[pumpo64]

No doubt it's been covered before - I've changed a headlamp bulb on my i30 today and took the opportunity to photograph the process, with the photos uploaded to photobucket:

http://s1117.photobucket.com/albums/k583/howardsinclair/Hyundai%20i30%20headlamp%20bulb%20change/?albumview=slideshow&direction=reverse

For some reason, the slideshow has to run in reverse for the sequence to be as I intended it!

[meehalych]

No doubt it's been covered before - I've changed a headlamp bulb on my i30 today and took the opportunity to photograph the process, with the photos uploaded to photobucket:

http://s1117.photobucket.com/albums/k583/howardsinclair/Hyundai%20i30%20headlamp%20bulb%20change/?albumview=slideshow&direction=reverse

For some reason, the slideshow has to run in reverse for the sequence to be as I intended it!

Thanks for the photo review, I know some Russian owners have changed both bulbs without even removing the body of headlight, so I'm gonna try it later on as I have been driving with original bulbs since I purchased the car in Jan 2010.
I just wonder if you had to adjust the light beam once the headlight had been installed.

[pumpo64]

It used to be that cars had enough space around their headlamps for bulbs to be changed by owners without any fuss - then manufacturers realised that by cramming everything in, a simple job could be made difficult enough for people to be put off from trying themselves - so more money for their dealers...  I had a Ford Focus, and its headlamp bulbs were a nightmare to change.

It is possible to change the i30's bulbs without removing the whole unit, but other items (e.g. the coolant bottle) may need to be moved; also, the job is still fiddly.  By removing the whole unit, it's much easier and can be accomplished in just a few minutes.

[pumpo64]

Just to add, regarding adjustment - I didn't check or adjust anything - but I'm going out this evening and so if there's anything wrong, it should be apparent.

[constipated]

Does doing it this way affect alignment in any way?

[Surferdude]

Does doing it this way affect alignment in any way?

No. It shouldn't affect where your wheels are pointing............. "boom boom"

[constipated]

Forgot to add. Excellent guide. I always would prefer to replace bulbs without having to remove the headlight but your guide has given me the confidence to do it this way when the time comes.

[rustynutz]

I just wonder if you had to adjust the light beam once the headlight had been installed.

And

Does doing it this way affect alignment in any way?

Nope, the headlight goes back in in exactly the same position as before it was removed, so no adjustment is needed.....

Oh, and It's very easy to remove the headlight, even I had no trouble doing it....

[pumpo64]

No alignment problems - I went out last night and the beam was exactly where it should be.

In fact, I didn't see how/where to adjust this anyway.  Does anyone know?

[Surferdude]

No alignment problems - I went out last night and the beam was exactly where it should be.

In fact, I didn't see how/where to adjust this anyway.  Does anyone know?

It's here.

https://www.i30ownersclub.com/forum/index.php/topic,1641.0.html

[meehalych]

Yesterday, when I started the engine in order to get back home, my left bulb burnt, so I had to change it in the afternoon.
I should have started with the right one (I changed the second one too) with better access and view, but decided against and was stuck with bulb retainer. So having undertaken some futile attempts I decided to remove the headlight body, after removing three bolts I failed to remover it, but could shift it a little bit in its seat. I wish I had had a mirror, then everything would have passed smoothly, but I didn't have one. I was lucky to meet one of my friends pass by, so he helped me.
The right bulb was changed easily after removing the tank with coolant (two bolts were unscrewed and the tank was shifted sideways). 

I set a pair of Osram Ultralife bulbs.

[Och_i30]

I gave up trying to change the headlight bulb on my i30.  Something was going to break before I could have levered the headlamp out the front.  Luckily it was my nerve that broke first!  I asked the main dealer how it's done and he said they loosen and drop the front bumper to release the headlamp.  Anyone tried this method?

[Ugly Mongrel]

I gave up trying to change the headlight bulb on my i30.  Something was going to break before I could have levered the headlamp out the front.  Luckily it was my nerve that broke first!  I asked the main dealer how it's done and he said they loosen and drop the front bumper to release the headlamp.  Anyone tried this method?

Och_i30, I have changed my bulbs (hi & low beam) and didn't loosen or drop the front bumper. I simply removed the headlamp assembly bolts and slid the whole assembly out. It was a bit fiddly but it can be done.

[rustynutz]

 

[Doggie 1]

In 122,000 kms I haven't yet had to change any globe, other than one number plate globe.
(He says, looking for the "touch wood" smiley....)

[Shambles]

I gave up trying to change the headlight bulb on my i30.  Something was going to break before I could have levered the headlamp out the front.  Luckily it was my nerve that broke first!  I asked the main dealer how it's done and he said they loosen and drop the front bumper to release the headlamp.

Next time I'm down London way I'll show you how little your dealer knows about such bulby things

[accim]

I've replaced them quite some times - I think I've taken them out (and back) 10 times last month (testing different xenon bulbs, etc).

Beside taking out those obvious 3 screws, that hold the headlight, I would advise to take the screw, that I've marked on the picture below. With doing that, the bumper is more "flexible" (5 cm) around the headlight area, which can be helpful, especially when you are just about to lose your nerves and kick the headlight back in with your foot 

[Dazzler]

I've replaced them quite some times - I think I've taken them out (and back) 10 times last month (testing different xenon bulbs, etc).

Beside taking out those obvious 3 screws, that hold the headlight, I would advise to take the screw, that I've marked on the picture below. With doing that, the bumper is more "flexible" (5 cm) around the headlight area, which can be helpful, especially when you are just about to lose your nerves and kick the headlight back in with your foot 

  (I never had a problem either)

[meehalych]

I would advise to take the screw, that I've marked on the picture below. With doing that, the bumper is more "flexible" (5 cm) around the headlight area, which can be helpful, especially when you are just about to lose your nerves and kick the headlight back in with your foot 

Yes, some Russian owners claim the same, but the easiest way to change bulb is without removing a headlight at all - may take up to 6 minutes in total for both of them.

