Change the Headlight on a Hyundai Accent

Although it may appear to be daunting task at first, changing the headlight bulb in a Hyundai Accent can be a 10 minute operation if you have the right tools and a few tips that I will get to in a minute.
My wife's Accent headlights both burned out at the same time. The high beams would work, but not the low beams, so my wife drove around for a few days burning peoples eyes out with the high beams on all of the time. To remedy this situation, I went around to the local Advance Auto Parts and picked up a pair of headlight bulbs. Unlike the sealed-beam unit headlamps from the old days, the Accent employs a halogen bulb insert. This insert is placed inside a headlight assembly which is bolted into the front grill. The Accent changed designs in 2000 on the headlight bulb and the procedure to install it. Accents made for model years 1995 to 1999 take a different headlight. At this writing, a pair of Sylvania 9003XV TWIN bulbs for a 2004 Hyundai Accent go for $23.99 at Advance Auto Parts. If you only need one bulb search for part# 9003/HB2 ($10.99) You can order it right here and pick them up at your local store. Not a bad deal really.

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need:
* Ratchet and 10MM socket
* 9004 high/low bean replacement headlamp (1995-1999)
* H4 high/low beam replacement headlamp (2000-2008)
* Latex gloves

Instructions

1. Open the hood and locate the back of the headlight assembly unit with the spent headlamp.

2. Remove the upper headlight assembly retaining bolts with ratchet and socket.

3. Pull the headlight assembly outward away from the Accent. It will still be attached by guide-pin ball sockets that need to be unseated, so you'll have to give it a good pull to unseat them. Be careful not to scratch the assembly lens or the paint on the fender. Also, be aware that the wires to the headlamp and marker lights are still attached to the headlight assembly. Unseat it enough to get enough room for your hands.

4. Disconnect the wire harness going to the headlamp. The harness on later models employs a locking clip that needs to be pushed inward to release the connection. This is where I got stuck. You need to grasp the harness between your fingers. There is a push clip on either side of the connector. Squeeze them together to pull off the connector

5. Pull off the black rubber gasket covering the headlamp (if applicable).

6. Remove the old headlamp using the one of the following procedures:

• On the 2000-2008 Accent disengage the wire clip retainer holding the headlamp in place. To release the wire clip Press inward and away from the lock.
  
• On the 1995-1999 Accent, Turn the retaining collar of the headlamp a third turn counterclockwise The collar uses tabs that align with notches in the headlight assembly. Once you've turned it a third of a turn, you'll be able to pull the collar and headlight out.

(Avoid touching the glass on the replacement bulb. Oils in your skin will damage the glass bulb if you touch it with your bare hands. I advise using putting on latex gloves before you open the package of the new headlamp.)

7. Replace the headlamp by reversing the removal procedure. Test the lights once you've reconnected the wire harness and before bolting the headlight assembly in back in place to make sure it's working properly.

There you go. Now you've saved yourself about $60 by installing the replacement headlights by yourself. For you do-it-yourself car mechanics like me you can get more indepth repair information in the online repair manuals from Alldata

(AllDataDIY.com). A 1 year subscription costs only $23.99. You can save that much on just one repair job.