Kia Sportage
License Plate Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out license plate
light bulb in the rear bumper cover of a 3rd generation 2011-2016 Kia Sportage
SUV.
 2014 Sportage License Lights |
 Left License Plate Light |
 Remove Phillips Head Screw |
| This
automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist
owners of the third generation (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016) Kia
Sportage SUV in changing a burnt out license plate light bulb in the
rear bumper cover. Owners of other Kia and Hyundai vehicles such as the Optima, Forte, Cadenza, K900, Rio, Sorento, 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" type light bulb is part number 6418 which is 35mm in length. You may also be able to use the slightly longer # 6411 bulbs (41mm) or a compatible LED unit. The tools needed to replace the bulbs include a Phillips head screwdriver and a small flathead screwdriver. |
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 2 Phillips Screws Removed |
 Pry Out Lens Cover |
 Bulb Housing Cover Removed |
| The first step is
to move to the side of the license plate with the burnt out light bulb. Remove the two screws that hold the translucent plastic lens cover in place by turning them counterclockwise with a Phillips head screwdriver. You might need to gently pry out the lens cover with a small flathead screwdriver. Set the lens cover aside in a safe place. |
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 Old Bulb Exposed |
 Pull Back Metal Contact |
 Remove Old Bulb |
| Gently pull back one of the metal electrical contacts to release the old bulb from the socket. | ||
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 Old # 6418 Festoon Bulb |
 Empty Bulb Socket |
 Insert New # 6418 Bulb |
| Carefully insert a
new # 6418 festoon style bulb in to the socket. (Tip - If you are installing an LED bulb and it doesn't work at first, try flipping it around in the socket.) |
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 Push In Lens Cover |
 Tighten 2 Phillips Screws |
 Test New License Plate Bulbs |
| Line up the plastic
lens cover and gently push it back in to place. Re-insert the two Phillips head screws and tighten them in the clockwise direction. 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. Check out
my other
2011-2015 Kia Sportage DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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