I have a 1997 Hyundai elantra and my driver side headlight is dim, I replaced the bulb but its still dim. What else can cause this problem?

try checking the ground circuit for the headlight. this is usually what causes a dim headlight.

No you must have a wiring problem if the bulb is good. You can test the bulb out of the car. Do not touch any halogen type bulb with your bare skin.

My personal experience the headlights burn out frequently because it's a Hyundai. I have a 2005 Elantra (105K) and a 2007 Santa Fe (135K), and I have replaced headlights in both of those cars more than all of the 20+ other cars I have owned in my lifetime. I never touch a new bulb when replacing them, the sockets are all fine, they're just Hyundais and electric/wiring reliability is not in their capabilities. I keep a spare set of headlights in each of the cars. It's so bad that the cashier at the parts store asked me about 5 years ago if I had a Hyundai. She had the same problem with her Elantra.

by slamming down the bonnet makes the light work indicates a loose bulb or a bad/loose earth in the system. Check that the bulb is tight under the fitment springs that hold it in the reflector and that the earth wires are making good contact on the bulb and where it earths out

glad you found the problem and thanks for trying Fixya.

Check the ground wire to your head light. A bad ground will cause the light to be dim.

Thank you for using fixya and be safe

more likely a fuse problem try to check the fuse boxes inside and on the engine compartment

1. Remove headlight mounting bolts and nut
2. Remove assembly
3. Install headlight assembly (with new bulb)
4. Replace/tighten headlight mounting bolts and nut

1. 
   

On these the bulb unscrews from the back

yes , you need to remove the headlight cover from the back after u move the bulb conector then there is a holder for the bulb u need to push down then move.
i hope it help ,,,, thanx