Kia Sorento
License Plate Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out license plate
light bulb in the tailgate door of a 2nd generation 2010 to 2015 Kia Sorento
SUV.
By Paul B. Michaels Author & Photographer Auto Mechanic Since 1989 |
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 2014 Sorento License Plate Lights |
 Two Phillips Head Screws |
 Loosen Screws Counterclockwise |
| This
automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist
owners of the second generation (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 &
2015) Kia Sorento SUV in changing a burnt out license plate light
bulb in the tailgate door or upgrading both lights to brighter LED
units. Owners of other Kia and Hyundai vehicles such as the Optima, Forte, Cadenza, K900, Rio, Sportage, Sedona, Soul, Elantra, Veloster, Sonata, Azera, Tucson, Santa Fe, Genesis and Equus may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. A replacement festoon or "fuse" style bulb is part number 6418 which is available from manufacturers such as Sylvania, GE, Eiko and PIAA. You can also use a brighter 6418 LED bulb. The only tool needed to replace the bulbs is a standard Phillips head screwdriver. |
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 Remove 2nd Phillips Screw |
 2 Phillips Screws Removed |
 Pull Out Light Housing |
| The first step is
to remove the two screws holding the license plate light bulb housing in
place by turning them counterclockwise with a Phillips head screwdriver. Set the two screws aside in a safe place. Pull the light housing out of the underside of the tailgate door. |
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 Pull Off Lens Cover |
 Plastic Lens Cover Removed |
 Old Bulb In Socket |
| Pull the
translucent plastic lens cover off the light housing. Set the lens cover aside in a safe place. |
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 Pull Old Bulb Out of Socket |
 Old # 6418 Bulb Removed |
 Push In New # 6418 Bulb |
If the old bulb was recently turned on, be careful since it might still be
hot enough to burn your fingers.Grasp the old bulb with your thumb and forefinger before pulling it straight out of the socket. Push a new # 6418 festoon or "fuse" style bulb straight in to the socket. Tip - If you are installing an LED bulb and it doesn't work at first, try pulling it out and flipping it around in the socket. |
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 Re-Insert Light Housing |
 Push On Lens Cover |
 Re-Insert Phillips Screw |
| Push the black
plastic light housing back in to the underside of the tailgate door. Replace the plastic lens cover over the light housing. |
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 Tighten Screws Clockwise |
 Light Housing Replaced |
 Testing New License Plate Lights |
| Re-insert the two
screws and tighten them in the clockwise direction with the Phillips head
screwdriver until they are snug. Try to avoid over tightening the screws to prevent from cracking the plastic lens cover. Test the new license plate light bulbs by turning on the headlights or by pressing the "Unlock" button on the key fob. For more,
check out my other
Kia Sorento DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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 (Note: I am not a registered charity. Donations are not tax deductible.) |