How do you replace the headlight bulb located on a 2003 Hyundai Elantra?

Answer 1

If the bulb that needs replacing is on the driver's side you will need to remove the headlamp entirely. You do this by unscrewing 3 bolts. There are two on the top inside of the hood - these are obvious to see and one down further. My husband had to use a longer socket thingee (sorry) to remove that bolt. Unhook any of the electrical wires plugged into the headlamp. You will need to do that to completely remove it. Once you do that you can gently pry out the headlamp. Be gentle.

Once you remove the headlamp you have much easier access. You will need to unscrew the plastic cover on the back of the headlamp which you just turn and it comes off. Place the headlamp on something soft so you can get a good look at it. Mine just happened to be a low beam bulb that needed replacing. Do not touch the new bulb - use gloves or a tissue to handle it. This is a general rule for bulbs. You then need to take the one screw out and the spring action thingee lose (sorry again). Not too keen on the proper mechanical terms. Do pay attn. to how it comes apart; replace the bulb, and reverse what you just did. I'd suggest checking to be sure the light is working BEFORE screwing the bolts and all back together.

It was actually all done in less than 10 mins.

At first we thought we'd have to remove the battery, but it worked so much better by removing the headlamp itself. Access to it was better than having to reach around into the back of the light AND having to remove the battery.

I've had my Elantra for 4 years and this is the first time I've ever had to replace any bulbs. If it's on the passenger side that needs replacement, I suspect that that side would be easier to get to. It looks like you've only got the windshield washer fluid holder to contend with. If the bulb that needs replacing is on the driver's side you will need to remove the headlamp entirely. You do this by unscrewing 3 bolts. There are two on the top inside of the hood - these are obvious to see and one down further. My husband had to use a longer socket thingee (sorry) to remove that bolt. Unhook any of the electrical wires plugged into the headlamp. You will need to do that to completely remove it. Once you do that you can gently pry out the headlamp. Be gentle.

Once you remove the headlamp you have much easier access. You will need to unscrew the plastic cover on the back of the headlamp which you just turn and it comes off. Place the headlamp on something soft so you can get a good look at it. Mine just happened to be a low beam bulb that needed replacing. Do not touch the new bulb - use gloves or a tissue to handle it. This is a general rule for bulbs. You then need to take the one screw out and the spring action thingee lose (sorry again). Not too keen on the proper mechanical terms. Do pay attn. to how it comes apart; replace the bulb, and reverse what you just did. I'd suggest checking to be sure the light is working BEFORE screwing the bolts and all back together.

It was actually all done in less than 10 mins.

At first we thought we'd have to remove the battery, but it worked so much better by removing the headlamp itself. Access to it was better than having to reach around into the back of the light AND having to remove the battery.

I've had my Elantra for 4 years and this is the first time I've ever had to replace any bulbs. If it's on the passenger side that needs replacement, I suspect that that side would be easier to get to. It looks like you've only got the windshield washer fluid holder to contend with. Answer I removed the battery and shroud for the low beam bulb and did not have remove anything else. This was a lot easier than trying to find that 3rd bolt for the headlight assembly and less time. Access was much better the thingamagig is called an extension and you will need to remove the bolt that holds the battery down to remove the battery completely out of the car. no biggy. also the shroud has these popout bolts in the front that look like skrews but pop out when you pry up on them if you break one you can buy them at a autoparts store for 50 cents each so pry carefully and thaey won't break.