I tried to replace the bulbs on my license plate light but the OEM were very difficult to remove. I only got one out. The LED was too long so I installed the OEM and got shorter LED's. Now I can't remove the OEM bulbs from the holder. Shouldn't they just slide out? There is a catch-like lever that has some movement but has no effect removing the bulb. They rock in place but feel like they are retained, somehow. What am I missing here?

 

Well those rear licence plate lights have been on fords since the 80's. No design change.
Just ordered a set of black ones for my 92.
They just twist out

 

They just pull straight out. Mine were a pain to remove too.