2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra Headlight Bulb Replacement | How To / DIY

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Learn how to change out a headlight bulb in your 2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra!

[@michaelluciano1980]

Just wrapped up the job about 20 minutes ago on this on a 2013 model. Didn’t have to take the middle plastic cover off. Just the 2 10 mm and the 1 13 mm screws and the driver side headlight came out. Thank you for making this video - really helped out my neighbor!

[@FocusedGarage]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@eastermarie9045]

I am a female, have a 2013 model and going to try this myself... Thank you for the great demo!

[@kaylaem9106]

Ladies or people with small fingers, you can change both lights in like 7 minutes without removing either casing. Very clear instructions in this video. Made my in person job so easy.

[@FocusedGarage]

Happy to help!

[@lmfao88xm]

How?

[@moa3821]

@@lmfao88xm only on passenger side

[@HOFFAMVA]

Best maintenance/repair video I've ever seen on KZbin. I especially appreciate you telling what size socket is needed. GREAT job!

[@FocusedGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@nevadasestamibi]

Thanks for the video. I just bought a bulb at O'Reilly for $34 (!!!!!) so I hope it works. Two things to add: 1 Test the bulb before your re-install the headlight assembly. 2 Don't touch the bulb when you install it in the aperture. Use a cloth or paper towel. Bulbs get real ornery after being touched by human skin oils.

[@harn5413]

Very helpful!!! I had pulled my headlights to install LED bulbs. I started with the passenger side and was having a heck of a time getting it back in place. I'm an avid DIY guy but just couldn't get it seated properly...twisted, tugged, pulled, pushed to no avail. Didn't want to over do it and break something. The tip about giving it a little OOMPH to reseat them did the trick.. After watching I was able to replace the driver side with ease. Thanks for the vid!!

[@steves6557]

Excellent instructions, thank you! 👍 You helped me understand two things; confirming there are 3 fasteners holding the fixture in place and first move is to pull forward on the unit. Thanks again!!!👍

[@tonynewman597]

I also want wanted to say thank you for creating this is video! I don't fully agree with his method but appreciate his effort to help others like myself who do not always work on a vehicle. BTW incase you were wondering I was an Aircraft Mechanic on Active Duty in The Air Force & an car enthusiast/ amateur car mechanic; I've removed a carburetor, rebuilt it & reinstalled it, to include a few car dashboards & other projects in my time.

[@FocusedGarage]

Thanks for the comment and thank you for your service.

[@shemibee2937]

Thank you for getting straight to the point, your video helped me change my headlights with ease.

[@FocusedGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@wilhernandez8990]

Never too late to be a hero! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this.

[@jeffwickermusic134]

Thank you so much for the video! I’d had to take out the drivers side headlight a couple years ago and I remember it being a real nightmare! It always pays to watch till the very end of any video. The tip you gave about not having to remove the entire headlight fixture if I’m replacing the element on the passenger side works! Thank you so much! You get a Sub! 😎👍

[@FocusedGarage]

You're welcome!

[@jacquelinefortier]

Glad I read the comments! I was complaining to my sister that there was no way I was going to fart around in the below freezing weather removing the headlight assembly to replace a bulb

[@lyndonlewis6718]

You are the MAN! Thanks for the helpful video, just changed out my halogens with LEDs, and your instructions were PERFECT

[@FocusedGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@erinbaker4079]

Great video! I can’t believe I changed it all by myself. Thanks!!

[@FocusedGarage]

Happy to help!

[@kevinc1315]

Very helpful thank you! On my 2016 Hyundai Elantra I didn't even have to loosen the radiator cover in order to get the headlight in and out. The headlight slid in and out with ease and didn't have near the trouble you had in the video. I just used a 10mm and 12mm socket with wrench and didn't need any other tools. Also, I can verify that it does indeed take H11 halogen bulbs.

[@FocusedGarage]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@Smitherzjay]

Linning up the light clip fixture feels like plugging in your phone charger in the dark. Great video, thank you for the help.

