Ford Escort & EXP Parking Light (1985-1990): The Critical Mid-1985 Headlight Style Guide

Compatibility: The Critical 1985 Headlight Change

The single most important factor when buying a parking light for a 1985-1990 Ford Escort or 1986-1988 Ford EXP is the vehicle's headlight style. Ford updated the Escort's front end mid-way through the 1985 model year.

To ensure you buy the correct part, you must identify your headlight type:

• Sealed Beam Headlights (Early 1985): These are an older style where the bulb and lens are a single, sealed unit. They look like a self-contained glass lamp set back into the front of the car, often with a separate plastic or metal trim piece around them. If one burns out, you replace the entire glass unit. These use a different, squarer parking light that is not compatible with the part covered in this guide.
• Composite Headlights (Late 1985-1990): This is the modern, aerodynamic style where the headlight assembly is a plastic housing with a flush, clear lens and a replaceable bulb inside. This parking light assembly is designed to sit flush alongside the composite headlight unit. All 1986-1988 Ford EXP models came standard with this composite style.

Symptoms of a Failing Parking Light

Failure can be due to a bad bulb, a faulty housing, or an electrical issue. Here’s how to tell what’s wrong:

• Turn Signal Blinks Rapidly (Hyperflash): This is the most common symptom. It's an intentional design feature to alert you that a turn signal bulb on that side of the car has burned out. The change in electrical resistance in the circuit causes the flasher relay to blink faster. Simply replacing the burnt-out bulb in the assembly will fix this.
• Light Doesn't Turn On: If the bulb is good, the problem could be corrosion in the bulb socket, a bad ground connection, or a break in the wiring. Electrical issues were not uncommon on these vehicles, sometimes caused by water getting into the fuse box.
• Visible Damage or Moisture: Over 30+ years, the plastic lens can become hazy from UV damage, brittle, and prone to cracking. A bad seal can allow moisture inside, causing condensation, which will lead to corroded sockets and frequent bulb failure.

Buying a Used Parking Light: What to Inspect

Since new OEM parts are largely unavailable, a quality used OEM part is often the best choice. Here's what to look for:

1. Check All Mounting Tabs: This is the most critical inspection point. These assemblies are held on by plastic tabs that become brittle with age. Ensure all tabs and mounting points are intact and free of cracks. A light with broken tabs will not mount securely.
2. Inspect the Lens Condition: Look for deep cracks, hazing, or yellowing from sun exposure. Minor hazing can sometimes be polished out, but a cracked lens will leak water and should be avoided.
3. Examine the Housing: Check the plastic housing for cracks or damage, especially where the bulb socket twists in. A damaged housing can lead to a loose socket or moisture entry.
4. Look Inside the Bulb Socket: Ask for a photo of the inside of the bulb socket if possible. Look for white or green fuzzy corrosion or black burn marks. A clean socket is a good sign. A corroded socket may not make a good electrical connection and will need to be cleaned or replaced.
5. Verify the Part Number: If possible, check for an OEM part number molded into the housing. This helps confirm you have a genuine Ford part and not a lower-quality aftermarket piece. Common OEM numbers are E6FZ-13200-A for the passenger side and E6FZ-13201-A for the driver side.

Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls

No recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) have been issued by the NHTSA specifically for the parking light assemblies on the 1985-1990 Ford Escort or 1986-1988 Ford EXP. Any issues are typically related to age, such as burnt-out bulbs or weathering of the plastic housing.

Replacement Guide Overview

Replacing the parking light assembly is a straightforward job suitable for a DIY mechanic. While specific steps may vary slightly, the general process is as follows:

1. Access the Fasteners: Open the hood. The fasteners (typically nuts or screws) holding the assembly are usually accessible from behind the header panel, right next to the headlight.
2. Remove the Fasteners: Use a socket wrench or screwdriver to remove the fasteners. Be gentle, as the surrounding plastic can be brittle.
3. Disconnect the Wiring: Gently pull the assembly forward. Twist the bulb socket(s) counter-clockwise about a quarter turn and pull them out of the housing.
4. Install the New Assembly: Insert the bulb sockets into the new housing and twist clockwise to lock them in. Position the new assembly and reinstall the fasteners. Do not overtighten.
5. Test the Lights: Before closing the hood, test the parking lights and the turn signals to ensure everything is working correctly.

Cost Comparison

New OEM parts from Ford are generally discontinued and no longer available. Your main options are aftermarket or used OEM parts.

OEM Part Numbers

These part numbers are for the lens and housing assembly. Bulbs are sold separately. The base number 13200 typically denotes a right-hand (passenger side) part, while 13201 denotes a left-hand (driver side) part.

• Right / Passenger Side: E5FZ-13200-A, E6FZ-13200-A, E7FZ-13200-A
• Left / Driver Side: E5FZ-13201-A, E6FZ-13201-A, E7FZ-13201-A
• Also Found: E6EB-13216-AD, E5YY-13201-A (Mercury)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)