Kia Forte: Light bulbs

WARNING - Lights

Prior to working on the light, firmly apply the parking brake, ensure that the ignition switch is turned to the “LOCK”position and turn off the lights to avoid burning your fingers or receiving an electric shock.

Use only the bulbs of the specified wattage.

CAUTION - Light replacement

Be sure to replace the burnedout bulb with one of the same wattage rating. Otherwise, it may cause damage to the fuse or electric wiring system.

If you don’t have necessary tools, the correct bulbs and the expertise, consult an authorized Kia dealer.

In many cases, it is difficult to replace vehicle light bulbs because other parts of the vehicle must be removed before you can get to the bulb. This is especially true if you have to remove the headlight assembly to get to the bulb(s). Removing/installing the headlight assembly can result in damage to the vehicle.

Front lights replacement

(1) Headlight (High)
(2) Headlight (Low)
(3) Front turn signal light
(4) Front fog light
(5) Daytime running light/ Front position light
(6) Side marker

Headlight bulb

WARNING - Halogen bulbs

Handle halogen bulbs with care. Halogen bulbs contain pressurized gas that will produce flying pieces of glass if broken.

Always handle them carefully, and avoid scratches and abrasions. If the bulbs are lit, avoid contact with liquids.

Never touch the glass with bare hands. Residual oil may cause the bulb to overheat and burst when lit. A bulb should be operated only when installed in a headlight.

If a bulb becomes damaged or cracked, replace it immediately and carefully dispose of it.

Wear eye protection when changing a bulb. Allow the bulb to cool down before handling it.

Headlight (bulb type)

1. Turn off the engine.

2. Open the hood.

3. Remove the headlight bulb cover by turning it counterclockwise.

4. Disconnect the headlight bulb socket-connector.

5. Remove the bulb from the headlight assembly.

6. Install a new headlight bulb.

7. Connect the headlight bulb socket connector.

8. Install the headlight bulb cover by turning it clockwise.

If the headlight aiming adjustment is necessary after the headlight assembly is reinstalled, consult an authorized Kia dealer.

Day time running light/front position light (LED Type)

If the light (LED) does not operate, have the vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer.

Front side marker/Front turn signal light

If you can reach to the bulb without removing the headlamp assembly, you do need to do step 3 to 5.

1.Turn off the engine.

2.Open the hood

3.Remove screws at the front bumper.

4.Pull the bumper cover out.

5.Remove the nuts of headlamp assembly and then pull the headlamp out.

Front side marker

6.Remove the socket from the assembly by turning the socket counterclockwise until the tabs on the socket align with the slots on the assembly.

7.Pull the bulb out of the socket.

8.Insert a new bulb.

9.Install the socket in the assembly by aligning the tabs on the socket with the slots in the assembly.

Push the socket into assembly and turn the socket clockwise.

10. Reinstall the headlamp assembly, bumper to the body of the vehicle.

Front turn signal light

6.Remove the socket from the assembly by turning the socket counterclockwise until the tabs on the socket align with the slots on the assembly.

7.Remove the bulb from the socket by pressing it in and rotating it counterclockwise until the tabs on the bulb align with the slots in the socket. Pull the bulb out of the socket.

8.Insert a new bulb by inserting it into the socket and rotating it until it locks into place.

9.Install the socket in the assembly by aligning the tabs on the socket with the slots in the assembly. Push the socket into assembly and turn the socket clockwise.

Front fog light (if equipped)

1.Turn off the engine.

2.Remove the under cover by rotating the screws.

3.Reach your hand into the back of the front bumper.

4.Disconnect the power connector.

5.Remove the bulb-socket from the housing by turning the socket counter clockwise until the tabs on the socket align with the slots on the housing.

6.Install the new bulb-socket into the housing by aligning the tabs on the socket with the slots in the housing.

Push the socket into the housing and turn the socket clockwise.

7.Connect the power connector.

8.Reinstall the front under cover.

Side repeater light bulb replacement

If the light bulb does not operate, have the vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer.

Rear combination lamp bulb replacement

(1) Stop and tail lamp
(2) Tail lamp
(3) Back-up lamp
(4) Rear turn signal lamp
(5) Tail stop lamp or stop lamp (LED)

If the light (LED) does not operate, we recommend that you checked an authorized Kia dealer.

• Outside lamp
• Back up lamp, Rear fog lamp