Hi everyone. I just bought a used '16 Sonata Hybrid and I want to replace the low beams. Poor output and yellow. They're conventional halogen, not HID. I have replaced these types of bulbs on other cars, but the problem with mine is the caps on the back of the headlight unit does not want unscrew. I lubricated the area but it's plastic and it feels like it'll break before it turns. I've watched all the YouTube D.Y.I. My next step is let a shop, or even a quicky lube do the install. I already bought the 9005 lights. I also noticed there are different headlight units for this year. My unit cannot be aimed. Any thoughts? I have seen where other vehicles have a missing cap from breaking. Thanks

 

Follow up... Took the car to 2 independent shops and nobody could turn the caps, either. I can't believe they are not serviceable? Well, that first part was free. I will talk to the local dealer. They'll know if than can be easily opened. I already bought the bulbs so it's just labor. A $30 set of low beams will now cost and extra $100? If he says $200, I'll pass. No one I've talked to says the headlights are sealed. At least if the dealer busts it, they bought it. $200 for each side headlight unit, retail. Follow the link to my headlight units. Mine is a Hybrid and THAT is the exact replacement. Notice the caps over the low and high beam access. What's even stranger is no one has encountered this?

https://www.carparts.com/details/Hyu...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

Hi folks. Yes the caps to access the headlights do open. You'll see how, but it will still be a bitch. Not very DYI friendly. The YouTube video is correct that low beam access on the drivers side is almost impossible, unless you feel confident removing equipment. Passenger side was much easier to remove items. Low beams have a very thick lens and highs have almost nothing. I'll let you know if it improved night vision and was worth the effort replacing the low beam on the passenger side.

 

Update: new light not much better. I probably should have spent more for Ultra Star 2/$45 instead of the much cheaper Philips X-treme 2/$30. Limited light replacement access influenced the monetary decision. Will keep them for future use and they also fit the high beams on my model. Original bulbs are Sylvania and have about the same performance of most upgrades. LED is probably the best way to get bright lighting, but will leave that to a shop because of the driver side clutter and possible electric problems. Here's another solution, raise and/or align the headlights. That is Easy to do and it may help with the weak OEM headlights, which I blame on the low beam lens thick diffusion and overall cheapness of Hyundai for a recent 2016 mid priced model manufactured without LEDs as standard equipment. Although for a plastic cover, they are clear as a glass covered unit. Fog lights would really help too, but mine is an SE. If I drove at night frequently, or drove for a living, I'd upgrade in a heartbeat. (I test drove this car in the daytime and didn't even think about headlight performance). It's like buying an older used car in the winter and not checking the AC. (It needed recharging both summers I owned it) "Murphy was an optimist".