2016-2020 Kia Optima Low Beam Headlamp Bulb Replacement

Learn how to replace the headlight bulb on a Kia Optima. Kia Optima uses HB3 and HID headlight bulbs. Check the light bulb installed on your car before you purchase replacement bulbs.

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The majority of Kia Optima vehicles use HB3 / 9005 bulbs. If you look at the headlight and notice a warning sticker for high voltage, your headlight uses the HID D1S bulb.

What you will need

• Standard headlights – HB3 / 9005+ (55W) bulb
• HID headlights – D1S HID bulb

Procedure

1. Open Hood – Pull on the hood, release it under the dashboard, and open the hood.

2. Remove old light bulb – Locate the back of the headlight assembly with the burned bulb. 
3. First, you need to remove the light bulb cover. To remove this cover, twist it counterclockwise and remove it. Next, you need to remove the low beam bulb. Remove the bulb socket from the headlamp by turning it counterclockwise.
4. Install new low-beam light bulb – Remove the old bulb from the socket by pulling it. Press the new bulb into the socket. Align the tabs on the socket with the slots in the headlamp assembly and twist the socket to lock it in place.
5. Replace the headlight bulb cover – Install the headlamp cover by twisting it clockwise. 
6. Close the hood and test the headlights.

Only one headlight works

It is possible that even after replacing the bulb, the headlight doesn’t work. Common problems that cause this issue include:

• Damaged wiring inside the headlight unit.
• Damaged wiring harness taking power to the headlight.
• A corroded connector at the headlight
• Blown fuse

Use a digital multimeter to check the voltage at the headlight connector.

Unplug the wire harness from the headlight. Identify the wires that provide power to the burned bulb. The negative wire will be either black or brown. The positive you will have to find out. Set your digital multimeter to voltage, turn the headlight, and measure.

For more help, visit our section on Vehicle Repair Guides.