Hyundai Aftermarket - Remove & Replace Elantra Front Turn Signal Housings

This DIY will show you how to replace a front turn signal housing on an RD Elantra. Other J2/RD platform cars will be similar (97-2000) and I'm pretty sure the Tiburon is substantially the same as well.

Parts source: Junkyard or dealership.

Tools required: #2 Philips screwdriver, possibly a socket set or nut driver (10mm?) and flat head screwdriver. Small rag if you care about your paint.

Time required: 30 minutes if you drink 3 beers while you do the work. No assistance should be necessary.

Beer: If you like, but not so much you start breaking fragile plastic light housings.

Difficulty: 3/10 There is some prying involved, but that's about the worst of it.

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Do NOT do this when it's freezing cold outside or you stand a good chance of breaking the plastic turn signal AND headlight housings!

If your turn signal has any cracks, they may get bigger when you pull the housing out. Mine started out tiny and now look at it! That's from removal & installation. If you don't mind the cracks, superglue will hold the lense together until you can get a replacement turn signal.

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Remove the philips screw holding the turn signal housing in position.

https://i349.photobucket.com/albums/...rnsigBscrw.jpg

If your light is a tight fit like mine was, you may appreciate the wiggle room you get by removing the only visible headlight mounting bolt:

https://i349.photobucket.com/albums/...headltbolt.jpg

If your light is a tight fit like mine was, you may have to pry gently with your flat head screwdriver as shown. Too much force and you will start breaking things, so go easy. The turn signal should come out straight forward. If you are anal-retentive about your paint, put a rag or something between the screwdriver and the sheet metal to protect the paint.

https://i349.photobucket.com/albums/...urnsigCpry.jpg

Turn the housing over and push the little tab into the connector, and pull the connector out:

https://i349.photobucket.com/albums/...rnsigDconn.jpg

My stock housing had a breather hose, and the replacement had a breather cap. No big deal, just be aware the breathers may be different on your housings too.

https://i349.photobucket.com/albums/...igEcompare.jpg

Insert the connector into the new turn signal housing's connector. I got my replacement signal from the dealership, and it included the lamp socket and a new lamp, so score +1 free lamp bulb for me! If you got your turn signal housing from a junkyard, you may have to swap the lamp socket from the old to the new housing. Be sure to check out the o-ring and replace it if necassary, as the o-ring is a common leak location and it's a fail on your car's safety inspection (in Texas at least) if moisture is getting into the light housing.

Note: there are two pegs on the turn signal that mate with two holes on the car. (green lines may not be installed on your car, you will have to use your imagination wink1.gif )

https://i349.photobucket.com/albums/...nsigFslota.jpg

Something is out of alignment on my car. The philips screw holes weren't lined up when I installed the new turn signal. Insert your flat screwdriver again and gently and carefully pry the headlight into position if required:

https://i349.photobucket.com/albums/...igGscrwhlp.jpg

Tighten the philips screw, replace the headlight mounting bolt if you removed it, and step back and admire the new turn signal. Aaaahh. You remember when the whole car was shiny & new, and they all looked this nice?

https://i349.photobucket.com/albums/...rnsigHoooh.jpg

Oh well.

Be sure to switch your key to the "ON" position and test the turn signal before driving away.