[@FocusedGarage]

Happy to help!

[@drewf42]

straight to the point, explains everything, super helpful! thanks buddy!

[@FocusedGarage]

Happy to help!

[@bi8968]

I am changing the bulb right now as you speak... THANK YOU SO MUCH. I now can drive e at night...excellent video

[@FocusedGarage]

Happy to help you!

[@Forbzeeeey]

2011 Elantra. Helped me replace both in less than 20min. Great instructions.

[@FocusedGarage]

Happy to help!

[@muddyaznboy1742]

Hey man, thank you for this - really appreciate all the help!

[@FocusedGarage]

Happy to help!

[@johnreskusich2324]

keep coming back to this video to remind me how it goes again. Great video. great presentation. Thank you.

[@joroberts1336]

Thanks! I am a female and I just did this by myself and it worked out great! Saved me so much money!!!!!!!... 👍

[@FocusedGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@antonioarenas7969]

I didn’t know women could do anything lol

[@chaelpsonnen5092]

@@antonioarenas7969 found the incel

[@I-call-it-the-poop-loop]

What does being a woman have to do with anything?

[@curtisharolson6643]

Thank you so much sir, just did mine in under 15 minutes, you’re a life saver !

[@FocusedGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@catscravekrave]

Thank you so much for this vid! Super helpful. Had both headlights switched out in 20 minutes without any trouble

[@FocusedGarage]

Happy to help!

[@erikamcribb9470]

We'll, thanks for posting, finally completed this on my 2016, driver side.

[@jennifersong8908]

I just changed my husband Hyundai Elantra head light. Good instruction. Really helpful. Thanks a lot

[@FocusedGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@indek]

Thanks for this. Never swapped out a headlight enclosure before and after watching this was able to knock it out in under 7 minutes.

[@FocusedGarage]

Nice work!

[@artfclclothing]

Thank you! You saved me money and time.. I appreciate it 🤝🏽

[@FocusedGarage]

Happy to help!

[@mckenziedewolf3125]

Thank you definitely just saved me a ton!

[@FocusedGarage]

No problem!

[@lts9694]

Great video this just saved me money and taught me how to do a repair on my own vehicle . That’s for the great detailed video helped a lot !

[@FocusedGarage]

Happy to help!

[@jordanbeck859]

Slayed it bro. Thank you!

[@FocusedGarage]

No problem !

[@leojochems876]

thanks, this helped me quite a bit replacing my 2012 Elantra passenger side headlight

[@FocusedGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@larshizzleramnizzle3748]

This was so perfect!! I don't know if I could've done this without your video!! Thanks a ton!!

[@FocusedGarage]

Happy to help! Thanks for the kind words.

[@lanceknuth5300]

This was very helpful. Thank you. One note for some drivers: I do not know if this was an aftermarket adjustment, but in place of the screws which Mike started on at 1:31 I had two bolts. These required a 10mm wrench, or socket, and there was nothing notable about them so far as I could tell.

[@FocusedGarage]

Thanks for the added tip!

[@jennifersong8908]

I just changed my husband Hyundai Elantra head light. Good video.very helpful. Thanks a lot.

[@FocusedGarage]

Happy to help!

[@josemariamejiamendoza5369]

Thanks,that’s helpful ,I didn’t know how do it.

[@FocusedGarage]

Happy to help!

[@rudyroman4608]

Thank you for this video.

[@AlfredoEscalante]

Thanks man! Just changed mine without issue, only a lot of dirt!

[@FocusedGarage]

Happy to help!

[@VanguardDragon]

Nice video... but there was a pretty consistent theme running here: "It's super simple, I'll show you how I do it live. Wait, it's actually not simple, we'll do it off-camera so you can't really see how to do it." :) haha

[@FocusedGarage]

Lmao! I swear, it's simple! *Turns off internet

[@TupacChakutec]

Its actually really easy. I have the same car and i changed my lights to HIDs and removing the headlights took less than 10 mins

[@bears0885]

Haha true! But I didn’t care if he did that ...I still got what I needed from this video! Haha And I feel like it was simple but it’s not just gonna slide in and out (that’s what she said) You just gotta use some force but other then that I give it a thumbs up! Thanks!

