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How to replace your trunk tail lights on a 2017+ Fusion (to upgrade to Level 3 trunk tail lamps).
Note: This has been updated with 2019 Fusion part numbers
For those unfamiliar, this is the difference between Level 1 inner tail lights (bottom picture, stock on Sport models) and Level 3 inner tail lights (top - upgraded for the Sport, stock on Titanium and Platinum).
![]()
There is no software programming involved in this swap, just hardware.
--------
1) First, you'll need the right parts
a) Tail lights:
MY '17-18:
-- HS7Z-13405-H
-- HS7Z-13404-H
-- Older stock may end in -B. Just make sure parts say "Level 3" if ordering new.
MY '19:
-- KS7Z-13404-G
-- KS7Z-13405-K
-- Older stock may end in -B, -E, or -G. Just make sure parts say "Level 3" if ordering new.
b) Trunk lid wire harness:
MY '17-'18: HG9Z-17K400-B
MY '19: KG9Z-17K400-H
c) Interior trim tools are strongly recommended to preserve your clips & rivets: such as these.
--------
2) Start by removing the trim & carpeting
a) Remove the two pop rivets circled in green. Lift your trunk floor, then pull the entire trim peice off (towards the inside of the trunk / away from you).
![]()
b) On the driver's side, unscrew the cargo net anchors (blue) and use your trim tools to pull out the push rivet (red). Pull the carpeting away from you to reveal your VDM. We'll come back here later.
![]()
c) Remove the trunk lid liner by removing all 7 push rivets (blue).
![]()
d) Optionally, you can remove the trunk handle cover if you plan to remove the handle (if you have one). I did not, as I was able to easily just hold the cover out of my way for a minute. To do this, you'll have to remove the top screw (blue), then remove the second screw (green, hidden in image but directly behind where the green circle is).
![]()
e) Pull back (or remove) the trunk liner. Again, I was able to squeeze behind the liner leaving it just like this.
![]()
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3) Replace the tail lights
a) Remove the chrome strip. Use a wedge trim removal tool (I also wrapped it in a paper towel to keep from scratching), and pry the chrome strip out of the tail lights. It is held in by clips. It takes some force, but it'll start to pop out towards you.
I only removed the two clips on each tail lights and was able to slightly bend the strip (with no adverse effects) to slide the tail lights out to the side, but the middle part is held in with the same style clips.
![]()
b) Unplug the reverse bulb connectors.
c) Remove the 3 screws holding each tail light to the trunk
![]()
d) Install your new tail light assemblies & chrome trim (you won't be able to plug in the lights yet).
--------
4) Replace the wire harness
a) Start by unplugging the wire harness from around the VDM. We are replacing the wire that you see running along the trunk hinge. Follow it to the connector and disconnect it.
![]()
b) Plug in the new harness to where you just disconnected it.
c) Start replacing the harness inside the trunk. Work down the line up-clipping the harness from the body/trunk one clip at a time (red arrows), while securing the new harness to the car after each section of the old one you remove. You will end at the passenger-side tail light.
Be sure to plug in each connector as you go. The only different connectors are the two that connect to the tail lights. The trunk button, backup camera, and trunk latch are all the same.
![]()
--------
5) After everything is connected, turn on your headlights or parking lights to make sure the trunk lights are lit up. If they are not, double check each connector is plugged in all the way. As stated above, no programming is needed.
6) Reinstall all your carpeting & trim.
7) Enjoy your new classy rear end
Note: This has been updated with 2019 Fusion part numbers
For those unfamiliar, this is the difference between Level 1 inner tail lights (bottom picture, stock on Sport models) and Level 3 inner tail lights (top - upgraded for the Sport, stock on Titanium and Platinum).
There is no software programming involved in this swap, just hardware.
--------
1) First, you'll need the right parts
a) Tail lights:
MY '17-18:
-- HS7Z-13405-H
-- HS7Z-13404-H
-- Older stock may end in -B. Just make sure parts say "Level 3" if ordering new.
MY '19:
-- KS7Z-13404-G
-- KS7Z-13405-K
-- Older stock may end in -B, -E, or -G. Just make sure parts say "Level 3" if ordering new.
b) Trunk lid wire harness:
MY '17-'18: HG9Z-17K400-B
MY '19: KG9Z-17K400-H
c) Interior trim tools are strongly recommended to preserve your clips & rivets: such as these.
--------
2) Start by removing the trim & carpeting
a) Remove the two pop rivets circled in green. Lift your trunk floor, then pull the entire trim peice off (towards the inside of the trunk / away from you).
b) On the driver's side, unscrew the cargo net anchors (blue) and use your trim tools to pull out the push rivet (red). Pull the carpeting away from you to reveal your VDM. We'll come back here later.
c) Remove the trunk lid liner by removing all 7 push rivets (blue).
d) Optionally, you can remove the trunk handle cover if you plan to remove the handle (if you have one). I did not, as I was able to easily just hold the cover out of my way for a minute. To do this, you'll have to remove the top screw (blue), then remove the second screw (green, hidden in image but directly behind where the green circle is).
e) Pull back (or remove) the trunk liner. Again, I was able to squeeze behind the liner leaving it just like this.
--------
3) Replace the tail lights
a) Remove the chrome strip. Use a wedge trim removal tool (I also wrapped it in a paper towel to keep from scratching), and pry the chrome strip out of the tail lights. It is held in by clips. It takes some force, but it'll start to pop out towards you.
I only removed the two clips on each tail lights and was able to slightly bend the strip (with no adverse effects) to slide the tail lights out to the side, but the middle part is held in with the same style clips.
b) Unplug the reverse bulb connectors.
c) Remove the 3 screws holding each tail light to the trunk
d) Install your new tail light assemblies & chrome trim (you won't be able to plug in the lights yet).
--------
4) Replace the wire harness
a) Start by unplugging the wire harness from around the VDM. We are replacing the wire that you see running along the trunk hinge. Follow it to the connector and disconnect it.
b) Plug in the new harness to where you just disconnected it.
c) Start replacing the harness inside the trunk. Work down the line up-clipping the harness from the body/trunk one clip at a time (red arrows), while securing the new harness to the car after each section of the old one you remove. You will end at the passenger-side tail light.
Be sure to plug in each connector as you go. The only different connectors are the two that connect to the tail lights. The trunk button, backup camera, and trunk latch are all the same.
--------
5) After everything is connected, turn on your headlights or parking lights to make sure the trunk lights are lit up. If they are not, double check each connector is plugged in all the way. As stated above, no programming is needed.
6) Reinstall all your carpeting & trim.
7) Enjoy your new classy rear end
