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Kia Forte License Plate Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out license plate light bulb in the trunk lid of a 1st generation 2010 to 2013 Kia Forte sedan.

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2013 Forte License Plate Lights
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Open Trunk Lid
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Loosen Rubber Bumper
This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the first generation (2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013) Kia Forte in changing a burnt out license plate light bulb in the trunk lid or upgrading them both to brighter LED units.

Owners of other Kia or Hyundai vehicles such as the Optima, Cadenza, K900, Sorento, Sportage, Sedona, Soul, Elantra, Veloster, Sonata, Azera, Tucson, Santa Fe, Genesis, Cerato, Spectra, Accent, Sephia, i20, i30, i40 and Equus may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

A replacement bulb is part number 2825 which is available from various manufacturers such as Sylvania, GE, PIAA and Eiko.

You can also use a brighter 2825 LED bulb.

The only tool needed to replace the bulbs is a Phillips head screwdriver.



 
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Twist Out Counterclockwise
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Remove 2nd Rubber Bumper
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Black Plastic Screw
The first step is to open the trunk lid.

Then remove the two round rubber bumper pieces by rotating them in the counterclockwise direction.

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Loosen Counterclockwise
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Pull Out Plastic Fastener
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Remove Other Fasteners
Loosen the black plastic screws in the center of the trunk lid fasteners by turning them counterclockwise with the Phillips head screwdriver.

Once the plastic screw has been loosened a few turns, you can pull out the entire fastener.

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2 Bumpers & 4 Fasteners
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Pull Off Trunk Latch
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Pull Back Trunk Lid Liner
You will need to remove at least four of the black plastic fasteners that hold the rear outer edge of the trunk lid carpet in place.

Gently pull the liner off the latch mechanism and away from the trunk lid.

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Light Bulb Socket
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1/4 Turn Counterclockwise
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Remove Bulb Socket
Rotate the license plate light bulb socket 1/4 turn counterclockwise before pulling it straight out of the housing.



 

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Pull Out Old Bulb
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Push In New W5W Bulb
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Rear of Light Housing
Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket and push in a new # 2825 bulb.

You may also be able to use any other miniature wedge base bulbs such as the # 158, 168, W5W, 194 or a compatible LED unit.

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1/4 Turn Clockwise - Lock
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Replace Trunk Lid Carpet
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Twist In Rubber Bumper
Re-insert bulb socket and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it in place.

Replace the carpeted trunk lid liner.

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Replace Right Side Bumper
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Re-Insert Plastic Fasteners
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Pop In Center Part - Lock
Twist in the trunk lid rubber bumpers by turning them clockwise.

Make sure the two rubber bumpers are even with each other.

Re-insert the plastic fasteners and then pop in the black plastic screws to secure them in place.

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Replace Other Fasteners
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License Plate Bulbs Replaced
Test the new license plate light bulbs by turning on the headlights.

If the trunk doesn't close properly, you may need to twist in the rubber bumpers a turn or two more.

For more, check out my other 2010-2013 Kia Forte DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.
 

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