[@kimclark2135]

I know, anxiety sets in...but we can do it!!

[@KS-um2hg]

Amazing thanks for the video!

[@FocusedGarage]

No problem!

[@jaimecabrales8514]

Thank you for sharing.

[@RitaMay32]

Just had to watch this video for myself & the ppl at Auto Zone to switch out my headlight lol! Thanks a lot l!!!

[@FocusedGarage]

Happy to help!

[@charliesierra6919]

Great vid! I'm replacing the drivers side assembly but it should be basically the same instructions.

[@FocusedGarage]

Should work just fine for you!

[@beedavis6801]

Bro thank you so much..you just super simply saved me some money...thumbs up

[@FocusedGarage]

Thanks!!

[@chrisyourtube]

thx for this simple to the point vid ... was ready to remove the bumper like on most of the new models...which is moronic bad planning

[@FocusedGarage]

Happy to help and show there's no need for that!

[@danlosgar9194]

Remember Do not touch the glass on the new bulb...

[@FocusedGarage]

Very true. The oil from your fingers can damage a new bulb.

[@ishababy5888]

Thank you I just watch your video and did mine 🙏

[@FocusedGarage]

Happy to help!

[@solomonaster]

Thank you so much for sharing this. To install my both lights at the mechanic, they said to charge $45 each. Thank you taught me a big lesson.

[@FocusedGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@AT-qm8gv]

It’s up to $90 by me now.

[@zorrosish]

Great job!.......did mine with this instruction........mine was even easier going back in (not normal for me)

[@FocusedGarage]

Awesome!

[@remcat3572]

Mine is a 2017 - I hope it's the same. Thanks for this!

[@FocusedGarage]

It will be slightly different for that model year. Same concept though.

[@nanbr7512]

Thanks , I will do the left side tomorrow!

[@FocusedGarage]

Good luck!

[@wst8340]

Excellent video,Recently bought a 2012 Elantra and want to upgrade to LED;s

[@FocusedGarage]

Definitely a nice upgrade to do.

[@Explore_With_Diallotuber]

U The best 🤜🏻🤛🏾

[@FocusedGarage]

Glad we could help!

[@mongosaqqara]

Nicely done.

[@FocusedGarage]

Thanks!

[@jackfoote7471]

Great bud!!

[@FocusedGarage]

Happy to help!

[@him91360]

Very useful- thanks

[@FocusedGarage]

Happy to help!

[@ucscmike]

There is one 10mm bolt on each side of the bumper. After removing that bolt and all of the items you removed, pull the bumper outward GENTLY and allow it to hang. This way you can remove the headlight more easily and eliminate the risk of scratching the paint.

[@newyorkboss6124]

U don't have to remove the bumper thats lie theres only 3 bolts to remove light i do it all the time on mines real easy

[@FocusedGarage]

Thanks for the input!

[@hamdichoban5491]

All of thanks from İraq , i could manage it same as you did

[@FocusedGarage]

Glad to help!

[@dadsskateshop9733]

If you're only replacing the the low beam bulbs there's no need to remove the housings. I was able to do both sides without taking out the headlight housings. Just needs good dexterity in your fingers. Also I've driven 3 years without those caps behind the low beam bulbs. without a problem to the LED bulbs. You can use LED bulbs that stick out of the housing, you just can't put back the black caps. My car's parked in the driveway and has been through rainstorms. The LED bulbs I installed has not had any moisture issues.

[@FocusedGarage]

Thanks for your feedback.

[@mcqueenfanman]

3:15 I've got a tip for you, trying to get the low beam cover off can be a real pain. Use a castle nut and a wrench to turn it off. Works really well.

[@AT-qm8gv]

I will try this. Luckily, I have dex. But don’t tell anyone I leveled that up.

