🔧 Seltos - Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

Your Seltos rear turn signal is typically a replaceable amber bulb inside the tail lamp. You’ll access the bulb socket from inside the cargo area, swap the bulb, and then test operation.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🔸 Turn ignition OFF and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
• 🔸 Let the bulbs cool first; they can burn you.
• 🔸 Wear gloves; skin oil can shorten bulb life.
• 🔸 Do not touch the new bulb glass with bare fingers.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Plastic trim removal tool
• Phillips screwdriver #2
• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• Torque wrench (Nm) 1/4" drive
• Flashlight

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear turn signal bulb (amber) - Verify type stamped on old bulb (common markings: 7440A or 1156A) - Qty: 2 Replace in pairs

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the liftgate and remove cargo items for space.
• Have your flashlight ready so you can clearly see the bulb socket.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the tail lamp service area

• Open the liftgate.
• Use a flashlight to find the rear access cover on the inside trim next to the tail lamp (left or right side).
• If your cover is clipped in: use a plastic trim removal tool to gently pop it open.
• If your cover uses screws: remove them with a Phillips screwdriver #2.

Step 2: Remove the rear turn signal bulb socket

• Look for the bulb socket that matches the turn signal position in the tail lamp (usually the amber/turn section).
• Grip the socket and rotate it counterclockwise about 1/4 turn to unlock it.
• Pull the socket straight out of the tail lamp.

Step 3: Replace the bulb

• Put on nitrile gloves.
• Remove the old bulb:
  • If it’s a wedge bulb: pull it straight out of the socket.
  • If it’s a bayonet bulb: push in slightly and twist counterclockwise, then pull out.
• Match the new bulb to the old bulb by the stamping on the base (example: 7440A or 1156A), then install it:
  • Wedge bulb: press straight in until fully seated.
  • Bayonet bulb: align pins, push in, twist clockwise to lock.
• Tip: If it feels loose, it’s not seated.

Step 4: Reinstall the socket and close the access cover

• Insert the socket back into the tail lamp.
• Rotate clockwise 1/4 turn until it locks.
• Reinstall the access cover:
  • Push clips back in by hand, or
  • Reinstall screws with a Phillips screwdriver #2.

Step 5 (If you cannot remove the socket from inside): Remove the tail lamp assembly

• Locate the tail lamp retaining nuts accessible from inside the cargo area.
• Remove retaining nuts using a 10mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet.
• Pull the tail lamp straight rearward to release the locating pins. Pull straight—don’t pry the paint.
• Now remove the turn signal socket (counterclockwise), replace the bulb, then reinstall.
• Reinstall the tail lamp nuts and Torque to 6 Nm (53 in-lbs) using a torque wrench (Nm) 1/4" drive.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn ignition ON (engine can stay off).
• Test left and right turn signals and hazard lights.
• Walk behind the vehicle to confirm the flashing rate looks normal (fast flashing usually means a bulb isn’t working or isn’t seated).
• Make sure the access cover is fully secured to prevent rattles.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$150 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $5-$30 (parts only)

You Save: $55-$120 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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