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Kia Optima Headlight Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a low beam, high beam, turn signal or side marker light bulb in a 3rd generation 2011-2015 Optima.

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2013 Optima Headlight
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Turn - Low Beam - High
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Black Plastic Dust Cover
This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the third generation (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015) Kia Optima in changing a burnt out low beam, high beam, front turn signal and front side marker light bulbs in the headlight assemblies.

Owners of other Kia and Hyundai vehicles with similar headlight housings such as the Forte, Cadenza, Rio, Soul, Sedona, Sorento, Sportage, Sonata, Accent, Elantra, Veloster, Azera, Tucson, Santa Fe and Genesis may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

Replacement bulbs with their part numbers are as follows: Low Beam # H11B, High Beam # H1, Turn Signal # 2357A and Front Side Marker # 168.

No tools are required to change the low beam, high beam or turn signal bulbs.

To replace the front side marker bulbs, you'll need an 8mm socket and a 1/4" drive ratchet.



 
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Dust Cap Removed
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1/4 Turn Counter Clockwise
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Osram Low Beam # H11B
The first two steps are to pop open the hood and then move to the side of the vehicle with the burnt out headlight bulb.

The Low Beam bulb is located closer to the outer edge of the headlight housing and it resembles a cloudy robot eye.

Reach in behind the headlight assembly and rotate the black plastic dust cap 1/4 turn counter clockwise before pulling it straight off.

Rotate the black plastic base of the old low beam bulb 1/4 turn counter clockwise and pull it straight out of the socket.

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Coolant Overflow Bottle
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Two 10mm Bolts Removed
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Make Extra Room To Work
If you need more room to access the bulbs, you may choose to remove the overflow coolant bottle on the passenger side or the 12V battery on the driver side. Both require a 10mm socket and ratcheting wrench.
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Low Beam Bulb Socket
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Install - 1/4 Turn Clockwise
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New Low Beam Installed
Try to avoid touching the glass part of the new halogen bulb with your fingers or anything greasy in the engine bay. If you do get the new bulb dirty, wipe it clean with an alcohol moistened paper towel.

Install the new H11B low beam bulb in to the socket and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it in place.

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Cap - 1/4 Turn Clockwise
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High Beam - Inner Corner
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1/4 Turn Counter Clockwise
Replace the black plastic dust cover by turning it 1/4 turn clockwise.

The High Beam bulb is located near the inner corner of the headlight housing.

Reach in behind the headlight assembly and rotate the black plastic dust cap 1/4 turn counter clockwise to remove it.



 

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Remove High Beam Cap
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Old High Beam Bulb
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Release Metal Retaining Arm
Release the metal retaining arm holding the old high beam bulb in place and swing it out towards the rear of the car.
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Pull Out Old High Beam
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Power Plug Release Button
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Power Plug Removed
Pull the old high beam bulb straight out of the socket.

Press the release button on the black plastic power connector and slide it straight off the base of the old high beam bulb.

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Install New H1 Bulb
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Swing Closed Retaining Arm
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Cap - 1/4 Turn Clockwise
Try to avoid touching the glass part of the new halogen bulb with your fingers or anything greasy in the engine bay. If you do get the new bulb dirty, wipe it clean with an alcohol moistened paper towel.

Insert the new H1 high beam bulb in to the socket and swing the metal retaining arm closed. Hook the right side of the retaining arm in place to secure it.

Push the black plastic power connector on to the base of the new bulb.

Replace the black plastic dust cover by turning it 1/4 turn clockwise.

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Turn Signal - Inner Corner
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Large Black Plastic Tab
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1/4 Turn Counter Clockwise
The Front Turn Signal bulb is located at the inner corner of the headlight housing.

Reach in behind the housing and rotate the large black plastic tab 1/4 turn counter clockwise before pulling it straight out.

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Push Down & 1/4 Turn CC
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Re-Install 1/4 Turn Clockwise
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Outer Corner - Side Marker
Push down on the old bulb and rotate it 1/4 turn counter clockwise before pulling it straight out of the socket.

Push a new amber colored 2357A bulb down in to the socket and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it in place.

Re-insert the turn signal bulb socket in to the housing and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to lock it in place.

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Turn Front Wheels
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Remove 8mm Screw
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8mm Wheel Well Liner Screw
The Front Side Marker light bulb is located at the outer corner of the headlight assembly.

To access the bulb, you'll need to go in through the black plastic wheel well liner or "splash guard".

Turn the steering wheel all the way in the opposite direction of the burnt out side marker bulb.

Remove the screw on the wheel well liner by turning it counter clockwise with the 8mm socket and ratcheting wrench.

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Pull Back Wheel Well Liner
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Reach In To Side Marker
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Remove Side Marker Socket
Pull back the wheel well liner and reach in to the black plastic side marker bulb socket.

Rotate the socket 1/4 turn counter clockwise and pull it straight out of the housing.

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Pull Out Old # 168 Bulb
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Side Marker Bulb Installed
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Test New Headlight Bulbs
Pull the old miniature wedge base bulb straight out of the socket and push in a new # 168 bulb.

Re-insert the side marker bulb socket in to the headlight housing and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it in place.

Test the new bulbs by turning on the headlights, flashing the high beams and activating the hazard signals.

For more, check out my other Kia Optima Repair & Maintenance Guides.
 

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