2009 Hyundai Santa Fe - How to Replace the Headlights

Step by step including mistakes. After all, I am not a mechanic.
How to Replace the Headlights on a 2009-2012 Santa Fe.

[@AuraLeeCee]

Not only was this helpful, the human quality of it (the errors) gave motivation: DIY vids with people who seamlessly plow through it with no "booboos" takes the sheer fun out of DIY projects. Thanks for the help!

[@billyq12001]

Thank you so much!

[@billyq12001]

You're welcome.

[@AuraLeeCee]

Now do one on how to change the door lock actuators...please!!!

[@billyq12001]

When mine breaks I will make the video.

[@MikeRuhm]

I had to swap the whole assembly, driver and passenger sides, out on a 2007 Santa Fe. This came up right away. Worked like a charm except the part where it say "Did not need to take these out" on the nuts towards the fan. Only thing that actually holds them in. The 2 top 10mm bolts and the 1 by the fan area. Thank you for posting!!

[@billyq12001]

Great. They can be cheap at the local junk yard.

[@johndaniels5589]

I have to say again that your video saved my day! MY issue was a blinker, but the disassembly and re-assembly steps are the same. Get the lamp housing OUT, then work your butt off trying to get the housing back in without breaking it! However, with YOU help I did it!

[@billyq12001]

Nice.

[@JohnSmith-gb5vg]

Finally someone who showed a step by step, thank you 🙏 ✌️😎

[@Its_Renee_]

I'm fresh out of curse words for my '07 this is not as easy as it looks! 😭

[@billyq12001]

Glad this video is helping so many of you. Some are stating that there is no reason to remove the light assembly. But, not only is this covered in the owners manual, it sure get us people with big hands much needed room to access the bulb.

[@newlifegman]

Lol. Their is no way you can change the driver side without removing the headlight. I don't care if you have midget hands.

[@billyq12001]

lol. Thanks for your input.

[@kevinmaher1406]

Awesome video, took 20 minutes, t5y

[@billyq12001]

Glad it helped.

[@surlyrob4372]

+William Quinn Could you please post a video of changing the reverse light on a Hyundai Santa Fe... The brake lights I can get to but the reverse light is off to the side and doesnt seem accessible.

[@monahmat]

Just did this on my 2011 Santa Fe and my experience was almost identical to yours. The video provided me that little bit of reassurance I needed coaxing the assembly out and forcing it back into place. Thanks for the help!

[@billyq12001]

Great. Thank you.

[@dolphin32032]

Great video! I was having a hard time removing the outer assembly correctly. I wanted to get the angle of removal correct to prevent damage to my vehicle.The whole job can be done without removing it from the car. Open the compartment from behind and put the bulb in if your hands are small enough to fit. The Sante Fe has two different bulbs, too, the earlier 2009 uses the H7 bulb (like mine) and the later 2009 uses the H11 bulb like yours. Two different socket assemblies for same year, ugh!

[@dnighto]

Thanks William! Nothing like a last minute panic trying to change a headlight bulb before you go away on holiday! Big thumbs up to you

[@billyq12001]

Thank you so much.

[@dennisneyman8057]

thanks. My manual didn't mention the third bolt. I appreciate your walking thru the mistakes. Say, we're just fallible human beings.

[@kfdaddy]

10 years later and your video is still very helpful. I am aware that you don't need to remove the housing to change just the bulb, BUT . . . , I want to install LED headlights on my 2012 Santa Fe and the one I plan to use is actually an H11 bulb with an adapter cable for the H11B and to do it I will need to remove the entire housing. This video has given me the incentive to go ahead and give it my best shot. If I fail it won't be because of your "warts and all" video.

[@billyq12001]

Good luck with that.

[@johndaniels5589]

i could not figure out how to get the light housing out, even though I knew what to do. Then I could not figure out how to get it back IN again. So, I watched THIS video! Had the SAME issues at the SAME points that I did. I decided to watch this a few times and saw first hand how HE did it, both out and in....and then I followed the same steps. Even at the places where I was previously stuck. I did what HE did, I forced it a little where HE did, and now I'm back on the road. Thanks my friend....this video saved me from driving up to a body shop to have THEM re-install this damn light! I guess we ALL will have the same problems at the same spots...but YOU got me through it. Thanks again!

[@billyq12001]

So glad I could help. Enjoy.

