant wipe twice a year to slow yellowing. (SABIC)
• After any collision, check for hairline cracks-water can short bulbs.
• Keep spare bulbs and a Torx driver in the glovebox for road trips.

Legal Mods

Smoked covers or spray tints must still pass the 500-foot visibility rule and cannot reduce red output below DOT minimums. Several states ban "blue-dot" inserts on modern daily drivers. (Semasan, Semasan, Semasan) Always verify local code before tinting.

Eco & Recycling

LED upgrades cut tail-light power draw by up to 80 % versus incandescent lamps, lowering alternator load and saving fuel. (Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy) Polycarbonate housings can be recycled into new auto parts-many suppliers now offer take-back programs to reduce plastic waste. (SABIC)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which years of Ford Transit Connect use the same tail light?
A: 2014-2023 lamps interchange; 2010-2013 is different. (Ford Service Content, Car and Driver)

Q: How do I know if my bulb is 7443 or 1157?
A: Check your build year: 2014-up uses wedge 7443; 2010-2013 uses round 1157. The numbers are molded on the bulb base. (Ford Service Content)

Q: Can I drive with a cracked rear lamp?
A: It is legal only if red light and reflectors still work, but moisture will ruin bulbs quickly-replace as soon as possible. (eCFR)

Q: Will LED bulbs cause hyper-flash?
A: Yes, unless you add load resistors or use CAN-bus-ready LEDs that mimic original resistance. (SAE International)

Q: Are there recalls for Transit Connect tail lights?
A: No tail-lamp-specific recall is listed, but always run your VIN on the NHTSA site to check for open safety actions. (NHTSA)

Q: How tight should I make the screws?
A: Just snug-about 2 N·m (hand-tight with a 3-inch screwdriver). Over-tightening can crack the housing. (Ford Service Content)

Q: Is tail-light tint legal?
A: Only if the lamp still meets FMVSS 108 visibility. Some states fine drivers if red light is dimmed or lenses look darker than stock. (Semasan)

Q: Why does my lamp fog up after rain?
A: A pinhole or loose bulb cap lets moist air in; warming from the bulb makes condensation. Remove lamp, dry it, and reseal with clear silicone. (Ford Transit USA Forum)

Q: Can I recycle the old assembly?
A: Yes-many municipal centers accept automotive plastics, or ask local body-shops that collect lamps for recycling. (SABIC)

Use these facts to help visitors choose, install, and care for their Ford Transit Connect rear light assembly with confidence.