Hyundai Sonata 3rd brake bulb replacement OVERVIEW

PLEASE READ FIRST
quick overview on how I replace the center (3rd) brake bulb on 2006-2009 Hyundai Sonata's. This method takes me about 7min using air tools. BUT THERE ARE EASIER WAYS (below)
2nd way is by removing the two screws from the third brake light housing inside of the trunk and then lifting up the housing to get enough room to loosen the bulb socket from inside of the car. Then you can drop the bulb/socket assembly down into the trunk and swap out the bulb. If you're good with tedious,tight space working that would be the method to go with.
3rd way is by using long needle nose and reaching up through the hole to remove the bulb socket. also tedious!
4th way is to cut a hole in your trunk ceiling to make an access port . `
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[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

On Amazon: *921 BULB: amzn.to/311zhIv

[@Thomas998822]

I'm 6'2" with very large hands. I reached in the access port on top of the trunk and BARELY wiggled this bulb out and back in with my finger tips. Job took 2min. Didnt unscrew or unbolt a single thing. I went straight to the location and used good ole hand eye coordination. If you're handy, long needle nose pliers (or even better the long needle nose with a curved end) will get this job done easily in under 5min

[@Waylander131]

did that exactly. Turned out taking it out is not the problem, screwing the new bulb back in took the best of me. The bastard bulb tend to slip off the socket after you put it in the hole and right before you screw it in and drop somewhere in the light housing. No way to take it out. I said f$#@k it - will drive with spare bulb rolling in the housing and got the second bulb from the pair, this time very carefully. Yes you guessed it, the second buld very carefully did exactly the same. Now I have two brand new bulbs in the housing, non working third light and obsessive desire to kill some Hyundai designers. Tomorrow I'm going for complete rear trim removal.

[@Agent40oz]

For this nor being a "Specific How To" it is the most Thorough video i have seen on this procedure . Although the process is a pain in the ass -Due to poor engineering as You mentioned, this simplifies things for me a lot-THANK YOU! - And since this is my personal vehicle, I will be making an easier access port for next time.

[@paradigm6083]

Sonata 2006 NF 5th gen EASY WAY - Replacing burned out 3rd brake light 921 bulb Do not do this the hard way. You will turn a small job into a big mess, and you will break many things. No seats, body parts, trim need be removed. Go smart, calm and easy. Replacing burned out 3rd brake light 921 bulb 1. You need a Phillips screwdriver (magnetic), long curved forceps (key tool - get at Harbor Freight), and flashlights (head, curved, etc.). Position lights so you can see at every step. 2. Empty truck & put down rear seats. Now you have room to stretch out (legs in rear seat). From inside trunk 3. Remove (magnetic screw driver) 2 screws holding 3rd brake light housing (see other videos) - keep screws (put in bowl). 4. Disconnect light socket/pigtail from electrical harness to get more work room. 5. Use forceps to twist and pull socket/pigtail from housing (forceps can be locked, do not loose socket in the space below housing and above trunk top). In the back seat 6. You can now lift housing when the socket is out. 7. Look and test light socket and housing so you know how to position everything when putting it back together. 8. Put housing back in place. From inside trunk 9. Reconnect pigtail and test new bulb. If bulb works, then reverse of above setup (position flashlights; screw in housing - 2 screws; position socket/pigtail with forceps; push into housing and twist to lock; reconnect pigtail to harness; test). A H mechanic can do this in 15 minutes, unless the DIY forced and broke things. You can buy a new socket pigtail ($8), if necessary. Hyundai 2005 150K. I did this badly at 75K I did this smartly at 150K (clean, empty trunk with back seat down; forceps and light are key). Look at other videos. Consider brake switch failure. Use a wedged board to depress brake peddle and activate brake light. Yes, a simple access port right below housing would make this a 5 minute job. .

[@wxlidfnb]

Very useful. My car shop wouldn't even do the job, they didn't have a clue how to do this. I didn't have the right tools so it took me 90 minutes to do the job end to end, with an allen wrench and some screwdrivers. The hardest part were those seat side cushions because it took a lot of pushing to get the nut in view. I slightly cracked one of those rear panels marked SRS by pulling on it the wrong way. But glad I can drive safely now.