[@XegaKN]

I also watched the video and it helped. I will say that if you are changing the H11B (low beams) or the H7 (high beams) you can do this without pulling out the assembly or unscrewing or unfolding anything. You can just unscrew the H11Bs by twisting the light bulb to the outside of the vehicle and it will pop out. No removal of the headlight assembly required. You the just screw the light bulb back in and replace the headlight cap. We figured this out on the 2nd headlight after we removed the headlight assembly on the first one as it is a pain!

[@billyq12001]

That is good only for the passenger side because the battery is not in the way.

[@zerocool4958]

Sir ,this video is still helping years later. Thank you for this post you just saved me alot of headache and I was able to fix it on my own 😇

[@billyq12001]

Thank you for taking the time to visit my channel.

[@trumpygirl1]

I have a 2007 model and found with a good torch, that I did not have to remove the whole headlight to get the bulb in. Thanks for your start up help. My lights are now working great :)

[@billyq12001]

Small hands can do that. My hands take a XXXL set of gloves and the entire assembly had to come out for me. Glad it helped.

[@shameh89]

I lives in South Korea. My car is 2005 santa fe CM. Thanks for creating this video. At first, It is hard to pull out the assembly but finally I changed bulb on the right side. Thank you again. God bless you.

[@billyq12001]

I was in your area while in the Navy. I am so glad this helped you. God Bless.

[@dano5814]

early 2009 models took h7's same as 2007/08. later 2009's and newer take h11's. that's why your wife brought home the wrong ones. nobody's fault. great video.

[@billyq12001]

Very nice input. Thanks.

[@pinkflamingo696]

I'm 17 and have just bought a 2011 Hyundai i20. The bulb hasn't gone yet but when it does, hopefully I'll be prepared. As a 17 year old female it's going to be great fun but better than paying to have a bulb fitted every time and waiting hours for roadside assistance!

[@billyq12001]

+Jackie Flamingo Thank for viewing this video. Please more on my channel. Take care.

[@TheVan1960]

I am so glad I read the comments before tackling this job! I have a 2010 Santa Fe and, although the manual does still show that you must remove the lights, it is really easy to change the bulb by just unscrewing the cap while it's in the car....no tools and job done in under 2 minutes!!

[@MrTimejester]

I first attempted to change the same bulb on my 2008 following the user manual and like Mr. Quinn didn't get very far. Your video brought to light all the little incidentals the manual couldn't possibly manage and so now I can happily say I changed my own lightbulb....saved me the embarrassment of having to take it to my dealer. Big cheer for Mr. Quinn!

[@billyq12001]

Thank you so much and glad that I could help. Please sub me and look at some of my other 1000+ videos.

[@dianaschuler1651]

Just did this on my 2010 Santa Fe base model (I think GLS?). H11B bulbs required for low beams, and H7 bulbs required for high beams. (I know this because I accidentally took out the high beam bulb the first time and it didn't look like the H11B that I purchased!) It ends up we didn't need to remove the headlight assembly for either the driver or passenger side bulbs (either high beam or low beam). Maybe 2010 has more clearance? For the low beam, twist the bulb counterclockwise about a quarter turn then pull straight out to remove it. For the high beam, there is a small wire cage that you have to push in and pull it over a lip to get access to the bulb. Then the bulb pulls straight out. Funny thing....both the right and left bulbs went out within 4 days of each other!! Thanks William!

[@billyq12001]

+Diana Schuler Great job. Thanks for your note.

[@TerryPG19]

Thanks William worked great on my 2012 Santa Fe...Handbook did not tell me about 3rd bolt behind,so I am glad I saw your video

[@billyq12001]

Glad I could help.

[@NickPelletier]

Thank you, I'm about to do this today. I brought it to a mechanic a while back and they wanted to charge me over $150 to do this for one side. I put it off and now have to do both sides. But looks like it took you less than 30 min. People think they save time by going to a mechanic, but if they think about how much time it costs them to make the $150. They'd realize they'd save time and money by doing it themselves. Awesome video. Thank You.

[@billyq12001]

Time to find a new mechanic I think. Glad this helps.

[@NickPelletier]

@@billyq12001 so I switched everything, and I"ve run into another problem. The light bulbs all work, but I hit the left hand turn signal and instead of blinking it freezes on the dash or acts like a caution light and causes both sides to blink. When I remove that fuse everything goes back to normal, but I lose the left hand side light. Not sure if it's the fuse, a relay, or something else. I've switched out the fuse with other fuses with no results, and did the same with the relays, but nothing changed. Anyway thank you for your video it was a huge help.

[@juliec2843]

So helpful - the manual doesn’t reference the third bolt and watching you tap it back in gave me courage to go for it - tricky headlight! Thanks!

[@billyq12001]

You're welcome.

