🔧 Tucson - Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

The rear turn signal bulb sits inside the outer tail lamp housing. You will remove the housing, replace the amber bulb, and reinstall it without disturbing the interior trim.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 15-30 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn off all exterior lights and remove the ignition key before starting.
• 🧤 Allow the tail lamp to cool before touching the bulb.
• 🔋 Battery disconnection is not required for this repair.
• 💡 Wear gloves and avoid forcing the plastic housing or bulb socket.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Plastic trim removal tool
• Nitrile mechanic gloves
• Safety glasses
• Clean microfiber towel

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear amber turn signal bulb (1156NA) - Qty: 2 - Replace in pairs

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🚗 Park your Tucson on level ground, shift into Park, and apply the parking brake.
• 🔑 Switch off the ignition, headlights, hazard lights, and turn signals.
• 🚪 Open the liftgate fully to expose the inner edge of the tail lamp housing.
• 🧹 Place a clean microfiber towel below the lamp to help protect the paint.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the Tail Lamp Screws

• Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the two retaining screws along the inside edge of the affected tail lamp.
• Keep both screws in a safe place.
• Press firmly to avoid stripping the screw heads.

Step 2: Release the Tail Lamp Housing

• Grip the inner edge of the housing and pull it straight toward the rear of your Tucson.
• If necessary, use a plastic trim removal tool gently along the inner edge to start movement.
• The outer edge is held by alignment pins. Do not twist the housing sideways or pry against the painted body.
• Support the housing after it releases so the wiring is not stretched.

Step 3: Remove the Turn Signal Socket

• Locate the turn signal socket connected to the amber section of the lamp.
• With nitrile mechanic gloves on, rotate the socket counterclockwise approximately one-quarter turn.
• Pull the socket straight out of the housing.

Step 4: Replace the Bulb

• Use your gloved fingers to press the old bulb gently into the socket, turn it counterclockwise, and lift it out.
• Align the offset locking pins on the new 1156NA amber bulb with the socket slots.
• Press the new bulb into the socket and turn it clockwise until locked.
• Use a clean microfiber towel to remove any fingerprints from the bulb glass.
• Never force mismatched bulb pins into the socket.

Step 5: Test the New Bulb

• Keep the lamp supported and clear of painted surfaces.
• Switch on the hazard lights and confirm the new bulb flashes brightly.
• Switch the hazard lights off before continuing.
• If it does not work, remove and reseat the bulb using your gloved fingers. Inspect the socket for corrosion or heat damage.

Step 6: Reinstall the Bulb Socket

• Insert the socket into the lamp housing.
• Turn it clockwise by hand until its locking tabs stop securely.
• Confirm the socket seal sits evenly to prevent moisture from entering the lamp.

Step 7: Reinstall the Tail Lamp Housing

• Align the housing’s outer guide pins with their body-mounted retainers.
• Press the housing straight forward using both hands until it seats flush with the body.
• Do not strike the lens or use a metal tool to seat it.

Step 8: Install the Retaining Screws

• Start both screws by hand to prevent cross-threading.
• Use the Phillips #2 screwdriver to tighten them evenly until snug.
• Hyundai does not publish a separate service torque for these lamp screws; do not overtighten them because the plastic mounting points can crack.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Operate the left turn signal, right turn signal, and hazard lights.
• 👀 Confirm both rear signals flash at the same speed and brightness.
• 🔍 Check that the tail lamp sits flush and does not move when pressed gently.
• 💧 Verify the socket seal is secure if condensation was previously present.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $40-$90 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $8-$20 (parts only)

You Save: $20-$82 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.2-0.5 hours.

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🎯 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.