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Pseudo Nonymous glad to hear you got it done! If I personally own one of these cars I would just cut an access hole in the sheet metal

[@brushmg]

Used your video today to help with my ‘07 sonata. A few tips for folks who might be in the same boat: I used only an electric drill to make screwing/unscrewing easier. No socket wrench for the side cushions but if you step on the seat cushion you can lower it enough to wiggle a wrench in there. little turns until it loosens. The airbag panels have a white tab that just holds the cover on, don’t worry about it coming off. When you’re ready to pull the cover off the back to grab the bulb make sure the small yellow push pins in the back are pushed up through the holes (you’ll see them from inside the trunk roof). Easy after that. Thanks for the help!

[@ibeverywheregaming5139]

theres a faster way for the bulb type also the 2 different screws are oem...but this is the way you have to do it for the LED style brake light beware theres a connecter on the passenger side that you will have to unplug, also you should note that the 12mm bolt is underneath the back seat just give the front a good tug and it comes up

[@ken2400]

Same as 09 Sonata GLS Large 921 bulb Need to remove bulb holder BEFORE pulling off housing. One access hole is open the other covered by foam. The two screws are different. Take time to remove the screws and try to use magnetic tip screw driver. Install requires pushing holder up and appears hard to do. Need to get bulb. Thanks for the video and tips.

[@crissyj193]

Thank you so much for this video!! Very helpful!The design on this car to replace that bulb is ridiculous!!

[@tysonwashburn7510]

For anyone who still needs to do this, here is an easy way. Undo the clip inside the trunk. unscrew the screw on the same clip. then there is a hole that is covered that has a screw that is the final release for the housing. then you can lift it and get needle nose pliers in to undo the bulb housing. to re install you will need to trim the long tab off of the piece you put the bulb in and it will slide right back in place. reinstall screws and you are good to go.

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

I updated the description with this info a while back, but thanks for adding it to the comments as well.

[@ursoulspure]

I agree with Jeehoo it may take a little longer laying on your back and working in tight spaces but it didn't take longer than a half hour. I'd rather put the time in there versus taking my car apart but at least now I know how to remove the rear deck for my future subwoofer! Thanks

[@AMC-eq3jr]

I failed a NYS Inspection due to the third brake light. Failure was under the safety item: Lighting and Reflectors.

[@STRphotography]

crazy design because the hole in the trunk is near by.. I did the same thing, with a tool I reached for the bulb holder and twisted it out. To make it easier for the future I drilled from underneath the trunk a 2nd hole the size of the bulb holder near the metal hole. So it still goes inside the middle part. It the light is stronger on the left side but who cares. Now will be piece of cake to replace it again !

[@user-yh5zw3lz7p]

After trying the 2nd way and getting completely frustrated reassembling, took the thing apart as the video shows. Worked great, but having trouble getting the side cushions re-installed - specifically, getting the top part to hook in. Any suggestions? Thanks

[@jeehooahn9114]

thanks for the video. I didnt have to pull out the top panel held by 5 screws. I was able to lift the plastic housing assembly high enough to fit my fingers in and give it a good twist. It took a bit of torque and I had to grab it from the bottom after twisting it to fully pull out the bulb assembly. How the hell did they not just cut open an access panel on the sheet metal directly underneath this piece? ffs.

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Glad to hear the video helped out and thanks for the comment! Yea, beat design for sure!

[@kmath50]

That is what I did as well. Once I had the bulb and socket out. I cut off part of the flat plastic piece on the socket. This allowed me to install the bulb into the housing, and then install the housing onto the rear window shelf, with the bulb installed.

[@honestbrother9427]

The Engineer(s) that designed this crap needs to be barred from the auto industry FOREVER .

[@tahirkhan466]

Thats so true. Such a shame to design this way just to replace a bulb. I got a summon by police for this 3rd break light malfunctioning and now i realise that i might not be able to replace by my own.

[@michaelbrockmann7836]

Its not the engineers, its the jerk that made this video, watch the next one and it shows this can be done in a few minutes.

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

LOL, obviously you didn't read the description of this video. And if you think the engineer's did a good job on this third brake light, then you are a clown. Who's the jerk now?... You

[@austinstephens8892]

I have to say I know people are saying you can just squeeze your fingers and change it without all this but I got some fat fingers. I went through this who process and I would say it took about 30-45 minutes. The hardest part for me was getting the bolts undone for the back seat side cushion. Besides that it was a breeze. As someone who’s taken apart and fixed his Hyundai for the past 7 years for everything but the starter I would say this one one of the most stupid thing Hyundai has put into cars

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Thanks for your comment man! Yeah definitely a lot of haters on here in regards to the process I used. So I definitely appreciate you pointing out the benefit of using this method LOL. Glad to hear you agree it was fairly easy this way too. Lot of bolts but very easy

[@AMC-eq3jr]

No need to remove the deck. Unplug and remove the socket. Score the socket under the rim. Tie a thin strong thread around it leaving ends on both sides. Slip the housing back in leaving half inch visibility. Pull the string taught to get the socket into the hole. Grab the socket with a needle nose pliers tightly to ensure the socket is flat against the housing. Then rotate the socket back and forth til it sits in and locks.

