For instructions on how to replace the headlight in your specific car and which headlight bulb to buy, consult your owner’s handbook.
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Step 4. Unscrew the old headlight
Zullo warns that every car is unique. “He claims that while you can reach the bulb with some autos, you can’t with others. Sometimes you have to remove the inner fender to reach behind it because the battery or air filter housing is in the way.
However, changing the halogen bulb is all that is required if you can get the headlight open. This entails carefully unlocking the bulb after examining how it is secured. Zullo cautions that if the clips that are being used here are broken, the entire headlight would need to be replaced. “According to him, you must first examine how it is connected, softly disassemble it, and then carefully reassemble it without touching the bulb’s glass.
Step 5. Screw in the new headlight bulb
Without touching the bulb’s glass, carefully screw in the new bulb. If you do, the oil and grime on your hands could cause the bulb to burst once it heats up. Your car’s hood should be closed. Your headlights ought to work perfectly again after installing the new bulb, allowing you to enjoy driving your automobile day or night.
Most of the time, changing a headlight is simple and doesn’t need sending your car to the shop. See what other do-it-yourself auto maintenance tasks are available.
For a 2015 Kia Optima, what is the cost of a headlight?
Cost Estimate for Replacing a Headlight Bulb on a Kia Optima. Replacement headlight bulbs for Kia Optimas typically cost between $237 and $250. The cost of labor is expected to be between $50 and $63 while the cost of the parts is $186.
What makes H11 and H11B different from one another?
The initial halogen bulb used is frequently an H11-style bulb. These H11 bulbs, however, come in two different mounting types: H11A and H11B. The three tiny tabs that circle the base of the bulb are oriented differently on each side.
Are there any Kia Optima recalls?
Owners will be informed, and dealers will do a free engine test, inspection for gasoline and/or oil leaks, and any necessary repairs, including an engine replacement, at the owners’ expense. Additionally, Kia is now working on a software upgrade for the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) that, when ready, will be carried out by dealers at no cost. On January 27, 2021, the recall is anticipated to start. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. The recall number for Kia is SC200.
Service brakes, hydraulic: Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: Control unit/module
A select number of 2013-2015 Kia Optimas and 2014-2015 Kia Sorentos are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience brake fluid leakage, which could lead to an electrical short.
There is a higher chance of an engine compartment fire if the HECU shorts out.
Owners will be notified by Kia, and dealers will check the HECU for any brake fluid leaks and replace the HECU for free if necessary. Owners are urged to park their cars outside, away from other cars and buildings, until the recall fix is finished. On October 20, 2020, the recall started. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. SC197 is the Kia recall number.
Fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Certain 2013-2014 Kia Optima vehicles powered by 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) or 2.0L GDI Turbo engines are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). The heat produced inside the engine compartment might cause the low pressure gasoline hose to age and shatter over time.
The low pressure fuel hose will be inspected by Dealers for damage or leaks and replaced as necessary after Kia notifies Owners. An installation of heat-protective tape will take place if no damage or leaks are discovered. There will be no fees for the repairs. On June 12, 2020, the recall started. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. SC187 is the Kia recall number.
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking
Certain 2019 Optima vehicles with Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI or Theta II 2.0L Turbo-GDI engines are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). When a stationary vehicle is identified, a software glitch in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Aid (FCA) system may prevent the brake assist feature from activating.
The danger of a collision can increase with improper Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist intervention.
Owners will be informed by Kia, and dealers will update the FCA software at no cost. The 2019 recall started on August 27. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. SC179 is the Kia recall number.
Fuel system, gasoline, engine
Certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento, and 2011-2018 Sportage cars are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). These vehicles previously had their engines replaced under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. During the engine replacement process, the high pressure fuel line that links to the fuel pump output may have been broken, misaligned, or poorly torqued, potentially leading to a fuel leak.
A fuel leak with an ignite source nearby can make a fire more likely.
Owners have been informed by Kia, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe for free as needed. beginning on January 17, 2019, the recall. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. SC172 is the Kia recall number.
