Kia K3 Headlight Assembly Removal Tutorial?
2 Answers
First, ensure the vehicle has been turned off for more than 5 minutes, remove the car key, and wait for the engine to cool down completely before opening the engine compartment cover to avoid burns from hot components. Open the dust cover and unscrew it directly along the thread direction (some models allow it to be simply pulled off), requiring minimal force. Afterwards, you will see the bulb socket inside the headlight assembly. Press the steel wire retaining clip beside the socket, and once the clip is released, you can remove the bulb. If the owner intends to replace the entire headlight assembly, it is recommended to visit a 4S store or a repair shop for professional replacement.
Last time I replaced the K3 headlight assembly myself, I summarized a set of tips: First, open the hood and disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent short circuits. Use a T20 screwdriver to remove the top four screws of the bumper, then lie down to remove the plastic clips at the front of the wheel arch liner. The trickiest part is the two hooks on the side of the bumper that clip into the headlight—remember to use a plastic pry bar at an angle to avoid breaking them. After removing the seven headlight mounting nuts, you can pull the entire assembly forward. Be careful with the plug at the back of the headlight, which has a foolproof design—press the clip and wiggle it out. When reinstalling, align the position first before tightening the nuts, and always test the headlight height afterward. Once, I forgot to adjust the cutoff line and nearly blinded oncoming drivers. The whole process takes about 40 minutes, and having a magnetic tray for screws is super handy.
