How to Change the Back Brake Light on a 2017 Hyundai Elantra

To change the back brake light on a 2017 Hyundai Elantra, you typically open the trunk, remove the interior access panel or trim near the tail light, unbolt the tail light assembly, twist out the bulb socket, replace the bulb (usually type 1157/2357 or equivalent, depending on market), and reassemble everything securely. The process is straightforward with basic tools, but taking a careful, step-by-step approach prevents damage to the lens or wiring.

Understanding the Brake Light Setup on the 2017 Hyundai Elantra

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra uses a conventional rear light assembly, with separate bulbs for brake, tail, and turn signals on most trims. On many models sold in North America, the outer tail lamp on the body panel contains the main brake light. Some higher trims or regional variants may use LED assemblies that are not user-serviceable in the same way as traditional bulbs, requiring replacement of the entire unit if the LED module fails.

Check if Your Elantra Has Bulbs or LED Brake Lights

Before attempting a replacement, it is important to determine whether your specific Elantra uses replaceable bulbs or sealed LED units. This affects whether you can simply swap a bulb or need a more involved repair.

This list details how to identify whether your 2017 Elantra uses standard replaceable bulbs or LED brake lights so you can choose the correct replacement method.

• Base and mid trims (e.g., SE, Value Edition, Eco): Commonly use traditional incandescent bulbs for the main brake light, which can be replaced individually.
• Higher trims (e.g., Limited, some international variants): May feature LED tail/brake units; if an LED segment fails, the entire lamp assembly typically must be replaced rather than a single bulb.
• Quick visual check: If you can see a distinct bulb filament shape behind the red lens, it is likely a standard bulb. A uniform, panel-like light pattern usually indicates LEDs.
• Owner’s manual confirmation: The “Bulb Replacement” section of the Hyundai owner’s manual will specify bulb types (e.g., 1157, P21/5W) if they are user-replaceable; lack of bulb specs or wording like “consult an authorized dealer” can indicate LED-only units.

Once you confirm whether your car uses bulbs or LEDs, you can either proceed with a simple bulb change or prepare for a full lamp replacement if necessary.

Tools and Parts You Will Need

Changing the rear brake light on a 2017 Hyundai Elantra requires only a few simple tools and the correct replacement part. Being properly prepared minimizes the risk of damaging trim pieces or installing the wrong bulb.

This list outlines the basic tools and parts needed for a standard bulb-style brake light replacement on a 2017 Elantra.

• Replacement brake light bulb: Commonly a dual-filament bulb such as 1157 (NA) or P21/5W (EU/other markets). Confirm the exact type in your owner’s manual or by reading the markings on the old bulb.
• Phillips screwdriver: For removing screws securing the tail light assembly (if applicable, depending on trim and market).
• Trim removal tool or flat plastic pry tool: Helpful for gently removing trunk-side trim panels without scratching or cracking them.
• Clean gloves or paper towel: To avoid touching the glass of halogen bulbs with bare fingers, which can shorten bulb life due to skin oils.
• Dielectric grease (optional): A small amount on the bulb base can help prevent corrosion and make future removal easier.

Having these tools and the correct replacement bulb ready before you open the trunk will make the brake light replacement process smoother and faster.

Step-by-Step: Replacing the Rear Brake Light Bulb

On most 2017 Hyundai Elantras with bulb-type lights, the main brake light is housed in the outer tail lamp on the body, not the small lamp on the trunk lid. The basic replacement procedure is similar across trims, with minor differences in trim panels and screw placement.

1. Prepare the Vehicle Safely

Safety and visibility are the first priorities when working on any exterior lighting. Proper preparation helps avoid accidental electrical shorts or working in unsafe traffic conditions.

This list explains the preparatory steps to ensure the vehicle is safe to work on and that you can clearly access the brake light assembly.

1. Park on a flat, safe surface: Choose a driveway or parking area away from traffic, and engage the parking brake.
2. Turn off the engine and lights: Switch off the ignition and ensure all exterior lights are off to avoid electrical surges and prevent the bulb from being hot when removed.
3. Open the trunk: Lift the trunk lid fully to access the interior trim and the back of the tail light assembly.
4. Disconnect the battery (optional but safer): For extra safety, especially if you are uncomfortable working with live circuits, disconnect the negative (–) battery terminal using a wrench.

Once the vehicle is secure and powered down, you can proceed confidently to access the rear tail light assembly without risk of unexpected light activation or electrical issues.

