The outer rear brake/taillights in the 2014 Ford Escape typically use a dual-filament 3157-type bulb, while the center high-mount brake light (CHMSL) on the liftgate is an LED assembly. In short, you’ll replace the outer brake lamps with 3157-family bulbs, and the CHMSL is usually LED and not a standard bulb replacement.
Overview of the rear lighting layout
The Escape’s rear lighting consists of a pair of outer rear combination lamps handling tail, brake, and turn-signal duties, plus a center high-mount stop light up high on the liftgate. This design means the practical bulb replacement you’ll perform is for the outer lamps using the 3157 family, while the CHMSL remains LED in most trims.
Common bulb types you may encounter in this model include:
- 3157 dual-filament bulbs used for both the tail and brake functions in the outer rear lamps.
- 3157A or similar variants sometimes referenced for Ford rear lighting replacements; check the exact bulb you remove to confirm the designation.
- Center high-mounted brake light (CHMSL) is typically LED in most trims and is not replaced as a simple bulb.
Conclusion: For the 2014 Escape, the outer rear brake/tail lamps use 3157-family bulbs, while the CHMSL is an LED unit that generally does not use a replaceable bulb.
How to identify and replace the outer tail/brake bulbs
Before you start, confirm that the issue is with the rear brake/tail lamp and not a fuse or wiring fault. The steps below outline the typical procedure for the outer rear lamps. If your vehicle’s trim or market differs, consult the owner’s manual for exact instructions.
- Open the tailgate and access the interior of the rear trim or trunk liner to locate the tail light housing mounting screws.
- Remove the screws and carefully pull the lamp assembly away from the vehicle, being mindful of the wiring harness.
- Rotate the bulb socket a quarter turn counterclockwise to detach it from the housing, then pull it out to expose the bulb.
- Withdraw the old bulb and insert a new 3157 dual-filament bulb (tail and brake). Ensure it seats fully and the filament is intact.
- Reconnect the socket, reseat the lamp assembly, and secure it with screws. Reattach any trim pieces and test the brake and tail lights by pressing the brake pedal and turning on the headlights.
Note: If the CHMSL is not functioning, diagnose separately, as it is typically an LED unit or a pre-wired assembly rather than a simple bulb replacement.
Summary
In the 2014 Ford Escape, the outer rear brake/taillights typically rely on 3157 dual-filament bulbs, while the center high-mount brake light on the liftgate is generally an LED unit. Accessing and replacing the outer bulbs involves removing the rear lamp assembly and swapping in a 3157 bulb; the CHMSL usually requires a different approach since it’s LED. Always verify the exact bulb type by inspecting the bulb itself or consulting the owner's manual, as trim levels and markets can vary.