Unless you check your the lights on your Hyundai Elantra, there is no way of telling if one or both of your taillights is not working and needs to be replaced. It's a good idea to turn the lights on and do a walk-around light inspection for better visibility when driving at night. If one of your taillights is out, you can replace it yourself and save some money on labor charges that local repair stations will tack onto your bill.
Open the trunk to the Hyundai Elantra.
Locate and remove the two Phillips head screws on the trim panel cover inside the trunk behind the taillight assembly.
Locate and remove the three 8 mm nuts (revealed once the trim panel is removed) holding the taillight assembly to the Elantra.
Pull the taillight assembly out toward the rear of the Elantra. There will be a guide pin still clinging onto the taillight assembly, and you'll have to apply a degree of tenacity to remove it, but it will come free.
Locate and remove the taillight bulb socket on the backside of the taillight assembly. Turn it counterclockwise to release the socket. Remove the bulb, and replace with the new one. Test the bulb by turning on the lights before replacing the assembly.
Align the guide pin up to its predetermined hole, as well as the studs on the back of the taillight assembly, and insert it into place. Replace the nuts and tighten them. Replace the trim panel and screws. Remove the tools and the old bulb, and close the trunk.
