Easier and Safer Side Marker Removal

[A.Bursell]

Have seen threads and videos that show various forms of using pry tools on the outside (against the paint!) and opening up wheelwells to get to the side markers. Going through the wheel well works fine on the right side, but the left side is difficult - and then more threads about using a screwdriver and angling it and trying to feel for the clips, etc. These are all do-able, but I think there's a better way.

Don't think I've seen this done before, but here's my method that I stumbled on by accident. This works on my EB Lariat non-FX4, cannot say for sure on Hybrid or other variants, but I believe it will be the same.

• Remove the underbody shield. This will vary by truck, but you want access to the underneath side as if you were doing an oil change. Or, wait until your next oil change - even easier.
• Use a flashlight and look up underneath to either side. You will be able to see the backside of the side markers. They are gray on the back side and should be easy to make out. Note the V-shaped clip toward the front. The pointed end of the V is toward you and it acts as a clip that spreads to hold the marker in place. They are too far away to reach and it gets tight, but you can see them.
• Obtain a long pry-tool with a flat edge, like a pry bar or screwdriver. Want it to be something like 24" long.
• Use the pry tool to push the V-clip toward the back of the truck. You don't need to close it all the way, just put some pressure on it pushing back as well as pushing out at the same time. The marker should pop out at the front.
• When you come out from under the truck, just slide the marker out from the clip at the back and you are good to go.
• Installation is just sliding the back side of the marker in first and popping the v-clip in at the front.

Hope this is helpful and saves some scraped skin (and paint!).

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[RDRahn]

Here's a good video that is a whole lot easier than what is described previously...



By the way, where else is this? In the Maverick manual, of course

 

[A.Bursell]

Here's a good video that is a whole lot easier than what is described previously...

By the way, where else is this? In the Maverick manual, of course

I think I covered that and was explaining a different way.

By the way, the service manual describes going in through the wheel wells vs. prying on the bumper. I guess Ford doesn't want their techs doing damage, but they are ok with owners doing it?

 

[Brixil]

I think I covered that and was explaining a different way.

By the way, the service manual describes going in through the wheel wells vs. prying on the bumper. I guess Ford doesn't want their techs doing damage, but they are ok with owners doing it?

Have seen threads and videos that show various forms of using pry tools on the outside (against the paint!) and opening up wheelwells to get to the side markers. Going through the wheel well works fine on the right side, but the left side is difficult - and then more threads about using a screwdriver and angling it and trying to feel for the clips, etc. These are all do-able, but I think there's a better way.

Don't think I've seen this done before, but here's my method that I stumbled on by accident. This works on my EB Lariat non-FX4, cannot say for sure on Hybrid or other variants, but I believe it will be the same.

• Remove the underbody shield. This will vary by truck, but you want access to the underneath side as if you were doing an oil change. Or, wait until your next oil change - even easier.
• Use a flashlight and look up underneath to either side. You will be able to see the backside of the side markers. They are gray on the back side and should be easy to make out. Note the V-shaped clip toward the front. The pointed end of the V is toward you and it acts as a clip that spreads to hold the marker in place. They are too far away to reach and it gets tight, but you can see them.
• Obtain a long pry-tool with a flat edge, like a pry bar or screwdriver. Want it to be something like 24" long.
• Use the pry tool to push the V-clip toward the back of the truck. You don't need to close it all the way, just put some pressure on it pushing back as well as pushing out at the same time. The marker should pop out at the front.
• When you come out from under the truck, just slide the marker out from the clip at the back and you are good to go.
• Installation is just sliding the back side of the marker in first and popping the v-clip in at the front.

Hope this is helpful and saves some scraped skin (and paint!).

Not sure why you made a separate thread for this. I'm guessing removing the lower underbody shield is about equal to removing the wheel well liner. I will agree releasing the side marker from either the underside or via the wheel well is better than trying to force it loose from the front and risking damage to the bumper.

