02 Focus Wagon - Rear tail light/brake light keeps blowing bulbs. Bulb is white when removed, replacement bulb last about a week, then blows again. Any idea what the problem may be.

Try disconnecting both tail lights replace the fuse and see if it blows...if it don't connect one at a time and see what happens...also check you third brake light...

if you have just replace a tail light bulb check that it was the right bulb as the problem is a dead short
one bulb type has 2 contacts and the other has 1 contact which if placed in the wrong holder will short out the circuit and blow the fuse

remove your tail light bulbs than put in a new fuse if it does not blow it is a bulb socket put one bulb back in check the fuse if it blows remove bulb. than put bulb in other socket if it doesnt blow with new fuse you will know what socket to replace. if this was helpful please leave feedback

Replacing tail/brake/backup lights and turn signal bulbs (coupe)

1. Make sure the headlamp control

is in the OFF position and then

open the hatchback.

2. From inside the luggage

compartment remove the wing nut

of the rear light assembly cover.

3. Using a Phillips screw driver

remove the screw. The lamp is still

retained by a spring loaded clip.

Remove by gently pulling out the

light housing.

4. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise as far as possible and pull it

out.

5. Pull the bulb straight out of the socket.

Install in reverse order.

Replacing tail/brake/backup lights and turn signal bulbs (sedan)

1. Make sure the headlamp control

is in the OFF position and then

open the trunk.

2. From inside the luggage

compartment remove the three wing

nuts of the light housing.

3. Gently pull the light housing to

the outside.

4. Turn the bulb socket

counterclockwise and pull it out.

5. Pull the bulb straight out of the socket.
Install in reverse order.

Replacing tail/brake/backup lights and turn signal bulbs (wagon)

1. Make sure the headlamp control

is in the OFF position and then

open the hatchback.

2. Using a screw driver remove the

fixings and trim from the body.

3. Remove the socket from the lamp

assembly

4. Pull the bulb straight out of the

socket.
Install in reverse order.


Hope this helps.

Zeppelinx12

There is a shortage some where at the brake bulb and low beam holder. Take off the bulbs and inspect carefully those losing wires attached to the ends can cause the problem. Good luck.

1. Step 1 Determine how the bulb is accessed: On some models the lens (the red or white plastic part over the light) must be unscrewed from the outside, and on others the bulb is accessible only from inside the trunk. If there are no screws on the lens, you can assume that the bulb must be replaced from inside. Usually there will be a plastic cover that must be removed in order to access the bulb. There may be tabs, screws or small knobs that hold this plastic cover in place.
   
2. Step 2 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ jQuery('#jsArticleStep2 span.image a:first').attr('href','http://i.ehow.com/images/a00/02/i7/replace-tail-brake-1.2-800X800.jpg'); }); Unscrew the lens on the outside, or take off the plastic cover from inside the trunk, to reveal the bulb.
   
3. Step 3 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ jQuery('#jsArticleStep3 span.image a:first').attr('href','http://i.ehow.com/images/a00/02/i7/replace-tail-brake-1.3-800X800.jpg'); }); Unscrew the bulb. You'll have to push in and turn at the same time.
   
4. Step 4 Take the bulb with you to the auto supply store to help you find an exact duplicate.
   
5. Step 5 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ jQuery('#jsArticleStep5 span.image a:first').attr('href','http://i.ehow.com/images/a00/02/i7/replace-tail-brake-1.5-800X800.jpg'); }); Clean the connection with a wire brush and/or wipe it clean with a rag if there's any corrosion.
   
6. Step 6 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ jQuery('#jsArticleStep6 span.image a:first').attr('href','http://i.ehow.com/images/a00/02/i7/replace-tail-brake-1.6-800X800.jpg'); }); Screw the new bulb into the empty socket. Again, you'll have to push in and turn simultaneously. Line up the tiny raised bumps on the base of the bulb in order to screw it in.
   
7. Step 7 Replace the lens or the plastic cover.
   
8. Step 8 jQuery(document).ready(function(){ jQuery('#jsArticleStep8 span.image a:first').attr('href','http://i.ehow.com/images/a00/02/i7/replace-tail-brake-1.8-800X800.jpg'); }); Test your work by stepping on the brakes and turning on the headlights while a friend watches the new bulb to make sure it lights up.
   

check the bulbs.mine were changed and some genius put wrong bulb in and i had exact same problem as you.make sure tail/brake bulb has double steel connectors.my drivers side one had bulb with single connector,i put new bulbs in both sides and problem fixed.hope this helps mate

1 - are you SURE theyre the right bulbs! - if theyre too bright they can blow the fuse, if theyre the wrong type of bulb they will blow the fuse.. best get the bulbs direct from ford, they are always in stock, so are the proper fuses.
2 - theres a center brakelight isnt there? check this bulb too for proper wattage and size/shape
Other than that maybe the wiring in the boot is damaged and shorting?? -----
Leave feedback good or bad.

The tail lights in my sister's '90s Subaru had a similar problem, and nobody could diagnose it, so she just kept a bunch of fuses in the car. (When she replaced a fuse, it would be a while before it blew again -- days, weeks or even months).
In your case, there's a continuous short circuit somewhere. I'd start with the tail lights themselves -- remove the bulb on one side, replace the fuse, then test. If the other bulb lights and the fuse didn't blow, you know the problem is in the wiring to the bulb you removed. If the fuse DID blow, replace the bulb, remove the bulb from the other light, replace the fuse and test again. Examine the wires carefully looking for nicks or bare insulation.
If the fuse fails whichever bulb is installed (or even if no bulbs!), then the short circuit is probably at the fuse box connectors for those wires, or inside the fuse box itself.
I assume you're talking about the tail lights that turn on and off with the headlights. If you're talking about the brake lights, the test procedure is the same, but don't forget about the high-mounted center brake light, if your car has one.

Open the rear tailgate There are 2 screws that hold light housing in place.. Remove the screws then pull the housing outwards till the clip behind it springs. You then need to knock the housing sideways (outwards) to free the 2 prongs that attach housing to the car body.
Unclip the rear housing from the back of the light unit & change the bulb.