Driving your Hyundai Sonata with a broken taillight increases your risk of both getting a "fix-it" ticket and being involved in a collision. Fortunately, replacing the bulb only takes a few minutes and is easy enough for someone without mechanical expertise. Please note that these instructions don't apply to Sonata models made prior to 1998.
Set the Sonata's headlamp switch to "OFF," engage the emergency break and remove the keys from the ignition.
Use the trunk release latch to open the trunk, and then step out of the car.
Find the taillight assembly cover in the back of the trunk. Twist the knob counter-clockwise to open it and reveal the inside of the assembly and bulb sockets.
Locate the bulb socket holding the broken bulb. Turn it counter-clockwise to detach it from the taillight assembly.
Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket and replace it with the new bulb. Toss the old bulb into the garbage so it doesn't become a hazard.
Push the bulb socket into the taillight assembly and turn it clockwise to secure it.
Test the new bulb to make sure it works before closing the assembly cover and shutting the trunk.