[@luisprful]

THANK YOU!!!! My God i have been trying to switch this bulb for a week now but i couldn't get my fingers in there!!! This took me 15 minutes since i had all the tools. again THANK YOU!!!!

[@luisprful]

BTW my car is a 2007 hyundai sonata and it worked as well!

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

luisprful awesome! Glad to hear it help you out! thanks for the comment

[@myeongwoo]

Thanks for the video! It was very helpful. I finally replaced the 3rd brake bulb in 2010 sonata. It took me about an hour and half.

[@mikemcelveen2973]

I thought I was the only one who did it this way lol. Flat rate is .2 small bulb labor in my shop what a joke. Funny thing though....was showing the customer why it was taking so long and she noticed an open condom wrapper that had fallen under the seat....this was her husbands car. Definately worth the price of admission! 😂

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Yeah I've done it both ways. I guess I would have to admit the other way is a little bit quicker. And that's really funny! Hopefully he's not the original owner so he at least has one leg to stand on

[@howiebird9410]

Wow, that's a lot of work for nothing. lol Nice clean car too! (Also consider a QUALITY made led as a replacement) Go in the trunk, use something to twist the socket out of the housing and remove it. Then unscrew the 2 Philips screws with a magnetic tip bit. and push up on the housing till it pops. go in the car and wiggle the assembly out. (No tearing half the interior out) It will come out. When replacing the bulb, unplug the pigtail assembly, remove the tape holding the wires to the large tab from the socket. with side cutters as close to the socket as possible, Cut off that tab so that it's shaped like a V. (This allows it to slide back into place on the rear deck as a complete assembly. Feed the wires down into the hole first and push it back into place. (The wires will be forced into 90degrees at the socket while pressing it back into place) That's normal. Reconnect the pigtail and install the 2 screws. (Note, you need to be lying on your back in the trunk for this job and if it's the first time, the two holes for the screws are covered by foam and you need to press them out with your thumb) I agree with James Aighewi and I am sure many others. But when you have to do it for a living, you find shortcuts. Hyundai techs do it my way. If it were my car, I'd use a hole saw and cut through to change it in place.

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

I've done it all three ways.

[@SnaphypeWorld]

I really appreciate your instructions, since I used your video which helped me with my 2009 Kia Optima.

[@dogsarefun2]

thanks!!!! Engineers blew this one..

[@the5wagners]

Thanks for the information. When I did this over the weekend, I put in an LED bulb. Hopefully, I won't have to replace it again.

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

No problem, and good call on the LED bulb! Do you remember what number bulb it was?

[@edwinrivera7431]

MUCHAS GRACIAS. MUY BUENO EL VIDEO..

[@shkibby1]

Thanks for the vid. That saved a lot of swearing and time wondering who did what and how.

[@josephmatos9348]

I'm gonna have to try it this way, tried it another but no dice and dropped both damn bulbs in the thing. Thanks Hyundai and fed gov't for making my life that much more difficult! Whenever the gov't says they're just here to help u, run!

[@dothedishes3427]

What did the feds do. EVERY other manufacturer has an easy access point. As he said Hyundai engineers did this crap.

[@josephmatos9348]

@@dothedishes3427 the feds ordered car manufacturers to have a 3rd brake light, as if we needed it.

[@dothedishes3427]

@@josephmatos9348 You are correct. That was like 30 years ago but does not change it is a federal mandate.

[@josephmatos9348]

@@dothedishes3427 yes I know. But like most of what gov't does, it was unnecessary. I go by the adage, less gov't is always better. If someone from the feds shows up at ur door saying they just want to help you, run.

[@dothedishes3427]

@@josephmatos9348 Our views might differ but I absolutely respect your opinions. Have a good day sir.

[@johnlechmann3257]

This procedure worked on my 2007 Sonata. Total time to replace the bulb was about 30 min.

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

John Lechmann thanks for the comment and i hope the video helped out some for you!

[@zeeawan917]

Do we change the bulb or rebuild the car?

[@eddieds312]

thanks for sharing your knowledge. i have to one tomorrow mourning

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

No problem. Check out the notes in the description. You can do this without removing everything I did in this video. There are a couple other good videos on the other method

[@kawazaijazima657]

My kia forte also have the same design. Thanx for showing how to open it.