[@vanns4]

Thanks for the great video.I have a 09 Santa Fe if any thing simple goes wrong on any of my vehicles KZbin is my first choice to see if any videos are up to help me with my problems.My low beam went out on my 09 Santa Fe and your video helped me out but before removing the headlight assembly I check to see if I had enough room to change the bulb without removing the assembly and sure enough their was so I didn't have to remove the assembly.Thank God because most of the time a 10 min job usually would take me a hour lol.Thanks again have a great weekend.God Bless America

[@billyq12001]

+vanns4 You are very welcome and thanks for a great comment. God Bless.

[@BrianCaldwellPhotography]

I just tuned the bulb and it came out. Big hand people could use some channel locks i suppose. No need to remove the entire assembly. I did learn that the bulb rotates out from this vid, so it did help in that regard. Thanks!

[@billyq12001]

+Brian Caldwell Thanks for your input. I also have big hands. XXXL gloves.

[@BluSigglo]

Great job the Olny thing I would do definitely is to check the lights before you attach everything back on just to make sure it's installed properly...

[@billyq12001]

Very true.

[@michaeltsikouris4075]

Partner, thank you much for making this video! I've got a 2009 Sante Fe... took my wife to the airport really early this morning and discovered that exact bulb was out! I'm retired Navy as well brother, again much thanks from a Snipe to an Airdale!

[@billyq12001]

You are very welcome and thanks for your service.

[@marye8624]

Thanks for sharing. I tried last time by not pulling out the assembly, just trying to reach the bulb, and it took TWICE AS LONG and was TWICE AS HARD, haha. Taking out the whole assembly was so much easier!

[@billyq12001]

+Mary Elizabeth Great!

[@molly6moon]

THANK YOU!! It is a total you know what to get the low beam changed on my 2012 with the battery being in the way and all. Consulted several videos prior to finding yours and YOURS was the only one we could find that explained everything slowly and so a 5 year old could understand with the very necessary pictures to go with it. Those light fixtures are hard to remove and especially hard to replace properly. Thanks again.

[@billyq12001]

Glad this helped and thank for stopping by.

[@jameswilliams-ez6vz]

Thanks for your information Janey, which was more simple than the video. I did not have to remove the outer assembly. I just followed your instructions and inserted my bulb.

[@DISRUPTOR40]

Just did my Low beam on my santa fe 2009 which is a H7 on the driver side and was able to put the bulb without removing the unit using a fish hook plier to go put the bulb in place and put the hold spring in place .Your video helped me alot , thanx !

[@billyq12001]

+Pierre D Great! Love your pic too.

[@dougbuchanan5223]

You're a fine Irish lad, William Quinn! All I was doing wrong was trying to be too gentle. Thanks for this video...I'd still be out there otherwise!

[@billyq12001]

+Doug Buchanan You are very welcome.

[@mead6754]

mate your a legend,i done some swearing got all globes changed without removal of the unit but couldnt get the tiny little side lights removed thats when i looked up KZbin, thanks from Australia

[@kirang9759]

Thanks so much for this mate. Helped a treat. Saved me £9 and I now understand my car a bit better.

[@billyq12001]

Nice.

[@johnward240]

I went through the same process and difficulties that you did. I was banging that light pretty hard with the heel of my hand before that bolt finally slipped in. Also agree that I couldn't get bulbs out by simply twisting the the base. The little clip wouldn't release. Thanks so much for the video

[@billyq12001]

Glad this helped. Sub me and I will be making other video about this SUV. That is because I have to sell my Jeep and this will be my primary car.

[@danjugle]

Did the driver's side with no problem at all. Thanks for the videos and your positive energy!

[@billyq12001]

+danjugle You are very welcome.

[@mikewaldegger]

Thanks William. Like other people have mentioned, your video gave me the confidence to wrestle the headlight assembly out. My manual for the 2011 santafe makes no mention of the third bolt (someone else commented on this). V frustrating. And when I called Hyundai they said there should be no need to remove the assembly. Clearly the guy on the phone has not changed a low beam on the driver's side. I successfully changed the bulb however my assembly didn't go back in properly. It's hung up on something. Should probably just remove and try again until it works however now I'm just going to take it in for the final fitting of the assembly. Don't want to break it. Thanks.

[@billyq12001]

+Michael Waldegger Sometimes it takes more than one try. Make a "Lesson Learned" mote pad and record what you did to fix what it's hung up on for next time. Just an idea.

[@rogercarpentier1966]

Thank you very much. I have an 08 and it was the same process. Like you said, it is not as easy as it looks in the book. Nice to have a detailed example to reference.