2. Access the Tail Light Assembly from Inside the Trunk

The brake light bulb is located behind the tail light housing, which is accessible from the interior side of the trunk. You will need to move or remove trim to reach the bulb socket.

This list walks through how to expose the back of the tail light on a 2017 Elantra and gain access to the bulb socket.

1. Locate the tail light access area: Inside the trunk, look behind the side carpet/trim panel that sits behind the rear tail light on the side you are replacing (driver or passenger).
2. Remove or fold back the trim panel: On many Elantras, the panel is held by plastic clips or a small plastic fastener. Gently pop the clips or remove the fastener and pull the trim panel away enough to see the back of the tail light.
3. Identify the bulb sockets: You will see multiple bulb sockets (for tail, brake, indicator, and reverse lights). The brake light socket is usually the larger dual-filament bulb located toward the center or upper part of the assembly.
4. Check for securing nuts or screws: Some versions require you to remove a couple of nuts or screws from inside the trunk if the tail light assembly itself must be pulled slightly out to access the bulb sockets. Note their positions for reinstallation.

With the trim moved and the back of the tail light exposed, you have clear access to the bulb sockets and can now remove the brake light bulb safely.

3. Remove the Old Brake Light Bulb

Once the tail light assembly and sockets are visible, you can remove the brake light bulb by releasing the socket and pulling out the bulb from its holder. Take care not to twist wiring or force components.

This list details how to remove the brake light bulb from its socket without damaging the wiring or housing.

1. Grip the brake light socket: Firmly hold the plastic base of the correct socket (usually labeled or distinguishable by wire color and position).
2. Twist the socket counterclockwise: Rotate the socket about a quarter-turn (typically left) until it unlocks from the tail light housing, then pull it straight out.
3. Remove the bulb from the socket: Gently pull the bulb straight out from the socket. If it is tight, wiggle lightly while pulling; avoid bending the socket contacts.
4. Inspect the bulb and socket: Look for darkening, broken filaments, or cloudy glass on the bulb and check the socket for corrosion, burnt plastic, or loose contacts.

After the old bulb is removed and the socket inspected, you are ready to install the new bulb, ensuring proper fitment and electrical contact.

4. Install the New Brake Light Bulb

Installing the new bulb is the reverse of removal, but it is important to handle the bulb correctly and ensure a snug, properly aligned fit to avoid premature failure or poor lighting performance.

This list explains how to fit the new bulb correctly into the socket and re-secure the socket in the tail light housing.

1. Verify the new bulb type: Confirm the part number on the replacement bulb matches the old one (e.g., 1157, P21/5W, etc.). Using an incorrect wattage or base type can cause malfunction or damage.
2. Handle with clean hands or gloves: If the bulb is halogen, avoid touching the glass with bare fingers. Use gloves or a clean tissue to prevent oil contamination.
3. Insert the new bulb: Push the bulb straight into the socket until it is fully seated and snug. Ensure it does not wobble loosely.
4. Apply dielectric grease (optional): A very thin layer of dielectric grease at the metal contacts can help resist moisture and corrosion.
5. Reinstall the socket: Align the tabs on the socket with the slots in the tail light housing, insert the socket, and twist clockwise until it locks firmly into place.

With the new bulb installed and the socket locked, the brake light should be ready for testing before you reassemble the interior trim panels.

5. Test the New Brake Light

Testing confirms both the new bulb and the electrical connections are working correctly. It is easier to correct problems now while the trim is still removed.

This list describes the steps to verify the brake light operates correctly after bulb replacement.

1. Reconnect the battery (if disconnected): Reattach the negative battery terminal securely and ensure there is no looseness.
2. Turn on the ignition: Switch the vehicle to the “ON” position without necessarily starting the engine.
3. Press the brake pedal: Have an assistant press and hold the brake pedal, or use a heavy object carefully positioned to depress the pedal.
4. Check illumination from behind: Walk to the rear of the vehicle and confirm the replaced brake light is bright, steady, and matches the brightness and color of the opposite side.
5. Verify other rear lights: While you are there, briefly check turn signals, tail lights, and reverse light to ensure all are functioning properly.

Once you are satisfied that the new brake light works correctly and matches the other side, you can close up the trunk interior and restore the trim.

6. Reassemble Trim and Finalize

With the repair verified, you can reinstall any removed panels or fasteners and ensure the trunk area is restored to its original condition.

