How do you replace the headlight bulb located on a 2002 Hyundai?

Answer 1

The headlight bulbs have clips that hold them in place. You have to push the clip, which sort of "L" shaped to one side or the other slightly, to unlock it and the rotate it away from the socket assembly. The lamp on the drivers side is a bear, you have to remove a plastic cover then get the battery out of the way. You can't even see the thing until you do that. Good Luck!

Additional information regarding the headlight clip (added 8/18/08). First, remove the plug. When looking at the clip, one side appears to have a screw attached, the other does not (tight 'U'-shaped handle). I believe the 'U'-shaped handle is on the outside, or the side furthest from the engine/closest to the wheel.The following has two parts. First, put your finger on the U-shaped handle and press firmly toward the front of the car. Second, while still pressing foward, move your finger up to clear the "clip gate" or "ledge" (I think this is what the original author described as being 'L' shaped). This will release the free side of the clip. It will still be attached to the "screw" side. Swing the clip out of the way to access the bulb. After the bulb has been replaced, push the clip up and over the clip gate and back into place. Replace the plug and you're done!

Additionally, (added 02/13/2010), once you have removed and replaced the bulb itself and are now battling the clip; if your clip has come completely loose and you can hold it in your hand (like mine did), you must FIRST put the "square" bend in the clip behind the screw and washer, so the "straight(er)" end of the clip goes UNDER the bulb and the POINT is above the bulb and pointing up.

Once I had secured that "squared" part of the clip behind the screw and washer, and made certain the "pointed" bend was pointing up, I used long nosed pliers to get the "ear" of the clip to fit into its slot. You need to be able to see very well and have the body of a contorionist to do this, so if a limber teenager with good eyesight is handy, try to enlist his/her help!

I finally figured out the correct orientation by removing the cover on the other headlight and examining it carefully, then duplicated that one on the side that needed repair.