[Greg01]

in proccess of doing this, anyone who has done this knows this is 10x as complicated as it should be!!! plus it's a dirt collection area right behind the emblem and plastic molding, this is like an hour long job! just warning people if they want to replace a bulb to have nice ratchet set handy and cleaning supplies

 

[penguin]

Well, Ford must have realized this and fixed it since 2001 as the instructions for the 2005 models is rather simple:

Replacing license plate lamp bulbs:

1. Make sure the headlamp control
is in the OFF position.

2. Insert a flathead screwdriver in
the recess and pry out the complete
light assembly.

3. Pull the bulb straight out.

(From the 2005 Owners Manual)

 

[S2]

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4742

 

[bigjordan]

i just changed the bulbs on my 2000 and it took about 5 minutes (and no ratcheting)