[@darrenberkey7017]

Thanks for sharing this video! I need to replace just the clear covers since mine are oxidized. How are those attached to the headlight assembly? From what I could see by pausing the video, it looks like just a series of clips around the edge of the main assembly, yes?

[@FocusedGarage]

We have not taken apart these lights so I can't say for sure. It may be easier to just buy new housings all together.

[@Smile-uwokeup-2day]

My 2011 headlights just went on driver side . Early morning driving . This vid will help me . Was thinking bout taking it to Firestone to change it.

[@FocusedGarage]

Give it a shot yourself! It isn't too bad.

[@Smile-uwokeup-2day]

@@FocusedGarage #SOTRUETHAT

[@abbasjasim6983]

Thanks man

[@FocusedGarage]

No problem!

[@keyshawnfields4694]

Good video I did it without having to unscrew anything

[@FocusedGarage]

Awesome!

[@Kaloo1968]

Is it still recommended to change both headlight bulbs at the same time?

[@nancygorham5908]

Thanks!!

[@FocusedGarage]

No problem!

[@AbouTto_]

Thank you.

[@FocusedGarage]

You're welcome!

[@wayno1021]

I just finished changing the headlamp for my 2016 Hyundai Elantra. It went easier than I thought it would, but the only problem was that I had bought the wrong bulb. I bought the H11 bulb, but my car actually needed the 9005 bulb. Just letting everybody know. Thanks for the video! You saved me a lot of money!

[@FocusedGarage]

Thanks for the heads up!

[@dic988]

Goog video ❤

[@BallparkOrc]

Thank you very helpful video. I have Hyundai Elantra 2016 and I need to change my day running lights but I don’t know which one to change, if you could tell me the bulb type that would be great. Thank you and keep making great videos.

[@FocusedGarage]

This will tell you exactly what you're looking for! www.sylvania-automotive.com/apps/vlrg-us/Vlrg

[@BallparkOrc]

@@FocusedGarage thank you! Just what I needed.

[@muminadhami5825]

"If you wanna put LEDs or HIVs" bruuuuUH chill hahahaha, good video! ✌🏼

[@FocusedGarage]

😁 careful with the HIV headlights.

[@motebh]

Thanks 🌹

[@FocusedGarage]

Happy to help!

[@wattz18]

Now need a video for the bottom fog lights 😉

[@FocusedGarage]

If we still had the car, I would do it for you!

[@wayno1021]

Great video! I'm going to change out my low beam headlight tomorrow and this will really help. I have a question: what is the name of the white plastic strip that wraps around and underneath the low beam in the headlight assembly? It seems to light up when the headlights are on but the one on the passenger side on my Elantra is out. It can be seen very clearly at 2:13 in your video.

[@FocusedGarage]

On the lower trims like this car, they do not light up.

[@wayno1021]

@@FocusedGarage Mine lights up, but the one on the passenger side is actually half out. I don't know why. Is this a running lamp problem?

[@carolb1741]

Thank uou was helpful, but I have small hands and was able to change headlight bulbs without taking the light out.

[@FocusedGarage]

Nice work!

[@rslee9882]

Tips on how to adjust/aim headlights on a 2015 elantra?

[@FocusedGarage]

There are screws on the housing which will adjust the aim.

[@katykay9018]

Bless you

[@FocusedGarage]

Thank you for the comment!

[@Wonderwooman18]

Thank you!!! Followed these instructions to change the light on my 2011 Hyundai Elantra! Pulling the whole headlight off and putting it back in was the hardest part, but I did it!!

[@FocusedGarage]

Happy to help!

[@abidraza594]

Nice

[@abidraza594]

Good

[@MLNish]

OK wonder woman, I'm cussing up a storm trying to pull this out. Even had the owner of the car pulling like hell on the top of the bumper and I can still see a whole lot of headlight that needs to be clear of bumper. lol #@$!@#$!@$#^#@$#@$?!@#~#@!$!!!!!