[@abdel-rahimradwan6348]

Thanks.. Both of my low beam bulbs needed to be changed, so I searched the youtube to find a way to replace them without paying a penny... Till i found ur video... And as u said u can change the bulbs without taking out the whole headlights if u have small hands.. But need extra time

[@billyq12001]

Way to go!

[@CHAICOMMAND]

There is much simpler way to do this. The first problem to note for the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is that the vehicles they made early in the year use the H7 bulb for the low-beams. My vehicle was made in the second half of the year 2009 and used the H11B bulb for low-beams. The H7 bulb uses the clip system on both the high beam and low beam. The H11B bulb has the two connectors on the side of the base. The H7 base has the connectors on the base and has a wire connector that pulls straight off. You DO NOT have to take the headlight assembly off to replace the high or low-beams. The H11B bulb is replaced by simply removing the round plastic cover on back of the low-beam. Next you will see the black base of the plastic bulb. Turning the bulb using the base will disengage the two connectors that stick out the side at 90 degrees, then simply pull it out. Next, put in the new H11B bulb (took longer to get it carefully out of the package with out touching the glass) in the socket and turn it to engage the two 90 degree connectors. It snapped right in in two seconds. My wife actually replaced it. I repeat, do not take off the headlight assembly, this takes just a couple minutes and was obviously not updated in the manual (bad Hyundai).

[@billyq12001]

Thank you for the information. I attempted what you stated with no luck at all. So, I followed the directions in the glove box book.

[@CHAICOMMAND]

William Quinn It is obviously not in the book. I actually removed the headlight assembly as shown in the book and then noticed that all you had to do is turn the light bulb base. It has a blue dot on one side. The bulb is really in there tight! It only turns one way, then pulls easily straight out. once it is out you can see which way to install the new bulb with the connectors on the side. Once it goes in the housing, you just turn it so the blue dot on the base is at the bottom (towards the ground). It was so easy once I figured it out, even a caveman could do it.

[@Halkatlah]

And my local autoshop wants to charge nearly $40 to put in the bulb!! I gots brains and tools but not that kind of cash to drop..sorry local mechanic. ***I can do this!***

[@BrettBim]

I can confirm that the low beam is H7 on my 2009 Santa Fe Limited. The O'Reilly Auto Parts software said H11B too but it's an H7 on mine, says so right on the assembly once you get it out. Still, great video and you saved me a ton of time figuring it out.

[@spaceboy3101]

Mine uses the H11B for the low beams. From the walmart in store bulb computer and their book, the H11 is used for the "late model" of the 2009 model. I asked the auto guy at walmart and he said sometimes a model will be changed part way through the year so you get situations like this. Unfortunately, the car manual not only doesn't say which bulb to use, it doesn't mention any bulb types at all, which seems ridiculous to me that they can't do that simple service for the customers. I was able to actually take my phone camera, and at just the right angle, was able to get enough of a picture of the base of the bulb/plug area which had "H11B" written on it, so I didn't have to pull the whole assembly to find out what it was. I used a flash, and I did have to pull the protective cap off to get to it.

[@inmanmark]

Thanks, great help. I just did this on the passenger side of a 2009 Santa Fe that I'm renting in Australia. There were a couple of differences. There were two electrical cables to disconnect before removing the light unit. AND (a big one) the bulb you need for the regular beam light is an H7 (100% sure of this!) - maybe your wife consulted an Australian guide before buying hers. They probably construct the cars upside down somewhere before shipping them here. Other than that, all of the wriggling the unit was the same.

[@DeanMcconnell]

Thanks so much for the video. I started doing everything that you did but then stopped as the manual doesn't clearly tell you what to do, but your video helped me out. THANKS

[@billyq12001]

+Dean McConnell Glad I could help.

[@robgunney2125]

Brilliant. Thanks William. The position lamp bulb is a swine to get to without taking out the whole lamp. Replaced bulb in minutes after watching this video. Manual didn't help much. I ever you are in Wales UK there will be a beer waiting for you.

[@billyq12001]

Great. Thank you.

[@fast4180]

Great video. I have been able to replace the bulbs without removing the headlights, but now they are discolored and hazy so now I know how to remove them to clear them.

[@billyq12001]

Nice.

[@seamusobamaugh4478]

Thanks for doing this video. I was worried about manhandling the component until I saw you do it without breaking anything. After that, it was a 10 minute job for two of them.

