Kia Soul
License Plate Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out license plate
light bulb in the rear bumper of a 2nd generation 2014 to 2019 Kia Soul.
 2019 Soul License Plate |
 Left Side Light Housing |
| This automotive
maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the 2nd
generation (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 model years) Kia Soul in
changing a burnt out license plate light bulb located in the rear bumper
cover or upgrading them both to brighter LED units. Owners of other Kia, Hyundai or Genesis vehicles such as the Niro, Sportage, Sedona, Telluride, Sorento, Rio, Forte, Optima, K900, Cadenza, Stinger, Tucson, Santa Fe, Kona, Palisade, Elantra, Sonata, Accent, Veloster, Ioniq, Nexo, Venue, G70, G80 and G90 may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. The compatible replacement miniature wedge base light bulb is part number 2825 (also known as W5W). If you would like to have brighter license plate lights, install some 2825 LED bulbs. The only tool needed to access and replace the bulbs is a small flat head screwdriver or a plastic pry bar tool. |
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 Push In Release Tab |
 Pry Out Light Housing |
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The procedure for replacing the driver side and passenger side license plate light bulbs is the same. Use a small flat head screwdriver or a plastic pry bar tool to gently push in the black plastic release tab on the inner edge of the light housing (located closest to the center line of the vehicle). |
|
 Right Side Housing |
 Push In Release Tab |
| Pull the inner edge
of the light housing down from the opening in the back bumper cover. Try to avoid using excessive force. The light housing should pop out relatively easily. |
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 Light Housing Removed |
 Right Housing Removed |
| Once the light housing has been removed, you can access the round black plastic bulb socket. | |
 1/4 Turn Counterclockwise |
 Bulb Socket Removed |
| Rotate the base of
the bulb socket 1/4 turn in the counterclockwise direction before pulling it
straight out. If the old light bulb was recently turned on, it might still be hot enough to burn your fingers. So allow it to cool off for a minute and be careful when you remove it. |
|
 Pull Out Old Light Bulb |
 Miniature Wedge Base |
| Pull the old light
bulb straight out of the socket. If you have trouble removing the bulb due to rust or debris, try gently wiggling it back and forth while pulling it straight out. Avoid squeezing the bulb too firmly to prevent from having it pop between your fingers and cut your skin. |
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 Push In New Light Bulb |
 1/4 Turn Clockwise - Lock |
| The OEM (original
equipment manufacturer) light bulb in this 2019 Soul was a W5W which is the
same as the 2825 5 watts bulb. Push a new number 2825 bulb straight into the socket. If you would like to have brighter license plate lights, install some compatible replacement 2825 LED bulbs. Re-insert the bulb socket straight into the housing and rotate it 1/4 turn in the clockwise direction to secure it into place. |
|
 Re-Insert Light Housing |
 Replace Right Housing |
| First, re-insert
the wires on the inner edge of the housing back into the opening in the rear
bumper cover. Then pop in the light housing to secure the retaining clips. Avoid using excessive pressure. The light housings should snap into place relatively easily. |
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 Light Housings Secured |
 Left Housing Re-Installed |
| Double check that the light housings are securely in place. | |
 Test Left Side Bulb |
 Testing License Plate Lights |
| To test the new
light bulbs, turn on the headlights or parking lights. You could also just
press the "Unlock" button on the key fob to re-activate the exterior lights. Tip - If you installed LED bulbs and they don't work, try removing them from the socket, rotating them 180 degrees and pushing them back into the socket. Some LED bulbs are polarized and will only work when the "+" positive and "-" negative electrical contacts are in the correct orientation. Be sure to write down the bulb change in your vehicle's service records. For more, please check out all of my
2014-2019 Kia Soul DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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