If a rear brake light isn’t illuminating, you can usually replace the bulb yourself. The outer brake/taillight bulb in the 2016 Elantra is a replaceable dual‑filament bulb, with the exact part number depending on trim and market. In many cases you’ll be dealing with a bulb such as a 3157/3157A or 7443, and the center high mount brake light is often an LED that may require a full assembly replacement.
Identify the bulb type for your Elantra
Before buying a replacement, confirm the correct bulb type for your specific vehicle configuration. Bulb types can vary by trim and regional market, so checking the bulb socket or your owner's manual helps ensure you purchase the right part.
- The outer brake/taillight bulb is typically a dual‑filament bulb (common examples include 3157, 3157A, or 7443), but exact numbers vary by trim.
- The center high mount brake light (CHMSL) is often an LED unit on many 2016 Elantras; if so, you generally replace the entire CHMSL assembly rather than a single bulb.
- When in doubt, inspect the bulb during removal or consult the vehicle’s bulb chart in the owner's manual or service guide.
With the correct bulb type identified, you’re ready to gather tools and proceed with replacement.
Tools and safety gear
Gather these items to ensure a smooth, safe replacement process and to avoid damaging bulbs or housings.
- Replacement bulb of the exact type (e.g., 3157/3157A or 7443; confirm for your car)
- Gloves or a clean cloth to handle bulbs (to prevent oil from your fingers shortening bulb life)
- Trim removal tool or a flat-blade screwdriver wrapped in cloth
- Flashlight or phone light for better visibility inside the trunk
- Owner’s manual or service guide for reference on screws and fuse locations
Having the right tools helps prevent damage to the housing and ensures you complete the job safely and efficiently.
Step-by-step: replace the outer brake light bulb
This sequence covers the common procedure for the outer taillight bulb in a 2016 Elantra. If your car uses a slightly different tail-light design, the essentials—access the bulb, swap it, and test—remain the same.
- Park the car, engage the parking brake, and turn off the engine. For extra safety, remove the key from the ignition.
- Open the trunk and locate the rear light assembly. Remove the inner trunk panel or access cover that conceals the bulb socket.
- Gain access to the bulb socket by rotating the light housing (or cover) counterclockwise to release it, depending on trim.
- Disconnect the wiring harness from the bulb socket by pressing the release tab and pulling straight out.
- Remove the old bulb from the socket by turning it counterclockwise and pulling it out. Note the orientation for the replacement.
- Insert the new bulb into the socket, reconnect the wiring harness, and reattach the socket to the housing. Return the light assembly to its original position and secure it.
- Test the brake light by pressing the brake pedal with the ignition on to verify illumination and proper function of the taillight as a whole.
If the new bulb doesn’t light, recheck the socket seating, wiring connection, and fuse. A faulty socket or wiring issue may require professional diagnosis.
Center high mount brake light (CHMSL) considerations
Many 2016 Elantra models place the CHMSL higher on the rear of the vehicle. On LED CHMSL units, a single burned diode is rare to replace—the entire module is often replaced. If your CHMSL is incandescent, the process is similar to other bulb replacements, though the exact access method can vary by trim.
- Identify whether the CHMSL is LED or incandescent by inspecting the light or checking the manual. LED units usually require module replacement rather than a bulb swap.
- If incandescent, remove the CHMSL lens or cover as required by trim to expose the bulb socket.
- Disconnect the wiring harness, remove the old bulb, and insert a new one of the same type.
- Reconnect the harness, reassemble the CHMSL housing or lens, and test the brake function to confirm proper operation.
LED CHMSL replacements are less common and typically involve swapping the entire center light unit. Always verify with the manual or dealer if you’re unsure.
Testing, troubleshooting, and safety tips
After completing replacement, verify all rear lighting functions are working correctly and address issues promptly to stay compliant with traffic safety laws.
- With ignition on and brake pedal pressed, confirm the brake lights illuminate brightly for both the outer taillights and the CHMSL if applicable.
- Check the taillights and turn signals for any dimming, flickering, or failure signs that suggest a loose bulb, bad socket, or wiring issue.
- Inspect for moisture inside the taillight housing, which can cause corrosion or repeated bulb failures.
- If bulbs burn out again quickly, inspect fuses, wiring harness connections, and grounds for faults.
Regularly inspecting rear lighting during routine maintenance helps ensure reliable operation and road safety.
Maintenance and when to seek help
Most brake light replacements are straightforward, but if you’re uncomfortable working inside the trunk area or if multiple lights are malfunctioning, seek professional help.
- A dealership or certified automotive technician can diagnose electrical faults, bad sockets, or CHMSL assembly failures.
- Moisture or corrosion in the light housing should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage.
- Consider replacing the entire light assembly if multiple bulbs fail or if the housing is cracked or damaged.
Prompt maintenance ensures your vehicle remains compliant with safety standards and reduces the risk of late-night or low-visibility issues on the road.
Summary
Changing the brake light on a 2016 Hyundai Elantra typically involves identifying the correct outer‑light bulb type, safely accessing the rear light housing, installing a fresh bulb of the same type, and testing the function. The center high mount brake light is often an LED unit, which may require replacing the entire module rather than a single bulb. Always consult the owner's manual for exact bulb numbers and follow proper safety precautions when working with the vehicle’s electrical system. Regular checks help keep rear lighting reliable and road-ready.
Final note
While this guide covers common procedures, variations can occur by trim level and market. If in doubt, consult the Hyundai dealer or a qualified automotive technician to avoid damage or incorrect bulb installation.