[@anthonykenny1120]

Hi,, replaced my bulb last week on the same model, ,, what a headache to get that lense off and back on,, great work,, 👍

[@billyq12001]

Thanks.

[@TheHansoost]

Thanks, good job. It's always frustrating to do a job the 1st time. Much appreciated.

[@billyq12001]

Thanks.

[@patbart48]

Oh my gosh. You saved the day for sure!! The 'boyfriend' doesn't have a lot patience so your video was a HUGE help!! Thank you....Thank you!!

[@ejco75]

just would like to say thank you for making this video we have had our 2007 Santa Fe since 2007 since then we have put numerous sets of headlights in and everytime i have had to fanagle my way to install the headlights not any more thanks to your video i am going to remove the whole headlight assembly it is way easier, But now that i just installed LED headlights in our 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe shouldn't be having to change them so often Thanks Again

[@billyq12001]

+E.J. Coleman Nice.

[@go2madmax]

my headlight was also hard to get out, your video shows I didn't miss anything I just needed a little force. BTW my truck is a 2007. Thanks!

[@billyq12001]

+Rodney Heinrich Great job.

[@desmondobrien6571]

Thanks for the video. The manual only mentions two bolts at the top, and thanks to you I now know about the third fixing inside.

[@billyq12001]

You are very welcome.

[@beamdavestjohn]

thank you for the video. I had removed the 2 screws and nut and couldn't figure out getting the assembly pulled out. getting it back in properly was the hardest part

[@billyq12001]

+David Redinger Glad I could help.

[@pianogeorge7293]

Thanks again for posting this video. I have a 2008 Santa Fe - similar to the 2009 model. I followed your procedure which is exactly what is in my owners manual but I could not detach the light housing, despite wiggling and pulling in all kinds of ways. I am surprise that Hyundai makes lamp replacement so tedious. The Hyundai dealer here charges $39 to replace the lamp besides a $20 fee for the new lamp. For most cars lamp replacement never requires a wrench and a struggle. Will try again.

[@jamescampbell4265]

Thanks dude from one Navy Vet to another. I shared your pain and benefited form your experience. Task complete.

[@billyq12001]

Great shipmate. I have a Navy Balloon video online too.

[@newlifegman]

Thanks this was very helpful and that first bulb that you had is for a 2007 Santa Fe, I just changed mine.

[@billyq12001]

You are very welcome.

[@Melissa-yp2wr]

Thank you so much sir for this video, I being technogy challenged got my light bulb changed quick and easily. 🥰 My sante fe is an 07 incidentally

[@billyq12001]

Nice! Glad this helped.

[@lostnmusik1172]

Bravo, you have more patients than I do but you stuck with it. Great. I have a 2008 Hyundai Elantra . The wife came home tonight, said honey one light is out. Glad she told me, have safety inspection apt Wednesday, they would have charged me a bit more I am sure.. Thanks for the help. I like to know as much as I can find out before I do things. I never thought to check the Owners Manuel, who knew they would include such info. enjoyed the video.

[@billyq12001]

+Lost N Musik Glad I could help.

[@bluenoseman]

The video was indeed helpful! Appreciate it. But the folks who said it was not necessary to remove the headlight assembly were also right. I found that disconnecting the ground cable from the battery allowed enough wiggle room to take out and replace the bulb. I guess the folks who set out the procedure could offer this as a possible alternative.

[@billyq12001]

+Lester Rafuse This was used by the instructions in the owners manual. It has helped many people.

[@tonyhuston6576]

Thanks for sharing the video. I was able to replace the light bulb without removing the entire head lamp.

[@rensberg13]

How

[@pianogeorge7293]

Thanks so much for doing this video. You have a lot of confidence, and that shows why you are successful.

[@kevinmcmahon2882]

Thanks Buddy, you just saved me $! I could not figure out how to get the housing out of the vehicle. This video got me through.

[@billyq12001]

Great. Thanks for your input and view.

[@michaelb4327]

thx for this... i had problem with it tonight, but I am inspired to try it again in the morning...thx

[@billyq12001]

Please let me know how it turns out.

[@serleks]

Thank you very much! Your video helped me found solution to replace low beam lamp on driver side.

[@billyq12001]

Great!

[@bobscafidi9184]

Good video. I had to replace my entire headlight assembly. But when I changed bulbs. I was able to do this without removing the assembly

[@erikabowles2011]

Thanks for this! You even told me which headlights I needed. When I was on google, it looked like I would need the H7 like your wife got. Thanks for letting me learn from her mistake!

[@billyq12001]

Erika Henderson You're very welcome.

