2004 Hyundai Elantra
Problem for Hyundai 2004 Elantra

How easy is it to change the front left headlight




By seatim55 on Oct 16, 2009

" "
how easy is it to change the front left headlight on a 2004 Elantra .
My knowledge maxs out at checking the oil.

Best Solution

posted on Oct 16, 2009
Very Helpful)

techbuster

Rank: Guru  Cars  Expert
Rating: 89%, 504 votes
It's a somewhat difficult and slightly confusing process.

Under the hood, the headlights are covered on the inside by a plastic cap. This cap is accessible on the right side fairly easily, but on the left side it requires removal of a plastic cover and probably the battery.

Twist this cap off, and you'll see the headlight, the plug, and a clip that holds it in place. Press down on part of the clip and wiggle it around, and it should come unhooked. Then you can move it out of place. The bulb is plugged into its plug still, and it would probably be easier to unplug the bulb before unclipping it. Either way, make sure you don't get the clip and the plug cord tangled, because it's difficult to get them untangled.

The bulb plugs and unplugs from the plug fairly easily, and it would seem that it could be plugged in either way and work right.

Was this helpful?
Yes
No
3 people thought this was helpful

Solution #2

posted on Oct 16, 2009
Very Helpful)

super_guy

Rank: Guru  Hyundai Cars  Expert
Rating: 97%, 7870 votes
  1. There is a shroud that has 3 push pins at the front and a 10 mm bolt at the rear that attaches to the top of the air cleaner box. Remove the bolt and the push pins, lift the shroud up and set it out of the way.
  2. There are 2 10 mm bolts at the top of the headlamp assembly and one at the bottom that you can see looking down between the radiator support and the battery. Remove the bolts. Now grab the assembly and carefully wiggle it forward as it will be a snug fit between the fender and bumper cover. Unplug the electrical connectors.
  3. Now you have the assembly free where you can move it around and actually see what you are doing! Turn the caps on the back of the headlamp counterclockwise until they stop and pull straight out. Now you should see the bulbs inside. Gently pull on the connector on the bulb to unplug it. Look at the retaining clip holding the bulb in its seat, note exactly how it is positioned, then unclip it from its holder and swing it out of the way. Pull the bulb out of the assembly.
  4. To install the bulbs, hold the bulb and put it back into the assembly, making sure to align the keyway on the bulb properly. Resecure the retaining clip and reconnect the bulb connector. Reinstall the caps by pushing in and turning clockwise until they stop.
  5. Now you are reversing the previous steps. Reconnect the assembly connectors, slide the assembly back into place and reinstall the 3 bolts, taking care not to overtighten them. We do not want to bust the plastic mounting tabs. Put the shroud back into place, and reinstall the push pins and bolt. Now turn on the headlamps, and check to make sure all lights are working.

Was this helpful?
Yes
No
7 people thought this was helpful

Solution #3

posted on Oct 16, 2009
Helpful)

wilson59

Rank: Guru  Cars  Expert
Rating: 87%, 180 votes
Hi,
These days cars have bulbs that fit in a socket that fits into the back of your headlight. The bulbs snap into their sockets much like Christmas light bulbs. Pop the hood and look at where the bulb wires/socket is located at the back of your headlight housing. A quarter turn is generally all it takes to remove the socket. Pull the bulb out and replace with a new one. Make sure you get the right bulb as not all are alike. Take your old one to the store... (Walmart sells them) or an auto parts store.
Hope this helps...
Was this helpful?
Yes
No
1 person thought this was helpful

Popular Solutions for 2004 Hyundai Elantra


Questions and Unsolved Problems for 2004 Hyundai Elantra


Do you recommend Hyundai 2004 Elantra?
Answer

Answer
headlights keep going out - this is the first time they both went out at the same time

Answer
I cannot eject the cassette adapter that I use to listen to my ipod. I get the error: err08

Answer
how does the lightbulb next to the headlight come out on a 2004 hyudai elantra?

Answer
What type of sunroof is in the 2004 Hyundai Elantra Need to know the dimensions.

Answer
Where is the transmission computer?


Didn't find what you were looking for?

Describe your problem:

Select a Category:







Ask our Experts

 

Solve Your Problem Now!
Chat Live with an Expert
Chat Now
Browse popular Problems
More Common Problems
Most Common Problems for:
For 2004 Hyundai Elantra:

Top Car Experts

Rank: Guru Guru  

Solutions: 14833
Member Since: June 2008

Experience: 40 years of automotive repair work, home appliance repair experience and general electrical repair.

Ask Me
Find more Car Experts

Top Car Repair

       
Solve Your Problem Now!
Chat Live with an Expert
Chat Now

X
Continue
When the original poster rates a solution that was given to his own problem, that rating is locked!
X

Are you sure the solution content is Inappropriate?
   
Tech buddies can communicate directly to answer questions. Become a Tech Buddy and have direct access to your favorite expert for FREE!
Insert Link
Insert Image
Insert You-Tube clip
Insert List
Insert List
Spell Check

What is this?



Select