The blinker in a Ford Escape is commonly known as a directional bulb or a turn signal bulb. Replacing a front one when it burns out is a seemingly tedious task that only someone with miniature hands and fingers could accomplish successfully in the allotted amount of room to work in. But the bulbs can be replaced by disassembling some components and you can save some time and money by doing the project yourself.
How to Replace a Ford Escape Front Blinker
Step 1
Turn the steering wheel of the Ford Escape all the way to the right if you're replacing the left front blinker (turn signal) bulb or all the way to the left if it is the front right bulb. Turn off the ignition and be sure the light switch is in the off position.
Step 3
Locate then remove the two bumper assembly bolts at the top of the headlight assembly using the nut driver.
Step 4
Remove the three wheel well splash skirt retaining clips using the two screwdrivers. Turn the Phillips head plastic screw in the center counterclockwise ¼ turn to release it. Then pop the entire retaining clip out of the skirt using the flathead screwdriver.
Step 5
Push the bumper assembly forward slightly to locate and remove the remaining bolts holding the bottom of the headlight assembly from the wheel well area using the nut driver.
Step 6
Extract the headlight assembly from the front enough to access the turn signal light socket.
Step 7
Turn the socket counterclockwise ¼ turn to remove the socket from the headlight assembly.
Step 8
Pull the spent bulb out of the socket and insert the new bulb. Turn the lights on and test the blinker bulb to make sure it's working before putting everything back together.
Step 9
Reverse the procedure to reinstall the turn signal socket, headlight assembly and wheel well splash skirt.
References
Things You'll Need
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- 10 millimeter nut driver
- Bulb replacement
Writer Bio
Jody L. Campbell spent over 15 years as both a manager and an under-car specialist in the automotive repair industry. Prior to that, he managed two different restaurants for over 15 years. Campbell began his professional writing career in 2004 with the publication of his first book.
More Articles
We're offline for a tune-up, we'll be up and running smoothly very soon.
In the meantime, here are some other options available:
Visit an
Advance Auto Parts store
Sign up for
SpeedPerks Rewards
View us on Social Media
Facebook/Twitter/Blog
We appreciate your patience – for your next visit:
15% off
your next purchase.
Some exclusions apply.
Enter coupon code: in shopping cart.
We look forward to serving you,
The Advance Team
Ford Escape Front Turn Signal & Fog Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out front turn signal or fog light bulb in the bumper cover of a 3rd generation 2013-2016 Ford Escape.
2015 Escape Turn & Fog
Plastic Wheel Well Liner
Loosen Counterclockwise
This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the 3rd generation (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and perhaps also the updated 2017 model year) Ford Escape SUV in changing a burnt out front turn signal, fog or parking light bulb located in the bumper cover.
Owners of other Ford or Lincoln vehicles such as the Focus, Fusion, C-Max, Mustang, Fiesta, Transit Connect, Edge, Flex, Explorer, Expedition, Taurus, F-150, EcoSport, MKC, MKZ, MKS, MKX, MKT and the Navigator may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.
The replacement light bulb part numbers are as follows: Front Turn Signal # 7440A, Fog Light # 9145 or H10 and Front Parking Light # 194NA or 194A.
The only tools needed to access and replace the bulbs is a 7mm socket and a 1/4" drive ratcheting wrench.
Six 7mm Screws Removed
Pull Back Splash Guard
Base of Fog Light Bulb The first step is to turn the steering wheel all the way in the opposite direction of the burnt out light bulb.
Turning the front wheels will create more working room in the wheel well.
Loosen the six screws along the outer edge of the black plastic wheel well liner or "splash guard" by turning them counterclockwise with the 7mm socket and 1/4" drive ratcheting wrench.
Set the screws aside in a safe place.
You may also want to pry out the black plastic pop rivet friction fastener located on the underside of the bumper cover.
Gently pull back the wheel well liner from the front quarter panel to access the rear of the light housing.
Disconnect Power Plug
1/4 Turn Counterclockwise
Fog Light Bulb Removed The Fog Light bulb is located at the outer edge of the housing.
Gently pull back the retaining clip on the electrical connector before sliding the power plug straight off the base of the old bulb.
Rotate the base of the old fog light bulb 1/4 turn counterclockwise and pull it straight out of the housing.
Sylvania H10 9145
Parking Light Bulb Socket
Pull Out Old 194NA Try to avoid touching the glass part of the new halogen bulb with your fingers or anything greasy in the engine bay.
If you do get the new fog light bulb dirty, wipe it clean with an alcohol moistened paper towel.
The Front Parking Light bulb socket is located at the middle of the housing.
Rotate the small grey bulb socket 1/4 turn counterclockwise before pulling it straight out of the assembly.
Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket and push in a new amber colored number 194NAor 194A bulb.
If you would like to have brighter parking lights, install some compatible replacement 194NA LED bulbs.
Install New Fog Light Bulb
1/4 Turn Clockwise
Push On Electrical Connector The Front Turn Signal light bulb socket is located closer to the inner edge of the housing just past the parking light.
I did not replace the turn signal bulb and the process is not shown on this page.
But the procedure is the same as for the parking light. Rotate the base of the turn signal light bulb socket 1/4 turn counterclockwise, pull the old bulb straight out of the socket and push in a new amber colored # 7440Aor 7440NA.
Re-insert the turn signal bulb socket in to the housing and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to lock it in place.
Re-insert the front parking light bulb socket and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to lock it in place.
Insert the new 9145fog light bulb in to the housing and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it in place.
Push the power plug straight on to the base of the new fog light bulb until it clicks securely in to place.
Replace Wheel Well Liner
Line Up Bottom Pop Rivet
Push In Plastic Fastener Push the plastic wheel well liner back in to place.
If you removed the pop rivet from the underside of the bumper cover, gently push it back in to place.
Tighten 7mm Screws
Six Screws Replaced
Test New Light Bulbs Re-insert the six 7mm screws and tighten them in the clockwise direction until they are snug.
To test the new bulbs, turn on the headlights, activate the fog light switch and turn on the hazard signals.
For more, check out my other
2013-2016 Ford Escape DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.