[@markarnold371]

Just replaced my headlights with LED and had to remove the assembly to put them in because I had to use a H11 to H11B conversion kit. These are really a pain to remove and even more of a pain to reinstall. Don’t be afraid to do some hand pounding on the bottom of the assembly to engage the lower clips.

[@billyq12001]

Nice.

[@neilcollinsuk]

Great video. I have a 2011-2012 Santa Fe, and was struggling trying to figure out how to get the assembly out as per manual, which only shows 2 bolts and not third. Better still - as you video shows what the casing cover looks like, and how to get bulb out, as I read these comments - I had a go at getting the bulb out without removing assembly - and success!! I just need to get a bulb now - and see if I can insert it. Should be fine. Thanks

[@billyq12001]

+neilcollinsuk Outstanding.

[@margaretbaxter4559]

Thanks Bill. Consider adding 2012 to your title. As mentioned the 2012 manual has no mention of the 3rd nut/bolt.

[@billyq12001]

Thanks. Done.

[@ASAR629]

hey william thanks for the video i was about to take apart the entire front end it was pi--ing me off but i got it it turned out exactly the same trouble as yours did i started laughing to myself thanks again

[@billyq12001]

Glad it helped.

[@peggybohnenstiehl3632]

Thanks I am a widow and cannot afford to have things like this done, love the step by step I am going out now to by the bulb and try it myself.... will let you know....

[@billyq12001]

+peggy bohnenstiehl Good luck. Plenty of DIY videos on my channel.

[@nicks7042]

Great video. Back in October, I had the dealer replace the driver side headlight of my 2012 Sana Fe. Afterwards I noticed the aim was high on the driver side. Recently, I researched how to adjust the light and found this video. I suspected an improper reinstall because the lower part of the assembly did not fit up against the side of the fender. I used you video to remove the assembly. I found that there is a plastic "prong" on the assembly that mates up with a receptacle on the mount on the fender. Your video shows the receptacle in the back ground when you are removing the H11 bulb from the package. The fastener reminds me of a jig saw puzzle piece. I reinstalled the assembly and this time concentrated on pushing the lower assembly in to "lock" it into place making the assembly flush with the fender. I used a flashlight and a mirror to "look" under the assembly after it was in place to confirm the puzzle piece was totally engaged. The adjustment came right back to where it was originally. Thanks

[@billyq12001]

What did it cost you to fix this?

[@nicks7042]

William Quinn About 60 bucks for the dealer to replace the light. And then I had to fix their faulty (or incomplete) repair.

[@billyq12001]

Wow!

[@throttleclutch]

You're right... those headlights are in pretty darn tight! I thought that I still had something still attached until I watched your video!

[@uncommonman6210]

This guy is the best! Without a doubt

[@billyq12001]

Wow! Thank you.

[@vincentfox6041]

Dude you are quite amusing. Thanks for showing me what not to do! I approve of this video.

[@billyq12001]

Vincent Fox You are very welcome.

[@roaringleo57]

thank you so much! however I had to pry the headlight assembly out on the side by the tire using a screw driver and also removed the screw on the front quarter panel by the headlight assembly as well. there are 2 electrical connectors on my 2007 Santa Fe that I had to remove in order for the unit to come out. I removed the one you showed in order to even get the light assembly to come forward. perhaps being in Florida the heat distorted the materials over time? it is a extremely tight fit which required a lot of jerking and pulling. Now I need to get a new bulb, I wanted to remove the old one and take it into the store so I did not get the incorrect one like you ended up with. So thank you so much for this.

[@roaringleo57]

+roaringleo57 as someone else said in another vid, Hyundai light bulbs are inferior. This the 4th bulb I replaced on this SUV. 3 in the back and now this headlight.

[@roaringleo57]

+roaringleo57 I had to smack the headlight back into position using my fist. The single H7 bulb is $14.99 at Advanced Auto Parts in Temple Terrace, FL 1/3/2016

[@roaringleo57]

+roaringleo57 FYI: while I had the lens assembly out I polished the lens somewhat where the bulb shines out of. I bought one of those headlight restore kits but found a buffing wheel I already had in and electric drill and the buffing compound in the kit worked best.

[@billyq12001]

+roaringleo57 Thanks for the information. My 2009 did not have any issues.

[@Mayaathome]

For some reason, with my 2007 Santa Fe, the H7 bulbs are the correct bulb, both for the headlight and for the high beam. Today, I really needed to take care of that and so I have traded the bulbs for now, until I get to the store.

[@billyq12001]

Very true.