[@FocusedGarage]

Just take your time and you'll get it right.

[@redneon06]

I’ve never seen headlights not connected directly to wires. This is pretty interesting styling.

[@rlcwallpapers]

What light bulb do you think are the best LED or HID, and a link where to buy them if you happen to have one, also if you know the product number for the other lights bulbs that go in the area of the headlights, turn signal etc. I need to replace some of my Elantra. Thanks

[@FocusedGarage]

I recommend using forums and FB groups to see what is most commonly recommended. For OEM bulb numbers, check out the Sylvania bulb replacement guide.

[@derekmalone9226]

My 2013 Elantra GT uses H11 bulbs just like this one, but you do NOT have to remove any screws, or the light cover. Both passenger and driver side bulbs can be replaced just by shoving your hand in and unscrewing the cover, and then the bulb, just like @ 3:32 in this video. The driver side is the hardest on the 2013 model, but it's still pretty easy to work with without pulling your light assembly out. I hope this helps somebody!

[@FocusedGarage]

Thanks for the input.

[@jamalgilani9280]

I have 2012 Veloster, do I have to remove the Bumper? as some of the video says you must remove the bolt from the wheel well to access the third bolt? please clarify

[@FocusedGarage]

We haven't worked on a Veloster so I'm not sure. Sorry

[@car110233]

thank u

[@FocusedGarage]

Happy to help!

[@jonathankollin2931]

Watching the video you made several comments about LED replacement on my 2011 Elantra. I am considering doing that to help my wife see better at night. Can you tell me your findings on this or if there is an alternative to LED that can produce a brighter light. I do not subscribe to Facebook nor Instagram

[@FocusedGarage]

LED or HID headlights are a large upgrade over halogen. However, many of the lower end options don't last as long. You usually have to spend a decent amount to get a reliable HID or LED.

[@jonathankollin2931]

Do you have suggestions as to these higher end lamps (LASFIT)? And will HID do the job of LED, which requires heat sinks, etc? @@FocusedGarage

[@Niibaah]

Can the led light be replaced ?

[@feeterican]

I'm wondering why you didn't drill some holes in the cap for ventilation for the LED bulb? My aunt has this car and I was thinking of getting her some AUXBEAM T1 low beam. Is there a reason you didn't want to add vent holes in the cap?

[@FocusedGarage]

It may let moisture into the headlight lens.

[@feeterican]

@@FocusedGarage That's the thing, each section is sealed, it's just a back cover that really serves no real propose at least by looking at my aunts car, it look more like an astatic thing. hell, from the way it looks and doesn't need to be there at all.

[@kevinbruce1956]

The plastic casing on our headlight was cracked, but everything else is in tact. Is it possible to just replace the plastic casing? Do you have a video for that? By plastic casing I mean the clear lens on the exterior.

[@FocusedGarage]

If you can find the lens itself for sale, it should be replaceable.

[@pjmclenon]

i have a 2015 elentra base model and in jan 2020 i had the passenger side flasher just cleaned and re installed and then in feb 2020 i had to have the driver side same thing but now my driver side flasher is not working again and so i wanna try it myself to remove headlight from driver side since it seems driver side we have no choice to remove it and i will see if it needs to be cleaned or replaced my flasher biu like you menetioned the bulbs are enclosed water tight so why am i still apparently having moisture issues only 6 months after a garage cleaned the flasher ?? Lisa thank you

[@FocusedGarage]

Is the bulb fully seated and the o-ring isn't pinched?

[@pjmclenon]

hello thank you for your reply; i dont know i havent yet removed my front unit housing yet and i am thinking the same thing that maybe its not seated properly; i will trying to remove the housing soon and see but today the flasher worked so maybe the front lights housing unit isnt seated properly either?; also what do you mean by O ring pinched; what is that? where is that?; thank you again and i will remove the front lights housing unit sometime even if the flasher stays working cuz pretty sure its not put in properly since being serviced but who knows and the thing is why did it happen in the 1st place?; Lisa

[@FocusedGarage]

The light bulbs have a rubber seal at the base. If that is compromised it may cause condensation.

