How to Replace Headlights in 2007 Hyundai Elantras

Replacing the headlights in your 2007 Hyundai Elantra requires removal of the headlight assembly from the front of the car. Access to the headlight bulbs is possible from the rear of the assembly; there are separate bulbs for the high and low beams. Bulbs should be replaced in pairs, so if one high beam goes out, replace both high beam bulbs; do the same if it is the low beam that requires replacement. The Elantra uses an H1 halogen bulb as a high beam and a H11B halogen in the low beam side of the assembly. Both are readily available from any auto parts store.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of your car and support it with the under-hood prop rod. Locate the two mounting bolts that secure the headlight assembly to the radiator support, just behind the light assembly, on the top of the radiator support.

2

Remove the two retaining bolts with a socket and ratchet, set the bolts aside, then pull the headlight assembly forward, allowing access to the electrical connections on the rear of the assembly. Release the locking tabs on the two electrical connections, then separate the connectors from the headlight assembly and lay them aside.

3

Slide the headlight assembly out completely and locate the two large, knob-like covers on the back of the assembly -- the high beam headlight bulb is in the inboard side, and the low beam is on the outboard portion of the assembly.

4

Select the cover for the headlight bulb that you are changing and rotate it counterclockwise. Remove it from the back of the headlight assembly.

5

Locate the spring retaining clip inside the headlight assembly, over the bulb. Push the clip in and slide it out from under the tab inside the opening. Flip the clip up and out of the way.

6

Pull the bulb out of the headlight and discard it. Position the new bulb in the hole and install the retaining clip over it; make sure to grasp the bulb by the plastic base, as touching the glass with your fingers will leave oils on the glass that can cause the bulb to overheat and fail prematurely.

7

Install the cover on the rear of the assembly over the bulb opening. Rotate the cover clockwise until you feel it snap in place.

8

Slide the headlight assembly back into the opening on the front of the car. Plug the electrical connections into the sockets on the assembly. The connectors are unique, so they will only fit in the proper socket.

9

Slide the assembly all the way into the opening, then install the two retaining bolts in the top of the radiator support. Tighten the bolts with a socket and ratchet until they are snug. Do not over-tighten them, or you will crack the plastic brackets that retain the headlight assembly.

10

Move to the opposite headlight assembly and repeat the process, changing the corresponding bulb in the set. No aiming is required, as the adjusters in the body opening are not moved during this process.