🔧 Tucson - Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

The rear turn signal bulbs are inside the body-mounted tail lamp assemblies. Open the liftgate, remove each tail lamp, and replace the amber bulb through its twist-lock socket.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 20-40 minutes

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Switch off the ignition, exterior lights, and hazard flashers before removing the tail lamps.
• 🌡️ Allow the bulbs to cool before touching them.
• 🧤 Wear gloves and safety glasses because a damaged glass bulb can break.
• 🔌 Never pull a tail lamp by its wiring.
• 🔋 Battery disconnection is not required.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Small nylon trim-removal tool
• LED inspection light
• Clean microfiber cloth
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• 1156NA amber rear turn signal bulbs - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2

---

📋 Before You Begin

• 🚙 Park your Tucson on level ground, select Park, and engage the parking brake.
• 🔑 Switch off the ignition, exterior lights, turn signals, and hazard flashers.
• 🚪 Open the liftgate fully and clear cargo away from the work area.
• 🧺 Place a clean microfiber cloth nearby as a padded surface for the removed tail lamp.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the left tail lamp screws

• Put on the safety glasses and nitrile gloves.
• Use the LED inspection light to locate the retaining screws along the inner edge of the left tail lamp, now exposed by the open liftgate.
• Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the retaining screws.
• Keep the screws somewhere safe.

Step 2: Release the left tail lamp

• Hold the tail lamp with both gloved hands and pull it straight rearward, parallel with the side of your Tucson.
• If needed, use a small nylon trim-removal tool gently along the inner edge to begin releasing the lamp.
• Do not twist the assembly outward. Side-mounted guide pins can break if the lamp is pried sideways.
• Support the released lamp without stretching its wiring.
• Pull straight back to protect the guide pins.

Step 3: Remove the left turn signal socket

• Use the LED inspection light to identify the turn signal socket behind the amber section of the tail lamp.
• Grip the socket body with your gloved hand. Do not pull on the wires.
• Rotate the socket counterclockwise approximately one-quarter turn, then pull it straight out.
• No tool or removal torque is specified for the twist-lock socket.

Step 4: Replace the left bulb

• Press the old bulb gently into the socket and rotate it counterclockwise.
• Pull the bulb straight out. This push-and-turn connection is called a bayonet fitting.
• Use the LED inspection light to check the socket for heat damage, corrosion, or loose contacts.
• Hold the new 1156NA amber bulb with the clean microfiber cloth.
• Align the bulb’s side pins with the socket slots, press it inward, and rotate it clockwise until locked.

Step 5: Reinstall the left bulb socket

• Align the socket tabs with the openings in the tail lamp.
• Insert the socket fully and rotate it clockwise by hand until it stops.
• Tighten by hand only; Hyundai does not specify a torque value for the bulb socket.
• Make sure the socket sits evenly against the housing to help keep moisture out.

Step 6: Reinstall the left tail lamp

• Align the tail lamp’s guide pins and retaining points with the body openings.
• Push the assembly straight forward by hand until it sits flush with the body.
• Start the retaining screws by hand to prevent cross-threading.
• Use the Phillips #2 screwdriver to tighten the screws until snug.
• Tighten the screws snugly by hand; no published service torque is specified for these lamp screws.
• Do not overtighten because the plastic mounting tabs can crack.

Step 7: Replace the right rear bulb

• Use the Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the right tail lamp retaining screws.
• Pull the tail lamp straight rearward, using the small nylon trim-removal tool gently if necessary.
• Use the LED inspection light to identify the turn signal socket behind the amber section.
• Rotate the socket counterclockwise and remove it.
• Push the old bulb inward, turn it counterclockwise, and remove it.
• Use the clean microfiber cloth to install the second 1156NA amber bulb with a push-and-clockwise-turn motion.
• Reinstall the socket, align the tail lamp guide pins, and push the assembly straight into place.
• Use the Phillips #2 screwdriver to tighten the retaining screws until snug.

---

✅ After Repair

• 💡 Switch on the hazard flashers and confirm both rear bulbs illuminate brightly and flash at the same speed.
• ↔️ Test the left and right turn signals separately.
• 🔍 Confirm both tail lamp assemblies sit flush and do not move when pressed gently.
• ⚠️ Rapid flashing usually means a bulb is incorrect, not seated properly, or has poor socket contact.
• 💧 If moisture appears later, switch off the lights and verify that the bulb socket is completely locked.
• 🚪 Close the liftgate and confirm it does not contact either lamp assembly.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹900-₹2,200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: ₹300-₹900 (parts only)

You Save: ₹600-₹1,300 by doing it yourself!

Local labor rates vary. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.5 hour.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.