[@yenierdeltoro1761]

Hello friend, I have a 2008 hundai sonata gls 2.4L I would like to know if you can help me, what measurements of LED bulbs can I be able to thank you?

[@5084204]

OK, time to do the job! 11:50 start...

[@5084204]

Weird bulb needed 12v 16W with the two little metal thingies.

[@5084204]

13:30 finish. The longest was going to the shop to buy the bulb and then general hoovering and cleaning all those hard to reach areas. I did drill the extra hole right next to that square opening, so next time pliers will do the trick without even getting a screwdriver (BTW star/torx T40 to remove the plastic trim covers, PH2 for the 5 screws, socket 12 for the bolts holding the soft side covers - lift them up after unscrewing). Thank you for the tutorial!! Absolutely zero damage caused - everything is still in excellent condition - you saved me tons of work!

[@amajanagash6463]

How would you cut a port on top for easier access

[@Daistura]

Can I change the shape itself ? Like from halogen shape to the led shape ( Dots shape).

[@jimlaregina]

0:33 There is where I gave up. How does one undo those 12mm bolts, that hold the side cushions in place?

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

jimlaregina 12mm socket with a 12" extension. Get the socket head on the bolt and then use the extension to push down on the seat cushion to get a straighter approach angle. Hopefully that helps a little

[@jimlaregina]

Thank you.

[@hitmeforapromo]

should be titled the hard way should be the right way

[@AMC-eq3jr]

Failed NYS Inspection because of the third brake light.

[@Frosttyog]

Your such a champ

[@pablocantuiii6676]

I listen to you and cut an access port

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Pablo Cantu Awesome! Glad to hear! Went smooth and worked good?

[@20NateStryker10]

The answer is 5% tint. Never even knew I had a light there until tonight

[@xquakexx]

Uhh was that clip already disconnected????

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Not sure what clip you talking about

[@xquakexx]

@@NoNonsenseKnowHow 0:18 I have learned that 99% of ppl filming this job start the recorder after they have disconnected that. I happened to find my friends' already disconnected for some reason.... apparently its a federal law since 86!

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Oh I see what you're talking about. Yeah that's just a push in tab connector.

[@klovely82]

So followed this method now ABS light is on. Any suggestions?

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Sorry no not all hand. Did you unplug anything out of the ordinary?

[@gergemall]

Thx

[@AwesomeAlex808]

Just changed one out for work. We charge half an hour just for labor alone! Worst 3rd brake light design ever on any car by far.

[@AMC-eq3jr]

I thought the minimum safety requirement was two brake lights. Btw NYS requires plate lights $&)$(

[@keytothegate68]

Great video but a terrible task to do.

[@kylevanhook5215]

I did this to fix the light and replaced my sub in the process. How the hell do you get the cushions back on the seats? No matter how I try to contort them I CANNOT get them back in the clip

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

They are a pain to get in. Not really sure there's a good way to explain via txt though

[@kylevanhook5215]

@@NoNonsenseKnowHow ended up using snips to cut the metal lol. I couldn't get the to seat pieces to fit back in the metal slots for the life of me so just cutting them open did the trick 😂

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Nice. Hey that works what the heck

[@MikuruX]

Would all of this apply for a 2000 Hyundai Sonata also?

[@baldpipesmoker1]

Why did they make it so hard to replace? Ugh! 🤦‍♂️ I broke the plastic thing that holds the bulb.

[@kdeezo326]

In Virginia, they failed my inspection because the third brake light was out, even though both of the main brake lights were working😒

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Yeah up here in Pennsylvania we fail them as well for that as well. If you remove the entire assembly out of there, then it should pass. But if the light is there it has to work

[@joepro.736]

thank s was very helpfull

[@briansainz4673]

I've got a 2009 with side impact airbags. Is it safe to try and pull off those side panels? There is a small plastic "thread" attached to the screw cover and I'm afraid if I pull too hard it may trigger the airbag.

[@brushmg]

the small white tab just holds the cover on the screw well. it just prevents that small piece from disconnecting and disappearing! you’re good.

[@Gonzomedic]

Can anyone point me in the direction of where to find a video on a 2013 Hyundai Sonata?

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

From what I remember the newer sonatas are very easy to get to through the trunk no?

[@Gonzomedic]

NoNonsenseKnowHow from what I understand I’m going to have to replace the whole housing since it’s an LED strip and not a single bulb. I could be wrong though

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

@@Gonzomedic oh I see. Yeah it's probably a similar process to this then if you have to replace the whole LED unit.

