My 2002 Focus Hatchback reverse light has stopped working, and the light compartment, located in the rear bumper at the rear, is full of water.

Perhaps I'm stupid, but I can't work out from looking in the manual how to get into the compartment housing the reversing light.

How can I remove the bulb compartment to drain the water, reseal, and replace the bulb? There seems to be no obvious catches to release the bulb compartment, I've looked behind it (ie behind the rear left wheel) but could find nothing! The exterior of the bumper also has no obvious catches around the edges of the light housing.

If anyone can post 'an idiot's guide', I'd be a very grateful idiot!

Thanks in advance

Clueless Ford Focus owner, January 2009

Behind the rear wheel there should be a small screw to move a carpet like cover away from the wheel arch behind this is the unit, if you can get your hand in there and find where the wires go in you need to turn this a quarter turn. This takes the bulb unit out and can change the bulb.
I'm still having problems with water getting in had to replace the bulb twice and needs doing again, i imagine a problem with the seal.

Dave, February 2009