Difficulty
Moderate
Steps
6
Time Required
20 minutes
Sections
1
- Brake Light
- 6 steps
Flags
0
Back2011-2015 Kia Optima
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Introduction
What you need
Step 1
Brake Light
- Open the trunk and locate the tail light compartment behind the rear wheel well.
- This guide will serve for both brake lights.
Open the trunk and locate the tail light compartment behind the rear wheel well.
This guide will serve for both brake lights.
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Step 2
- Squeeze and pull back on the felt-like access panel to expose the tail light assembly.
Squeeze and pull back on the felt-like access panel to expose the tail light assembly.
Step 3
- Squeeze down on the top tab of the battery connector. Then, pull the connector out.
- Be sure to properly disconnect the battery to ensure safety when replacing the bulb.
Squeeze down on the top tab of the battery connector. Then, pull the connector out.
Be sure to properly disconnect the battery to ensure safety when replacing the bulb.
Step 4
- The grey brake light holder is connected to three wires. (Pink, Green, and Black as displayed)
- Be sure not to pull on the three wires.
- Twist the holder counter-clockwise using the two protruding tabs. Pull out the holder once unlocked.
The grey brake light holder is connected to three wires. (Pink, Green, and Black as displayed)
Be sure not to pull on the three wires.
Twist the holder counter-clockwise using the two protruding tabs. Pull out the holder once unlocked.
Step 5
- Twist the dead bulb counter clockwise to unlock it from the holder.
- Be sure not to squeeze too hard on the light bulb as it may shatter or break.
Twist the dead bulb counter clockwise to unlock it from the holder.
Be sure not to squeeze too hard on the light bulb as it may shatter or break.
Step 6
- Be sure to place latex gloves on prior to opening and touching the new bulb.
- Align the new bulb with the notch in the holder. Place bulb inside holder.
- Gently push the bulb in and simultaneously twist clockwise to lock it into the holder.
Be sure to place latex gloves on prior to opening and touching the new bulb.
Align the new bulb with the notch in the holder. Place bulb inside holder.
Gently push the bulb in and simultaneously twist clockwise to lock it into the holder.
To reassemble your car, follow these instructions in reverse order.
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4 other people completed this guide.
Author
with 5 other contributors
Jonathan Walborn
Member since: 09/18/2019
208 Reputation
1 Guide authored
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Team
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Team S4-G4, Ives Fall 2019
Member of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Team S4-G4, Ives Fall 2019
ERAU-IVES-F19S4G4
3 Members
1 Guide authored
jamie swartz - Jul 29, 2021
Reply
Perfect instructions. Very easy and fast.
kurt - Aug 15, 2021
Reply
Step 5: Twist the dead bulb counter clockwise to unlock it from the holder.
Is incorrect for at least the Canadian model of the Kia Optima. The brake light bulb on the drivers side needs to be pushed in and rotated ~30 degrees counter clockwise to be taken out of the grey bulb holder, I suspect the passenger side is the same.
Secondly for Canada, at least at Canadian Tire the bulb to buy is Sylvania LongLife bulb “2357”