Also just want to specify my personal experience on reaching around to remove the side marker on the driver side via the wheel well was incredibly simple. You're reaching a grand total of like 6" into the wheel well and its pretty obvious what your moving with a screwdriver so I think anyone competent enough to hold a screwdriver could figure it out in under a minute.

 

[FunctionSpec]

Here's a good video that is a whole lot easier than what is described previously...



By the way, where else is this? In the Maverick manual, of course

I used this method, it is way easier but it does leave little indentation marks on the bumper where you pry on even when using a plastic trim tool (shows up on the video if you look closely). They can easily be smoothed out though by using your fingers on a hot day lol..

 

[A.Bursell]

Not sure why you made a separate thread for this. I'm guessing removing the lower underbody shield is about equal to removing the wheel well liner. I will agree releasing the side marker from either the underside or via the wheel well is better than trying to force it loose from the front and risking damage to the bumper.

Also just want to specify my personal experience on reaching around to remove the side marker on the driver side via the wheel well was incredibly simple. You're reaching a grand total of like 6" into the wheel well and its pretty obvious what your moving with a screwdriver so I think anyone competent enough to hold a screwdriver could figure it out in under a minute.

I made a separate thread because I haven't seen this posted anywhere and I thought it worth sharing. I think I explained that already too.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Apparently there are lots of incompetent people here who have struggled with the left side, myself included. So I guess this thread could be to help those of us who aren't up to your level of screwdriver holding.

 

[Brixil]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Apparently there are lots of incompetent people here who have struggled with the left side, myself included. So I guess this thread could be to help those of us who aren't up to your level of screwdriver holding.

Honestly with how easy it was I think this speaks more clearly on your ability than anyone else's. You do you though.

 

[White Thunder]

Have seen threads and videos that show various forms of using pry tools on the outside (against the paint!) and opening up wheelwells to get to the side markers. Going through the wheel well works fine on the right side, but the left side is difficult - and then more threads about using a screwdriver and angling it and trying to feel for the clips, etc. These are all do-able, but I think there's a better way.

Don't think I've seen this done before, but here's my method that I stumbled on by accident. This works on my EB Lariat non-FX4, cannot say for sure on Hybrid or other variants, but I believe it will be the same.

• Remove the underbody shield. This will vary by truck, but you want access to the underneath side as if you were doing an oil change. Or, wait until your next oil change - even easier.
• Use a flashlight and look up underneath to either side. You will be able to see the backside of the side markers. They are gray on the back side and should be easy to make out. Note the V-shaped clip toward the front. The pointed end of the V is toward you and it acts as a clip that spreads to hold the marker in place. They are too far away to reach and it gets tight, but you can see them.
• Obtain a long pry-tool with a flat edge, like a pry bar or screwdriver. Want it to be something like 24" long.
• Use the pry tool to push the V-clip toward the back of the truck. You don't need to close it all the way, just put some pressure on it pushing back as well as pushing out at the same time. The marker should pop out at the front.
• When you come out from under the truck, just slide the marker out from the clip at the back and you are good to go.
• Installation is just sliding the back side of the marker in first and popping the v-clip in at the front.

Hope this is helpful and saves some scraped skin (and paint!).

You don’t want to use anything metal. This is the tool I used. Kind of came in a kit with five different pry tools. Pops out real easy.

 

[Oscarcat]

I save old credit cards to use as pry tools. Some are thicker and stiffer than others. You can trim the card to fit this situation. A wider surface spreads out the force more than the pry tool shown in the video.

I have not replaced my side marker lights but when I do, I will put a double strip of blue painters tape down before prying.

 

[White Thunder]

Here's a good video that is a whole lot easier than what is described previously...



By the way, where else is this? In the Maverick manual, of course

this is what I used with a micro fiber towel. No scratches.

 

[RDRahn]

this is what I used with a micro fiber towel. No scratches.

I have the same tool and it does work without an issue.

 

[whit]

Wheel well. Best and safest way. Ask me how I know. Lol. Prying on the side. Especially when there super tight on some vehicles. Doesn’t work.

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