Kia Optima: Maintenance / Light bulbs

Bulb replacement precaution

Please keep extra bulbs on hand with appropriate wattage ratings in case of emergencies.

Refer to “Bulb Wattage” in chapter 8.

When changing lamps, first turn off the engine at a safe place, firmly apply the parking brake and detach the battery’s negative (-) terminal.

WARNING - Working on the lights

Prior to working on the light, firmly apply the parking brake, ensure that the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position and turn off the lights to avoid sudden movement of the vehicle , burns to your skin for fingers, or an electric shock.

CAUTION - Light replacement

Be sure to replace the burnedout bulb with one of the same wattage rating. Otherwise, it may cause damage to the fuse or electric wiring system.

CAUTION - Headlamp Lens

To prevent damage, do not clean the headlamp lens with chemical solvents or strong detergents.

• Lamp part malfunction due to net-work failure

The headlamp, taillight, and fog light may light up when the head lamp switch is turned ON, and not light up when the taillight or for light switch is turned ON. This may be cause by network failure or vehicle electrical control system malfunction. If there is a problem, we recommend the system be serviced by an authorized Kia dealer.

• Lamp part malfunction due to electrical control system stabilization

A normally functioning lamp may flicker momentarily. This momentary occurrence is due to the stabilization function of the vehicle's electrical control system. If the lamp stops flickering after a few moments, the vehicle does not require service.

However, if the lamp goes out after the momentary flickering, or the flickering continues, we recommend the system be serviced by an authorized Kia dealer.

✽ NOTICE

• If the light bulb or lamp connector is removed while the lamp is still on, the fuse box's electronic system may log it as a malfunction. Therefore, a lamp malfunction incident may be recorded as a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in the fuse box.
• It is normal for an operating lamp to flicker momentarily. This is due to a stabilization function of the vehicle’s electronic control device. If the lamp lights up normally after momentarily blinking, then it is functioning as normal. However, if the lamp continues to flicker several times or turns off completely, there may be an error in the vehicle’s electronic control device. Please have the vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer immediately.

✽ NOTICE

We recommend that the headlight aiming be adjusted after an accident or after the headlight assembly is reinstalled at an authorized Kia dealer.

✽ NOTICE

You can find moisture inside the lens of lamps after a car wash or driving in the rain. It is a natural event caused by the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the lamp and does not mean a problem with its functions.

The moisture inside the lamp would disappear if you drive the vehicle with the headlamp turned on, however, the level at which the moisture is removed may differ depending on the size/location/condition of the lamp. If the moisture continues to stay inside the lamp, have the vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer.

If you don’t have the necessary tools, the correct bulbs and the expertise, consult an authorized Kia dealer. In many cases, it is difficult to replace vehicle light bulbs because other parts of the vehicle must be removed before you can get to the bulb. This is especially true if you have to remove the headlamp assembly to get to the bulb(s).

Removing/installing the headlamp assembly can result in damage to the vehicle.

If non-genuine parts or substandard bulbs are used, it may lead to blowing a fuse or other wiring damages.

Do not install extra lamps or LEDs to the vehicle. If additional lights are installed, it may lead to lamp malfunctions and flickering. Additionally, the fuse box and other writing may be damaged.

• Light bulb position (Front)
• Light bulb position (Rear, Side)
• Headlamp (Low beam) bulb replacement
• Headlamp (High beam) bulb replacement
• Front turn signal lamp bulb replacement. Position lamp / Day time running lamp (LED type) replacement
• Front fog lamp bulb replacement. Side repeater lamp (LED type) bulb replacement
• Rear turn signal lamp bulb replacement
• Stop and tail lamp bulb replacement
• Stop and tail lamp (LED type) bulb replacement
• Back-up lamp bulb replacement
• Tail lamp bulb replacement
• License plate lamp bulb replacement
• High mounted stop lamp (LED type) bulb replacement. Map lamp bulb replacement
• Vanity mirror lamp bulb replacement
• Room lamp bulb replacement. Personal lamp (LED type) bulb replacement
• Glove box lamp bulb replacement. Trunk lamp bulb replacement