[@spaceboy3101]

Just a little info for others who still have this older car. My 2009 uses the H11B for the low beams and H7 for the high beams (MUST be the B model of the H11 written on the box). From the walmart in store bulb computer and their book, the H11B is used for the "late model" of the 2009 model, while the H7 low beam is used on the "early model". I asked the auto guy at walmart and he said sometimes a model will be changed part way through the year so you get situations like this. He said many times the only way to know exactly what style you have is to just look at the bulb. Unfortunately, the car manual not only doesn't say which bulb to use, it doesn't mention any bulb types at all, which seems ridiculous to me that they can't do that simple service for the customers. I searched the web for about an hour trying to find out what it used, and was unable to find any info on it. I'll have a more extensive look later on just to satisfy my curiosity about what other differences there are. I was able to actually take my phone camera, and at just the right angle, was able to get enough of a picture of the base of the bulb/plug area which had "H11B" written on it, so I didn't have to pull the whole assembly to find out what it was. I used a flash, and I did have to pull the protective cap off to get to it. The channel is right about not touching the bulb. All bulb instructions everywhere say not to touch the glass. However, if you do touch it, what I do then is I take and hand sani wipe and wipe it down, and then I dry it with something lint free. It's pretty easy to do a quick clean of the bulb that way. If you don't have those available, then at the least you could wipe the parts you touched on your dry shirt, and it would be better than nothing.

[@billyq12001]

Thanks for the post and thanks for stopping by.

[@spaceboy3101]

UPDATE: I accidentally bought the H11 instead of the H11B and the connector is very different. The guy at walmart, when I asked if they were the same, seemed to indicate that they were, so I got the H11, but they are definitely not the same. Walmart didn't have the B model so I just returned the H11 and bought the B model at Orielly's. INSTALL UPDATE: After spending an hour trying to get the full headlight assembly out, I gave up. I went back on youtube and found videos of people changing the outer bulbs on both sides without removing the assembly. The passenger side is MUCH easier, but I will tell you that I couldn't do with my plain hand. I had to use a thin folded up towell draped over the plastic end so I could apply more turning torque without hurting my fingers. I tried as much pressure as I could without the towell and couldn't turn it, but with the towell, it seemed to be much easier. The turn is the standard counter clockwise, just if you're unscrewing something. Now, the driver's side is MUCH harder because of the negative battery cable in the way. I tried several times to get my medium sized hands in there to turn it, and failed. But finally I was able to get just the right angle to turn it WITHOUT removing the battery cable. It will be much easier if you just remove the battery cable first, unless you have really small hands, but you'll probably still need a thin towell to drape over the end for help. So, this was kind of an ordeal for me, first not being able to get the full assembly out, then buying the wrong bulbs, then having trouble getting the bulbs out. Very frustrating, but it's done now. I am fortunate, however, that the bulb waited to burn out about 2 days after my car passed inspection.

[@aviationworld3858]

I have the same car 2009 santa fe. Thanks Bill for sharing this video! I saved it in my favorites because I know I'll be changing my headlight bulbs at some point.It looks pretty tough to get the whole assembly off in order to get to the bulb. Not sure where you live but I'm up in Northern Ontario Canada and when it's -30 in my carport,,this will NOT BE FUN ! LOL Thanks again!

[@billyq12001]

+Mike Hamel Nice post. Thanks.

[@rvborgh]

its kind of a pain, but even with the turn signal lights you don't have to completely remove the head lamp assembly, but just slide it out just slightly, enough to get your fingers in there. On the drivers side you'll need to slightly adjust the ground cable out of the way (10mm) and then if you remove the outer low beam cover then you'll have enough room to finage your fingers in there to remove the turn signal lamp socket. When you remove it make sure to check for corrosion and test it. PS: its probably going to be good if you wear some rubber protective gloves to protect your skin. Maybe put some vaseline on the outside (not on finger parts) so that you can slip your hand in that space. Thanks for posting this though and for being helpful.

[@billyq12001]

My fingers are to big. Thanks for the kind post.

[@rvborgh]

@@billyq12001its a good video, because sooner or later the head lamp lenses will get worn from the sandblasting it gets over time from driving. Then you must remove the housings so that you can polish and paint them with UV protectant :) So thanks again for posting :)

[@billyq12001]

@@rvborgh Nice info Thanks for posting this.

[@DMM8389]

I have a 2009 since well, 2009 and have yet to change any bulbs. Glad I found this so I'll know what to do when the time comes. Do you have any videos for the brake lights?

[@billyq12001]

I will once I have to change one. Subscribe so you don't miss it.

