How do you replace or change the headlights on a 2003 Hyundai Accent?

Answer 1

So I just spent about three hours browsing various internets trying to figure this out. After going through what I've been through, I want to write a guide for all you folks like me.

Things you will need: Replacement bulbs #3009, patience, a pair of thin gloves, maybe a needle-nosed plier.

I recommend doing the passenger side bulb first - this way you can see how it all pieces together, without the frigging battery getting in the way. Wear gloves so you minimize risk of touching the new bulb. Whatever you do, don't let your skin contact the new bulb. You can touch the metal parts around it, but don't touch the glass.

Now to the nitty gritty:

1) Remove the plug from the bulb. There are two little squeezy-tabs on the long ends of the plug, located where one would logically grasp the plug to remove it. Once depressed, these tabs will unlock the socket and allow you to pull the plug off of the bulb. For the driver's side, I used a pair of needle-nose pliers to depress the tabs, because I do not have tiny hands.

2) Remove the rubber gasket. This is pretty easy. Just kind of work it off.

3) Remove the bulb from the bulb housing. This is kind of tricky! There is a little paper clip type thing holding the bulb into place. On one side of the bulb, towards the bottom, you will see a little metal outcrop that is holding this clip into place. Depress the clip towards the front of the car and this clip should come out, and swing upwards. You can then remove the old bulb.

4) Very carefully put the new bulb into the housing and clip it down. Be sure to properly align the tabs on the bulb, and don't touch the glass part! Make sure the plug on the back of the bulb is aligned so that the only horizontal metal part is on top of the plug, not the bottom.

5) Replace the rubber gasket. This is also easy. Work it in there, and push the middle back in so that it is fitting snugly around the bulb, and you have easy access to the plug part. It should be fully visible.

6) Put that dang plug back on there. Don't worry about depressing the little push-tabs, it will snap on.

Done! Hope this helped.

It helped IMMENSELY! I just had to do this, and was clueless. I really like the info you can get on the web, especially when it comes from someone who actually knows what they are talking about. I had to do it on the driver's side, and it was exactly like you laid it out. THANKS!!!!!