[@pjmclenon]

hello ok thank you i will check for that once i get around to opening the housing front lights unit for my driver side and check the seal; for now its working but i will watch the vids again because i want to check it out and i will update; thank you Lisa

[@RoiEvo]

I have a question ! The 2014-15-16 headlights can fit on the 2011-12-13 ?

[@FocusedGarage]

I cannot confirm that.

[@MelvinMechanicalEngg]

Hi, did u figure it out. Iam also looking for the same thing

[@newyorkboss6124]

I put my own hids in my elantra n there bright yellow i love them

[@agsvasan9417]

Hey bro can you tell me which one you bought? Did you put relay too? Thanks

[@FocusedGarage]

Nice!

[@Yehudyn]

Hi guys, do you know if we can adapt a 2015 elantra headlights for a 2011 elantra?

[@FocusedGarage]

I am not sure of that.

[@Yehudyn]

@@FocusedGarage thanks👍🏼

[@Eggnog-xf5hs]

My bulbs are fine but the plastic itself looks like scratched or foggy partially. Do I have to replace the whole thing?

[@FocusedGarage]

You'll likely need a whole new housing then.

[@malcolmantoine3451]

Would this process be the same for a 2016 Hyundai Sonata?

[@FocusedGarage]

Never tried it on the sonata

[@michaelmoore8680]

We keep having the problem of bulbs blowing as soon as they're installed. I've made sure to wear latex gloves so I'm not touching the bulbs. Any thoughts on that..??

[@FocusedGarage]

You may have an issue with the car's wiring sending too much power.

[@evanveres7483]

I replaced my bulbs with LED. The left side seems to have a slightly brighter beam than the left? My Elantra has projection type headlights so it shouldn’t be doing that?

[@FocusedGarage]

It could just be the way the headlight is aimed. Projectors will change color depending on if you are near the cutoff of the lens or not.

[@MicahHilton]

How do you change the DRL and what size does it take?

[@FocusedGarage]

The Sylvania website is a good resource for bulb type!

[@JohnDoe-jm6oj]

About to try this. A little nervous about the parts you skipped in the video, getting it back into place and pulling it off completely.

[@FocusedGarage]

Just takes some patience.

[@anon4511]

yo i’m struggling to get the headlight back in and i noticed that the dealer i bought my 2012 from did too because on the passenger side they drilled a extra hole just to get the head light to bolt in, any tips to get it in? i’ve been at it for 2 hours now

[@FocusedGarage]

Take more of the bumper/grill area apart to give yourself more space.

[@anon4511]

@@FocusedGarage lol after a 3 hour drive to go pick up a used one because i broke mine trying to get it in my brother in 3 mins just popped it right in

[@FocusedGarage]

Hey, as long as it works haha.

[@michaelli3608]

Can you show the 2020 Elantra cn7

[@FocusedGarage]

If we get access to one, yes.

[@frenky-tan]

Do you know how to remove head lights body on Elantra Sport 2018?

[@FocusedGarage]

Have not tried this yet. If we get a chance to film this, we will.

[@aimeebouldin2381]

It seems to come off the same way, at least in the se if not the sport for 2018

[@frenky-tan]

@@aimeebouldin2381 I tried, but I had no idea how. Elentra Sport 2018 have totally different design headlamp

[@lacicompanyllc6904]

Which lights are supposed to run at night? Is it the low beam?

[@FocusedGarage]

Low beam is what you run at night.

[@johnmaguire3608]

anyone know how to adjust the headlights? I put a new low beam headlight in and it is aimed way to the left. How do I adjust so it doesn't aim to the left?

[@FocusedGarage]

Yes there's adjustment screws on the back of the housing. See owners manual for picture.

[@LORDRA1DEN]

I wish it was this easy on the 2019.

[@FocusedGarage]

Does the bumper require removal?