Hyundai Repair: Headlight will not operate, bulb h7, fuse box


Question
I have a 2000 Sonata (four cylinder).  Recently my passenger head light stopped working.  I replaced the bulb (H7-55) and it still did not operate.  The parking light works.  Any thoughts on what might be causing a short (or open circuit) in the wiring?  

Answer
First, check to see whether you replaced the correct bulb.  The bulb positions in your headlamps are counter-intuitive.  The low beam bulb is in the upper position and the high beam bulb is in the lower position.

If you did indeed replace the correct bulb, then check to see whether you have power and ground at the headlamp connector with a test lamp.  Your headlamps should be grounded at all times.  Attach the test lamp clip to the positive battery terminal and check to see whether it illuminates when one of the wires in the connector is touched with the lamp probe.  If not, you'll need to check to see why you don't have any ground to the headlamp.  If so, turn on the ignition key and the headlamps.  Now use the test lamp to check between the two wires in the connector.  It should illuminate.  If not, you'll need to locate the open circuit in the wiring between the underhood fuse box and the headlamp.  Since your left head lamp is still working, we already know the switch and relay are good.