In most 2016 Hyundai Elantras, the front turn signals use a 7440 amber bulb and the rear turn signals use a 3157 amber bulb. Verify the exact code on your specific car by inspecting the bulb or checking the owner's manual, as some trims or regional versions may use alternatives such as 7443 or 3157A.
The exact bulb can vary by trim level and market, so it’s important to confirm the base code on the bulb you remove or consult Hyundai’s parts diagram for your vehicle’s configuration. This article provides a practical guide to identifying and replacing the correct bulb for your Elantra’s turn signals.
Bulb types by location
Here are the bulbs most likely to fit a 2016 Elantra’s turn-signaling housings. Use this as a starting point, but always confirm on your vehicle.
- Front turn signals: commonly 7440 amber. Some configurations may use 7443 in dual-filament or special housings; verify by comparing with the bulb in your specific housing.
- Rear turn signals: commonly 3157 amber (3157A variants exist). Some markets or trims may use a different base; confirm by reading the base code on the bulb.
Confirming the base code on the actual bulb you remove is the most reliable method of ensuring you buy the correct replacement.
How to identify the exact bulb for your car
Follow these steps to be certain of the exact bulb you need:
- Consult the owner's manual or the Hyundai service guide section for bulbs and fuses corresponding to your model year and trim.
- Access the turn signals: front signals behind the bumper area or in the headlight housing; rear signals in the tail lamp cluster or trunk area; remove the bulb housing cover carefully.
- Take out the bulb and read the base code printed on the base or glass (for example, 7440, 7443, 3157, or 3157A).
- Match the base code to a replacement bulb in the correct amber color and verify the number of filaments if it’s a dual-filament type.
- Consider LED replacements only if your car is compatible; many Elantras require CAN-bus compatibility or may flash abnormally without resistors.
These steps will protect you from buying the wrong bulb and ensure proper signaling performance.
LED upgrade considerations
LED turn-signal bulbs are popular for longevity and brightness, but they can cause CAN-bus errors or hyper-flashing on some 2016 Elantra configurations. If you choose LEDs, look for CAN-bus-ready bulbs or plan to use load resistors as needed. Also ensure the LED bulbs match the amber color and fit your housing correctly.
Buying tips and where to look
Use the exact bulb code or the vehicle’s VIN-referenced parts diagram to buy replacements. Major auto parts retailers and Hyundai’s official parts site can confirm compatibility.
- Check the old bulb for its base code, or refer to the owner’s manual Bulbs section to identify 7440/7443 or 3157/3157A as applicable.
- When shopping, filter results by “front turn signal” or “rear turn signal” and confirm amber color and base type before purchasing. Bring the old bulb for direct comparison if you’re unsure.
Having the correct base code and color will save you time and avoid returns.
Summary
The 2016 Hyundai Elantra generally uses a 7440 amber bulb for the front turn signals and a 3157 amber bulb for the rear turn signals, though variations by trim and region can apply. Always verify by inspecting the actual bulb or consulting the owner's manual or Hyundai parts diagram. If upgrading to LEDs, ensure CAN-bus compatibility or plan for resistors to prevent hyper-flash.