Air bags
Certain 20102013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 20112013 Kia Optima, 20112012 Kia Optima Hybrid, and Sedona vehicles are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). The air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit during a collision, which would prevent the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from inflating.
In the case of a car crash that calls for the deployment of these safety systems, there is a higher risk of injury to the occupants of the vehicle if the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled.
The fix for this recall is still being worked on. Plans call for the recall to start on July 27, 2018. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. SC165 is the Kia recall number.
Does AutoZone provide headlight bulb installations?
Since AutoZone doesn’t employ actual mechanics, you can have a few minor problems when your headlights are installed. To be honest, this could also occur if you neglect to pay attention to details when a dealership or service shop does headlamp replacements in your driveway.
When installing a headlight, some vehicles include a Level system that lets you know if the lamp is pointing in the right direction. A worker at AutoZone, or you, could install a headlamp without a leveling system, causing the light to not shine nearly where it should.
The straightforward approach, whether at AutoZone or anywhere else, is to switch on the car’s headlights before leaving and before reinstalling anything that has to be removed. Then, headlights can be adjusted to sit properly by moving, tightening, or even loosing them.
Can I replace the headlight bulb on my own?
Fortunately, changing a headlight is frequently simple. The majority of the high-intensity discharge (HID) or light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs used nowadays are easy to swap out. They are secured by rotating bayonet-style retainers or tiny wire clips. They can be removed from the wiring, rapidly pushed out from behind the headlight housing, and replaced with a functional bulb. But before you can replace a headlight, you must figure out what kind of bulb you require. Your owner’s manual should be your first port of call.
Is it challenging to switch headlights?
Even if you have the most expensive wheels, if your headlights aren’t working, it won’t mean much (and as we know from numerous movies and cop shows, a burned-out light will lead to an unwelcome stop by a highway patrol car). Thankfully, changing a headlight bulb is a rather simple procedure.
Tools required:
- brand-new light bulb(s) Make sure you purchase the appropriate bulb type for your car (your local auto parts store should be able to match a bulb with your make and model)
- alcohol-based tissues and wipes (to clean and hold the new bulb)
- tool for Phillips screws
Instead of from the front of the automobile, you’ll access your headlight bulb via the engine compartment. Locate the headlight close to the front of the car by opening the hood. It will be housed in a bulb holder and connected to the bulb by a power connector, which typically has three wires.
Depending on your vehicle, the power cables are connected to a plug at the base of the headlamp and secured by a plastic catch, a metal clip, or a screw cap. Push down on the little lever at the top of the plastic catch as you take the plug out. Hold onto the metal clip as you draw it up and away if you’re dealing with one. When working with a screw cap, turn it counter-clockwise to unscrew it.
Holding onto the base of the old bulb, you should be able to remove the back of the headlight holder after the wires have been severed. In some circumstances, you might need to slightly spin the bulb to release it.
Use tissues or gloves to handle the replacement bulb; you don’t want your skin’s oils to get on it. Before you install it, you should give it a thorough cleaning with an alcohol wipe. When the bulb is prepared, insert it into the plug’s base. No rubber gasket will be seen if it has been placed properly. The headlight holder and power wires can be plugged back in when the bulb has been installed. Make sure to switch on your headlights to test the bulb.
Working with your headlights differs slightly from changing your rear tail lights, which include your brake lights. On some models, you may unscrew the housing that houses the bulb from the outside, while on other models, you have to do so from inside the trunk. To access the bulb after unscrewing the housing, you might need to work with tabs, screws, or tiny knobs on the tail light cover (make sure not to lose the screws if you need to remove them). The electrical wiring won’t need to be taken out, but be careful not to pull the housing out too much lest you rip the wires.
The bulb should be easy to remove by either pulling it out straight (as in most contemporary cars) or by pushing it in while simultaneously unscrewing. Replace the housing and reattach it when the replacement bulb has been installed (screws, tabs, knobs, etc.). Once more, be careful to test the bulb by turning the ignition on and using the brakes.