Originally Posted by NovaResource

HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP
1. Disconnect the negative(-) battery terminal.
2. Open the trunk lid and then disconnect the connector of high mounted stop lamp.
3. Remove the package tray.

4. Replace the bulb(A) from the package tray.


5. Installation is the reverse of removal.

Originally Posted by rallyman

While that is the official method to change the bulb I think removing the package tray would make the job much more work than it needs to be. I have changed the centre brake light bulb in my 2006 Sonata and used a method I found on another site. It involves removing two screws that hold the brake light housing in place and then removing it from inside the car.

Basically, you need to lie on your back in the trunk to see and remove the two screws (I think the hole in the sheetmetal to access one is covered by a foam pad which needs to be removed). This will allow the unit to be pulled out of the package tray from inside the car.

It's a bit of a pain but worked out in the end. If I remember correctly, a lot of the problem is with the long tab on the bulb holder which creates problems trying to get the housing out of the tray and reinstalled again.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by sbr711

You do not need to remove rear panel.... you need to remove the lamp module first to remove the panel...

In trunk, laying on back as mentioned, remove the 2 screws (2 styles involved, 1 silver, other is yellow), so put them back where you got them from

Now go inside cabin... lift lamp housing enough to reach in and twist soocket so it will fall out, then finish removing lamp housing..

Remove bulb from socket.. take a pair of side cutters and cut them "wings" off the socket.

Install bulb to socket, re-install socket to lamp housing.... now you can wiggle the complete assembly past the hump of the deck panl and set module into place

Install 2 screws underneath.

Another method is to use a hole saw from under side, then you do not have to fiddle with them 2 tiny screws.

Originally Posted by BlackSon2006

This is a little tricky.
They could have and should have made this much easier.


Look at the pictures in the first reply.

Do NOT remove the upper tray.
Do NOT remove the light housing attached to upper tray.
Do NOT brute force this no matter how tempting

You will need
1. a long bent needle nose pliers (this is critical)
- Hyundai line workers must have a special tool
2. phillips screw driver
3. flashlight (a long LED probe light would be good), and
4. patience

Lie in trunk
Disconnect the rear upper brake light power connection.
by pinching the bracket connection at bottom (white plastic)
The bracket is held in place with a silver phillips screw.
Unscrew the phillips screw.
Pull down the bracket.
The bracket wire is attached to the bulb holder still in the light housing
Look at the picture above.
Look at the "finned" bulb holder.
Those fins are what you will grab and twist.
You need to gently grasp it with the bent/curved needle nose.
A quarter turn will release it.
Pull it out and replace bulb.
Check light (reconnect) before reversing all this.

An access hole lined up with the finned bulb holder would make this much easier, but it can be done.

Originally Posted by dbacon

Or just reach up when in the trunk and remove the socket. It is hard to do but it is a twist lock assy. I shaved the locking mechanism so it will be easier next time. The biggest difficulty is the short wire on the socket just barely lets you rotate it down to pull the bulb out of it. But it can be done this way, lots easier.

Originally Posted by Joesteam

I just finished replacing the bulb. I had to disconnect the wire harness plug then take a screwdriver to pry the bulb housing. By this I mean I had to rotate the housing using the frame as a fulcrum. The housing rotated and I was able to pry off the bulb assembly. At first I was confused by the chrome clip held on by a screw. I thought I had to remove this. You do not. Leave it be. I then removed the 2 small screws holding the light assembly. Be careful not to drop these screws. Use a magnetic screw bit to hold onto them. One of the screws is accessed through the rectangular hole in the trunk ceiling and the other is through a 3/4" circular hole on the other side. You will have to remove some tape that covers this hole. Go into the back of the car and now remove the light housing. Install the new bulb then put the bulb assembly into the light housing. Before installing the housing, cut the plastic tab that comes off the bulb assembly. It is designed to give you a place to grip the assembly and twist but you don't need it. You will not be able to replace the light housing unless you do this. You might have to press down a little to get it in but it should go. Again when replacing the screws be careful not to lose them (use magnetic bit as before). I had to use a fender washer on the screw that goes through the rectangular hole because it would not grip the upper deck. Get out of the trunk, have a beer and count the money you saved.