Home/ Repair guides/ 2011 Hyundai Elantra Tail Light Replacement

Official iFixit API visual reference

2011 Hyundai Elantra Tail Light Replacement

With car issues being such a common problem in...

iFixit Library 2010-2015 Hyundai Elantra Moderate 45 minutes Guide 120287

Licensed iFixit integration

This attributed iFixit guide is displayed through Fixonic's recorded commercial API permission. iFixit remains the independent source and author of the procedure.

Guide overview

Before you begin

With car issues being such a common problem in todays world, I thought it would be a good idea to minimize the times one must pay for labor on their own vehicle. That being said I have conducted a guide that will clearly and thoroughly walk you through the steps of replacing the taillight in a 2011 Hyundai Elantra.

Step 1

Repair step

⌕

Open the trunk.
Lift the latch built into the carpet liner on the right side. Remove the cover in order to see the bulb covers.
Be careful to not rip the carpet upon removal.

Step 2

Repair step

⌕

You will then use your 10mm socket to remove three nuts, careful not to strip the screw to ensure easy replacement.

Step 3

Repair step

⌕

Once the bolts are removed, you will need to remove the wires connected to the bulb casing. Firmly push in on the center piece at the base of the wire and pull directly out to remove.

Step 4

Repair step

⌕

Once the wires are disconnected facing the bumper, firmly grasp the entire plastic casing of the tail light and pull directly towards your hips in order to not catch the hidden clip located on the side of the car near the end of the tail light casing.

Step 5

Repair step

⌕

In order to remove the main brake/tail light, remove small light first. This is the same process for the main light. Using pliers grip the plastic and pull while rotating counterclockwise 30 degrees and remove the bulb from the socket.
Repeat this step to remove main bulb as well.

Step 6

Repair step

⌕

Put a new Sylvania long life bulb into the socket until you hear it click.

Step 7

Repair step

⌕

You can now begin the re assembly of parts. Start by re assembling the plastic cap to create a water proof seal.

Step 8

Repair step

⌕

After you seal the bulb, you will then place the entire casing back into the bumper ensuring that the hidden clip mentioned earlier is attached. Then, re attach the wires, you should hear a clicking sound when wire is properly placed in socket.

Step 9

Repair step

⌕

Next you will need to screw on the three bolts used previously with a 10 mm socket making sure they are tight and secure.

Step 10

Repair step

⌕

Reattach the carpet liner and close the trunk.
Test your bulb and make sure it is running properly.