How do you replace third brake light on a 2010 Hyundai Sonata?

Answer 1

I just changed the 3rd brake light in my 2010 Sonata - what an ordeal! But I saved the $50 the dealer wanted to charge me!

1. In the trunk, unplug the wire that feeds the 3rdtail light.

2. Remove the rear seat. Remove two 12mm (I think) bolts about 1/3rd and 2/3rd across seat in crack between seat bottom and seat back (where your rear end would be). Pull forward on the two plastic clips in the front of the seat bottom (where you would put your hands to lift up the seat or where the backs of your calves would be). Pull seat out.

3. Remove left and right seat back end cushions. Remove 12mm bolt at the bottom and wack upward (I did this with a rubber mallet) to unhook it from the top hook. Note: these will be a bear to put back in.

4. Fold down both rear seat backs.

5. Remove the thin, black plastic "frame" around the opening.

6. Remove the small "SRS Airbag" medallion in both "C" pillars to expose the philips screw. Remove the screw and the plastic cover from the "C" pillar. It is held in by the one screw and many clips. You might have to pop some of it out with a screwdriver. Be careful, the side airbags are in there.

7. Now you can remove the rear deck. It is just held in by one clip (looks like a small yellow drywall anchor) which is visible and accessible in the trunk.

8. Now all you have to do is remove the housing, I think by removing just 2 small screws, and change the light bulb (bulb #921).

Hope this helps. Good luck.