[@dannycampbell9328]

Great video! I have a 2010 Veracruz but the headlight assembly is essentially the same. And since I don't have that maintenance manual, it really helped seeing that third bolt location.

[@billyq12001]

+Danny Campbell Glad it helped.

[@dannycampbell9328]

+William Quinn Hey... I just checked out your profile - looks like we are actual neighbors! I'm in Leonardtown.

[@billyq12001]

I am a computer repair tech too. If you need help please check thore videos. I also Sub at Esperanza Middle School.

[@dannycampbell9328]

+William Quinn My wife is a teacher at Piney Point! Small world, eh?

[@billyq12001]

I hang out at SI boardwalk on nice days.

[@JeffGobin]

Thanks for the great video! I wish you could have seen the confusion from the guys at the store trying to help. They said it was impossible to remove the entire headlight like you did.

[@billyq12001]

Glad I could help.

[@jdacadventures]

Thanks for the video - very entertaining too, thank you for leaving in the mistakes. I can relate!!

[@YoungOne777]

Thanks alot!! Gotta change my mom's! God bless 🙏💪🤝 and thank you for your service.

[@billyq12001]

You are so welcome.

[@Kmac-lh1yu]

William! 2 lights - $40 video - priceless brother thanks!

[@billyq12001]

Way to go.

[@freddingman2969]

Very Helpful. Thanks. Took a bit to get the bolt in the hole, but I got it done.

[@billyq12001]

Glad this helped you.

[@pedrorivera568]

Tnx so much. I have a 2007 Sonata and I'm just about to replace both sides. Thanks for the video.

[@briannab9007]

You're like the dad I never had 😭 thank you!

[@billyq12001]

Wow! Thanks.

[@allaninnman1155]

Major thank you William! This worked for my 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe!

[@billyq12001]

+Allan Innman Great!

[@herfnold]

This is really helpful, thank you for taking the time an trouble to do this, it saved a lot of hassle.

[@billyq12001]

You are very welcome.

[@absolutedevin]

Great video, very helpful. We have the same car, even the same color....very helpful, thank you for taking the time to publish it.

[@billyq12001]

You are very welcome. Happy New Year.

[@flameswordsman1252]

worked great for my 09 hyundai elantra..figured it would since same bulb, H11B..TY!!!

[@billyq12001]

Glad it helped. Thanks for stopping by.

[@80sHairNation]

Great video - thank you. Appreciate your "down to earth", approach. Keep up the good work !!

[@billyq12001]

Thanks. Shooting for a video a day. Sub me as I subbed you please.

[@rubidawg]

Danggit! I wish I had watched this video last week! Replaced my headlight but couldn't get that darn thing off! So, fortunately, small hands...I did it while it was still connected. However, now my car won't start AND I can't get the hood to pop open. My luck. Getting it towed tomorrow and gonna feel like a real biscuit if it had something to do with the replaced bulb. haha

[@aronmud9568]

I gotta do a video for this. My mom has a 2008 Santa Fe. First time I replaced these bulbs it took me an hour because I removed the entire assembly / NO NEED. I just replaced the bulbs again today in less than 10 minutes / Don't even need tools. Unscrew the cover - unplug - undo the clip (push on the right side of the clip in and down) Use a make-up mirror and flashlight to see what you're gonna be doing.

[@billyq12001]

Nice.

[@168jimmylu]

Good job on the Video, William, i am watching this from Taiwan in Asia, i have a 2010 Santa Fe (but Asia version though) just got a headlight out, i didn't want to have dealer charge me sky high price on replacing the bulb, so i was wondering if i can get an instruction video on how to change bulb, luckily, there it is :) hope my car structure is same as yours~~ wish me luck!

[@billyq12001]

Will do.

[@keana8714127]

Thanks for the video, about to change the high beams in my 2011 and figured I'd check for a video first 😅

[@billyq12001]

Glad I could help. Thanks for stopping by.

[@keana8714127]

@@billyq12001 got them changed but can't get one of the light assemblies to go back into it's right place... So I'm at my parents house to bug my dad 😁

[@billyq12001]

@@keana8714127 Take a rest and try again. Good luck.

[@keana8714127]

@@billyq12001 took it back out and put it back in again and it went into place

[@billyq12001]

@@keana8714127 Nice.

[@jamesf.gilmartin712]

Thanks Mr. Quinn your video was very helpful 👍

[@billyq12001]

Thanks.😄

[@tstep182]

Thank you SO MUCH! This video was very helpful and saved us a ton of time.

[@billyq12001]

Great. There are plenty of video on my channel that can help.