Categories: How To's

How to replace headlights on your Kia

Changing a burnt out or busted headlight is just a routine part of vehicle maintenance. If you take your car to the shop to get it done, it’s an easy fix but you’ll have to pay labor costs. Wouldn’t it be cool if you could just do it yourself in your garage on some Saturday afternoon? You can! Keep reading to find a step by step guide to changing a headlight. 


You might also like: How does sportmatic shifting work? 


Before you do anything with the car, you’ve got to get the right bulb. Either check your car’s manual or use an online bulb finder. Simply enter your vehicle information into a website and you’ll see what bulb type and wattage you’ll need. Okay, now that you have the right bulb, let’s go over the other tools and equipment you’ll need (in addition to the bulb, of course). 

  • Vehicle owner’s manual
  • Screwdriver
  • Safety glasses

Got a job to get done? Order parts. 


Steps to replacing a headlight

Those three items should already be readily available, but if you’re unsure where any of them are, locate them and get them to a designated spot in your car or on your tool bench. Alright, let’s get on with it.

1.) Prop open the vehicle’s hood. 

2.) Remove power connector and dust cover. The power connector will be on the back of the original headlight. Both the connector and dust cover may require a small twist to get loose. 

3.) Pull the bulb out of the housing. Wiggle the bulb until it comes loose, or press the release clip if there is one. Try not to pull the bulb by the glass. 

4.) Line up the new bulb’s housing with the open socket. Insert the bulb carefully and make sure it is secure. 

5.) Slide the bulb back in place. Twist the bulb and make sure it is locked in. 

6.) Replace the power connector and dust cover. 

7.) Turn on headlights and confirm both are working. 

There you go. We hope this short little guide will help you next time one of your headlights goes out. 


Any other questions? Contact us today


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View Comments

  • The drivers side low beam does not look like the passenger side.

    The drivers side when looking in has a different bulb with no wires and an electricial outlet looking end and doesnt come out when turned.

  • I want to replace my headlight bulb on my 2012 Kia Sorento EX V6. I believe it is a 18649-55009S bulb. What does the S stand for. What is the bulb price. Is this a halogen or LED bulb?

  • I want to put LED bulbs in our 2015 Optima. Has anyone done that? Does it work ? Is it changed the same way?

  • Hi,I log on to your blogs named "How to replace headlights on your Kia" like every week.Your story-telling style is awesome, keep it up! And you can look our website about free proxy.

  • Driving a vehicle with the abnormal headlights could leads to a fatal accident. So, any signs which indicates that the headlights has some sort of malfunctions or the electrical system of the vehicle has some sort of deformities should not be ignored. The reason behind the appearance of such sign needs to be identified and repaired immediately to ensure smoother performance of the vehicle. Malfunctions in the electrical system of the car should be repaired immediately.

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