[@garydohe]

You dont have to do all that if u just remove the 2 screws from inside the trunk then pull the center piece up from inside and change the light.

[@emailjimsylvester]

Why would Hyundai make changing a light bulb so difficult!

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Jim Sylvester right! Either which way you do it, it's a pain in the ass!

[@edwinrivera7431]

YOU RIGHT..

[@tahirkhan466]

Thats so true. Such a shame to design this way just to replace a bulb. I got a summon by police for this 3rd break light malfunctioning and now i realise that i might not be able to replace by my own.

[@jphillips7083]

I used to help people work on their cars... These days I just smile and tell them you're fucked.

[@maineindividual5202]

Insane what you need to do to replace a simple bulb. Damn

[@arod6982]

Wow I just got pulled over for this stupid light .

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Darn

[@xquakexx]

Jesus fucking christ. No wonder my friend got pulled over bc the previous owners left that shit hanging!

[@scrapguy6816]

I'm not messing with all that. I didn't have a break light in the window of the cars I grew with. Don't need it now.

[@tahirkhan466]

Thats so true. Such a shame to design this way just to replace a bulb. I got a summon by police for this 3rd break light malfunctioning and now i realise that i might not be able to replace by my own.

[@scrapguy6816]

@@tahirkhan466 it's such BS.

[@tahirkhan466]

@@scrapguy6816 by the way what is BS mean

[@scrapguy6816]

@@tahirkhan466 Bullshit. Something I think is wrong.

[@tahirkhan466]

@@scrapguy6816 😂 really it is,

[@jedialpha2]

... and let me guess... pays .1? .2 on a good day?

[@croweryanpaul]

rear seat panel Hyundai sonata

[@emmanuelnevarez914]

How the fuck did you take off the 5/8 bolt under the side of the seat!? Mine is like impossible to take off

[@hondamikk]

I wouldn’t call engineers. More like sadists. What a ridiculous procedure for a simple light bulb.

[@richanderson5121]

$45 at the dealer, but they should do it for FREE because the Engineers F-ed this up so bad!

[@joehyundaitech7961]

im a hyundai tech it is not my fault that the factory designed this the way it is dont hate on us this is the very long way to do this there is another way it can be done and this is not the way the hyundai dealers do this

[@ronstar7027]

This is all wrong. The two screws ARE different. On holds the assembly, the other the socket. Unscrew them from the bottom. Up top, slide the assembly backwards, pop up the front clips, then slide the assembly backwards and down to release the rear tabs. Whole assembly comes out. NO removing all that plastic.

[@peterfarley3265]

THIS IS NOT HARD, just harder then it should be thanks to crappy engineering. Do it this way, don't ruin the connector or cut holes in the metal deck. The hardest part was the bolster bolts

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

This is the harder way to do it. I updated the description a while back. Both ways work though

[@noelaguirre7104]

Interesting he used the word "engineers" I thought he was going to tear apart the entire car to get to the light bulb. That was a major undertaking, worst design ever. One more reason to stay away from low budget Hyundai.

[@clarencewiles963]

Thumbs up 👍 LOL 😂

[@rand8527]

We’re joking here right? That can’t be the way to change that bulb.

[@xquakexx]

You know I just might take out the entire fucking light!! Who cares!!!

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

not a bad idea

[@xquakexx]

Thank you for providing a backup way in case this way: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJqvkoqgoaibfsU fails!

[@thomasS.91061]

soso

[@xquakexx]

Bull shit I'm going to custom do it to where I can go underneath!

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

That's what I would do if I owned one

[@ge3466]

Hell No...

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Hell yes. lol

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Try the oven method if you've got good skills. If not referred apart like in this video. Using this method I can literally have it done in like 7 minutes or something

[@thanhhoale3886]

Stupid design ! Why did they make it so hard to change just the little light like that ? It doesn't make sense. Some cars are so easy for the owners to change the 3rd lights themselves. Really stupid design !

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

It's funny you just commented. I haven't had a comment on this video in forever and I literally just finished putting a third brake light assembly in a Chevy Malibu and it was a pain in my butt. Basically had to do all the same stuff as in this video. No slip and slide possibility

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

I agree, stupid design

[@tinetinemarie25]

What the fuck

[@Infametheus]

That's the Japanese for you

[@yetifacekilah8885]

Uhhh

[@MLNish]

Uhhhh.....it's a Korean made car. Japanese are reknown to design and engineer cars for "easy" maintenance.

[@mama--rua]

Dumbass