How to Remove the Taillight of Hyundai Elantra?
3 Answers
Modern Elantra taillight removal method is as follows: 1. Open the trunk and remove the inner lining on one side of the taillight to reveal the plastic clips securing the lining. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry these clips open, then manually open the lining. Be careful when prying to avoid damaging the plastic clips. 2. There are a total of three nuts securing the taillight. Use a small ratchet with an 8mm socket to remove these three nuts one by one and set them aside. 3. Disconnect the taillight wiring harness. The harness has a single plug - simply pull it out by hand. If it's difficult to remove, gently pry it with a flathead screwdriver. Then remove the lens cover to detach the taillight.
Last month, I just disassembled the taillight of my Hyundai Elantra to replace the bulb, and the process was quite interesting. Open the trunk to locate the decorative cover behind the taillight, lift it to reveal two cross-head screws, which I carefully unscrewed using a regular screwdriver. Then, gently pull out the light assembly, but don’t yank it forcefully because it’s connected to a wiring harness at the back—first press the clip to disconnect it. Once removed, you can address the issue inside, such as replacing a new bulb or cleaning the lens. When reassembling, reverse the order: first reconnect the harness and secure the clip, then push the light back into place, align it properly, and slowly tighten the screws without over-torquing to avoid stripping. Wear gloves throughout to prevent scratching the paint, and disconnecting the battery is a safer bet. All you need are a screwdriver and gloves—DIY done in about ten minutes, perfect for beginners exploring minor car repairs.
As someone who works on car maintenance, I handle the removal of Hyundai Elantra taillights with ease. Prepare a Phillips screwdriver, open the trunk, peel back the interior plastic cover, and directly unscrew the mounting screws—usually one or two. Then gently pull the light assembly to expose the wire connector, press the release clip to disconnect it, and the light can be fully removed. After cleaning or replacing the bulb, reinstall it by plugging the connector back in and securing the screws—just don’t overtighten them to prevent cracking the housing. The whole process takes under 15 minutes. Safety tip: Turn off the car’s power before removal and wear anti-slip gloves to avoid static risks. Check the rubber gasket for integrity to prevent water ingress affecting the circuitry. It’s an easy DIY job—no need to spend money on repairs. Give it a try!