[mjt57]

As an aside to this (saves starting another thread) who's installed HID headlight globes and what's involved? I've heard that you have to install controller or power supply boxes and other bits and pieces in addition to the globe itself?

I'm wondering if I can replace the standard high beam globe with a HID one.

I've started to do some night driving, now that our nights are getting longer here in the southern hemisphere (I've only had the car since late Nov and when we're in daylight saving time). The lights are good, but as they say, the brighter, the better...

[Phil №❶]

mjt57,

I assume you're aware that unless the car is born with them, they're considered illegal. 

[accim]

I would advise to take the screw, that I've marked on the picture below. With doing that, the bumper is more "flexible" (5 cm) around the headlight area, which can be helpful, especially when you are just about to lose your nerves and kick the headlight back in with your foot 

Yes, some Russian owners claim the same, but the easiest way to change bulb is without removing a headlight at all - may take up to 6 minutes in total for both of them.

I don't see a way to replace the bulb in i30, without removing the headlight - in the diesel at least. In petrol, it might be possible.

As for installing the xenon hid kit:

1. It's illegal in most countries, so I would advise you not to do it. But if you do it (like I did), you must know, that you might have some problems with the police. Depends on the police in your area. So far, I haven't had any, but you never know..

2. If you do it, it's easy. Plug-and-play. You plug it like I've marked in the pictures below. On one picture you have so called "ballast" and on the other "the xenon bulb". Orange with orange, green with green. The two "wires" that I've marked with blue, go in the socket, which (if normal bulbs installed) goes directly on the bulbs. So that's basically it. Oh yes..and you must drill the hole in the cap, so all the cables can go through the cap. The black thing, that I've marked with pink square is a "sealant", which prevents water and other things to go into the bulb. You must be careful to drill the hole in the caps as wide as the "sealant" (the narrower middle part of the sealant). As for the bulb itself..nothing special. Goes in like normal bulbs.

3. In the end you "fixate" the ballasts somewhere - you can see it in the 2 pictures below, where I have them.

[Dazzler]

Geez, you are good accim 

[meehalych]

I don't see a way to replace the bulb in i30, without removing the headlight - in the diesel at least. In petrol, it might be possible.

but I did that  : the left bulb is the easiest one, whereas the right one requires washing fluid's tank be shifted sideways by unscrewing two bolts, which attach it to car's structure.

[accim]

I don't see a way to replace the bulb in i30, without removing the headlight - in the diesel at least. In petrol, it might be possible.

but I did that  : the left bulb is the easiest one, whereas the right one requires washing fluid's tank be shifted sideways by unscrewing two bolts, which attach it to car's structure.

Yes, as I've said. Maybe the petrol engine. I replaced the "passenger" bulb in my uncles Kia Ceed (1.4 petrol). But in diesel, you can't shift the washing fluid's tank, because it goes "through" the chassis. I'll take few pictures and you'll see there's no way you can replace them without removing the headlights. The same with "drivers" side. Even if you remove the battery, there's some plastic in the way.

But new i30 should have that thing sorted out (or at least easier), because of the regulative, which orders the manufacturers to make the replacement - not too complicated. There were some brands, where you had to remove almost 1/2 of the engine, to replace the bulb 

[Och_i30]

I've replaced them quite some times - I think I've taken them out (and back) 10 times last month (testing different xenon bulbs, etc).

Beside taking out those obvious 3 screws, that hold the headlight, I would advise to take the screw, that I've marked on the picture below. With doing that, the bumper is more "flexible" (5 cm) around the headlight area, which can be helpful, especially when you are just about to lose your nerves and kick the headlight back in with your foot 

Thanks for the tip and the photo Accim.  I'll try it next time a sidelight bulb goes.  Should be about 3-6 months. 
I could believe that at 'trained hand' could change the bulb on the washer side without removing the headlamp but I don't think there would be enough space on the battery side (at least on the 1.6 diesel anyway). 
And anyone who has suitably small and dexterous hands for this should be lambing sheep at this time of year!

[i30sean]

HELP I have tried but can't get the light assembly out on the passenger side 

My headlight bulb has blown and I have undone the 3 bolts plus the extra one shown in the pics above I managed to get the hook in the corner of assembly out and pulled but it wouldn't come out and not enough room to change the bulb, the pictures at the start of this tread are no longer on line anyone got a video or more pics please???

Thanks i30sean

[rustynutz]

I ripped mine out the other day and it took me around 7 minutes all up and that included fiddling around testing it before I bolted it all back up.

I found the secret is to have your tongue out to the left while attempting to remove it....lol.

If that doesn't work, try taking a coffee break after you've sworn at it a few times and then come back to it....this usually works for me....
 
Now, If you're still having trouble, I think you'll find there's a slight lip on the headlight that catches on the bodywork, (roughly in line with the grille) that stops the headlight assembly from coming out easily. Get that clear of the bodywork and you're then laughin'....

Good luck! 

[mjt57]

I wonder - would there be a case for a warranty claim (ie. get the dealer to replace it) if the car isn't all that old? I've never considered such a thing before because it's never been an issue, but I've read threads about diesel i30s having globe failures (no-one could say why).

[i30sean]

Well MJT57 I will be on the phone to Hyundai UK this morning the car is 2 years 4months old and covered 28,000mls I'm going to mention fact that a bulb should last longer than this but don't hold your breath 

My motorbike is 4years 8months old and covered 40K and never needed a bulb and it has running lights.

i30Sean