2005 Kia Sorento, Changing A Stop Light Bulb

This 2005 Kia Sorento came in with the simple problem that the right hand stoplight was not working. Not much to it but many have stated that I need to remember that what is second nature to me can be daunting to someone that has never changed a light bulb before. With that in mind I am going to try to do more posts on some of the more routine tasks that you are asking for.

Open the rear hatch and locate the retaining screws. On this particular vehicle there are two screws. An upper screw.

And a lower screw.

With both screws removed firmly bump the light as shown to pop the retaining clips. Note I said bump and not beat! Once the light is loose it must be pulled straight back towards the rear of the vehicle. You might need to wiggle it a little to get it free. Gently please!

Now that the light assembly is free the bulb socket can be accessed and turned counter clockwise to remove.

The bulb also is turned counter clockwise to release it from the socket. Install your new bulb and start putting it back together.

Note the two plastic pieces with the slots in them. these are the outer light assembly retainers.

Also note the retaining pin just to the lower left of the socket. There are two pins and they have to be aligned with the two retainers shown above.

Once the pins have been set in the retainers and the light assembly is sitting squarely in place, you will need to again firmly bump the light assembly as shown in the following picture. Remember bump not beat.

Have someone depress the brake pedal to check the bulb operation and this one is done.

One thing you may want to think about is if one bulb failed you might as well replace both as they have been working the same amount of hours.