🔧 Seltos - Taillight Bulb Replacement (Left & Right)

Replacing the rear bulbs on your Seltos usually means opening the liftgate and swapping the bulbs through the rear access panels. Some versions use LED lamp units (no replaceable bulbs) for certain functions, so I want to make sure I guide you to the correct parts and steps.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the light switch OFF and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
• ⚠️ Let bulbs cool before touching; they can be very hot.
• ⚠️ Don’t touch new bulb glass with bare fingers; oil can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ If you’ll unplug lamp connectors, disconnect the battery negative terminal first.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Trim removal tool set
• Phillips screwdriver #2
• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 1/4" drive extension 3"
• Torque wrench (in-lb)
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flashlight

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear taillight bulb(s) - Replace in pairs (left & right) - Qty: 2
• Rear turn signal bulb(s) - Replace in pairs (left & right) - Qty: 2
• Rear brake/tail bulb(s) - Replace in pairs (left & right) - Qty: 2
• Rear reverse bulb(s) - Replace in pairs (left & right) - Qty: 2

Tip: Match the bulb number printed on the old bulb.

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the liftgate for access to the rear lamp areas.
• If you’re unsure whether you have LED lamps: remove an access cover and check—if you see a twist-out bulb socket, it’s a replaceable bulb; if you only see a wiring connector into a sealed lamp, it’s likely LED.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm which rear light function you’re replacing

• Turn the ignition to ON and have a helper operate: parking lights, brake pedal, turn signals, and reverse.
• Use flashlight to identify which section is out (tail, brake, turn, reverse).
• If your lamp is LED for that function, the bulb won’t be replaceable; the lamp assembly (or LED module) is replaced instead.

Step 2: Access the bulb sockets (liftgate/trunk-side access)

• Open the rear side trim access cover behind the lamp using a trim removal tool set.
• If there are fasteners holding the cover, remove them with a Phillips screwdriver #2.
• Locate the bulb socket for the failed light (it’s the twist-lock piece going into the lamp).

Step 3: Remove the bulb socket

• Grip the socket and rotate it counterclockwise about 1/4 turn by hand.
• Pull the socket straight out of the lamp housing.
• Tip: Don’t pull on the wires.

Step 4: Replace the bulb

• Remove the old bulb from the socket (either pull straight out or push-and-turn depending on bulb base).
• Install the new bulb fully into the socket using nitrile gloves.
• If the bulb base is push-and-turn, press in and rotate clockwise to lock.

Step 5: Reinstall the socket and test

• Insert the socket back into the lamp and rotate clockwise to lock by hand.
• Turn the lights on and confirm the repaired function works.
• Reinstall the access cover by hand, then secure with a Phillips screwdriver #2 if equipped.

Step 6: If your Seltos requires lamp removal (outer lamp on body)

• Open the liftgate and locate the lamp fasteners on the inside edge of the outer rear lamp.
• Remove retaining nuts using a 10mm socket, 1/4" drive ratchet, and 1/4" drive extension 3".
• Support the lamp and pull it straight rearward to release the alignment pins.
• Disconnect the lamp connector by hand, then remove the bulb socket(s) as in Steps 3–5.
• Reinstall the lamp and tighten the nuts using a torque wrench (in-lb): Torque to 8-10 Nm (71-89 in-lb).

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✅ After Repair

• Verify all rear light functions: tail, brake, turn, reverse, and hazards.
• Check that the lamp sits flush with the body and there are no gaps (prevents water leaks).
• If a bulb still doesn’t work, swap left/right bulbs to confirm it’s not a socket or wiring issue.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $10-$60 (parts only)

You Save: $70-$140 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?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.

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❓Quick check (so I can match the exact bulbs)

• Which function are you replacing: tail/brake, turn signal, or reverse?
• When you open the rear access cover, do you see a twist-out bulb socket (yes/no)?