This list covers the final reassembly steps so your trunk looks clean and the tail light remains secure.

1. Reinstall any nuts or screws: If you removed nuts or bolts that hold the tail lamp assembly in place, tighten them securely but do not overtighten to avoid cracking the plastic housing.
2. Refit the interior trim panel: Align the trunk-side panel or carpet and press it back into place, snapping clips or reinstalling plastic fasteners as needed.
3. Check trunk operation: Close and reopen the trunk to ensure no trim is obstructing its movement and nothing is pinched.
4. Final light check: Do one more quick test of the brake lights and tail lights in low light conditions, if possible, to confirm visibility.

With the trim reinstalled and everything functioning, the brake light replacement is complete and your vehicle is safer and legally compliant again.

When the Brake Light Is LED or the Assembly Is Damaged

If your 2017 Elantra uses an LED brake light module, or if the lens or housing is cracked, you may need to replace the entire tail light assembly instead of just a bulb. This is more expensive but still generally manageable for a DIY owner.

This list highlights what to consider if the brake light is part of an LED unit or the tail light assembly needs full replacement.

• LED failure symptoms: Only part of the brake light glows, flickering segments, or a dim patch while other sections remain bright.
• Complete assembly replacement: In LED configurations, the brake light is integrated; you must purchase the correct full tail light assembly (left or right) and swap it in.
• Similar removal steps: The process typically involves removing interior trim, unbolting the lamp assembly, disconnecting the wiring harness, installing the new unit, and rebolting.
• Cost considerations: OEM LED assemblies can be significantly more expensive than bulbs; aftermarket or used parts may be more budget-friendly but must match exactly.
• Professional help: If you are unsure whether your unit is LED or if body damage is involved, a trusted mechanic or Hyundai dealer can confirm and replace it correctly.

If your Elantra’s brake light is LED-only or the assembly is damaged, planning for a full lamp replacement and possibly professional assistance is often the most reliable route.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting Tips

Even a simple brake light job can present small issues such as poor contact, blown fuses, or incorrect bulbs. Recognizing and avoiding common errors saves time and frustration.

This list outlines typical problems encountered during brake light replacement and how to troubleshoot them effectively.

• New bulb does not light: Check that it is the correct bulb type, fully seated, and that the socket is firmly locked. Verify the corresponding fuse in the fuse box is intact.
• Intermittent operation: Corrosion in the socket or loose connectors can cause flickering; clean contacts carefully and ensure a tight fit.
• Wrong brightness or color: Using a single-filament bulb where a dual-filament one is required can cause dim or incorrect behavior; always match the original bulb specs.
• Dashboard warning or error (if equipped): Some trims or markets may have basic bulb-out detection; if a warning persists, recheck connections and bulb type.
• Cracked or loose lens: If the tail light lens is cracked or the housing is loose after reassembly, water ingress can quickly cause further failures; consider sealing or replacing the assembly.

By double-checking bulb type, connections, and the condition of the socket and housing, most brake light issues on the 2017 Elantra can be resolved quickly after replacement.

Legal and Safety Implications

A functioning brake light is not only essential for safety but also a legal requirement in most regions. Driving with a failed brake light can increase the risk of rear-end collisions and lead to traffic stops or fines.

This list summarizes why promptly replacing a failed brake light matters beyond simple vehicle maintenance.

• Visibility to drivers behind: Brake lights alert other road users when you slow or stop, giving them time to react.
• Legal compliance: Traffic laws in most jurisdictions require all brake lights to be functional; police can issue warnings or citations for violations.
• Inspection requirements: Many vehicle safety inspections check brake lights; a failed bulb can cause your car to fail inspection until corrected.
• Liability in accidents: A non-functioning brake light can be a factor in determining fault or negligence after a collision.

Staying on top of brake light maintenance not only avoids legal issues but also plays a direct role in protecting you and others on the road.

Summary

Changing the back brake light on a 2017 Hyundai Elantra is generally a straightforward task for models with conventional bulbs: open the trunk, access and remove the interior trim near the tail light, twist out the brake light socket, swap in a matching replacement bulb, test the light, and reassemble the trim. Some trims use LED brake lights, which require replacement of the full tail light assembly instead of just a bulb. With basic tools, attention to bulb type, and careful handling of the sockets and trim, most owners can complete the job themselves and restore full, legal brake-light functionality in a short amount of time.