how to chjange the headlights

[sleepered]

is there a way to change them with out taking the battery out??? actually whats the easiest way?



also does anyone know the sizes for our winsheild wipers

[paki]

easiest way: search.

[cclngthr]

The easy way is to remove the headlight lens to see what you are doing.

Unfortunately, the fog lights are harder to get to. They are held in by a similar clip.

[BlackElantraGT]

For Windshield Wipers:
2001-2003 - Driver=20", Passenger=18", Rear (hatch)=20"
2004-Current - Driver=20", Passenger=19", Rear(hatch)=20"

As far as your headlights are concerned, your passenger side can easily be done, but the driver's side you will have to remove the panel that serves as a divider in your engine bay. Once you remove it, you will have very limited space but if you're familiar with changing the bulb, it won't be too hard.

If you don't know how to change an H7 bulb or this is your first time, I would suggest removing the headlight assembly like cclngthr mentioned to make the job a lot easier for you.

[cclngthr]

I usually remove the lens because it is easier for me to set the bulb in there without it falling out before I can get the clip latched. The H1 high beam is just as difficult to get to. Also, the bulbs are easy to install upside down.

[Cheese Toast]

I just did this today and found removing the whole housing is the easiest. It's just three bolts (2 on the frame and one below) and 3 wire harnesses and they come right out (with a little wiggling). It makes it much easier to deal with the retaining clip holding the bulbs in.

[jwoair23]

Also remember the headlights are covered under you warranty, not just the first year either! I just had both of mine replaced (blew out one day after the other) and Ive had my car a year and half and have 22 k on it. :)

[cclngthr]

Look again at the warranty. It mentions light bulbs are not covered.

[jwoair23]

I've seen that, but I and many other's have had their headlights replaced under warranty! If you insist I can search around and find a bunch of threads from others who have had their headlights replaced under warranty, or call your local dealer and ask them, but yes, they are indeed covered.

[sleepered]

thanks for the windsheild wipers info and if you take out hte whole assembly are there possibilites of maybe the water seal wont work...also do you have to adjust the angles?

[southpawboston]

Look again at the warranty. It mentions light bulbs are not covered.

cc, you're right, except that headlight and foglight bulbs are the exception. i know this, my dealer is strictly by-the-book when it comes to warranty parts, and they have replaced my head and fog bulbs several times. i believe they fall under 5/60, with all other "regular" bulbs falling under 12/12.

EDIT: just checked the warranty guide:

http://homepage.mac.com/tutter/bulbs-warranty.jpg

[paki]

what do i have to tell them if i want my entire headlight unit replaced? im too lazy to clear them :P is it even possible to get that replaced?

[southpawboston]

paki, don't pay a dealer for a headlight unit. it's like $150 or more. get one off of ebay, you can often find them for $50 or less. swapping the old one out is very easy!

[paki]

ah i was hoping to have it covered under warranty somehow. i dont like it at night because when i look at my lights i can see all the dust and stuff behind the glass/plastic that i cant get to without melting the headlight

[jpickett]

Thanks for this! I went ahead and checked the hmaservice site and found it was easier than I anticipated, even though it's still probably one of the most technical/mechanical things I've ever done automotive-wise. But you gotta learn somewhere!

Again, thanks.