I'm trying to replace a burned out bulb on the 3rd brake light in a 2007 Kia Optima. After a few futile attempts, I gave up and called Kia. Apparently, you have to remove the entire back panel to get to the light, but they won't share the secret as to how. They want money. So, I pushed the back seats down and removed 5 screws. Something else is holding the panel down, but I don't know what. I saw some rivets and thought SURELY it's not riveted in; however, I'm at a loss as to how to remove the panel and I don't want to set off the side air bags. Any ideas?
This answer makes a mountain out of a mole hill! There are two screws directly under the light accessible from the trunk (in two hole, the wires come out of one of them)- just unscrew and you can manuever out without taking off the whole back panel.
Its not riveted they are clips and they do come apart!! you have to pull hard but not so hard that you snap the clips. but try to pull strait out and they should come out one by one
We just finished changing out our rear center brake light for a Kia Optima 2006.5. Took my husband and had to have my help too because you definitely need 4 hands!
Remove the small screw holding the light assembly -- look inside the trunk and find the circle hole with the electrical cord/clip that is directly below the brake light. Then unclip the wires holding the light wiring assembly. My husband removed the clips as stated above (not sure how he did it).
From inside the car, push down on the rear window panel while pulling up and out on the rear break light assembly. There's a metal clip in the front -- push down on the rear window panel and up on the light assembly to get the light past this first. Take care to guide the brake light wires and wire clip around the cut outs that hold the wire in place. There are two bracket-like clips that hold it in place in the rear, nearest the window -- push the light assembly down in the back and tilt up tin the front to get it past those.
Once the light assembly is out, it is easy to swap out the bulb. Repeat all steps to get the light assembly back in place -- guide the back, L-shaped tabs back into the rear window panel and snap the silver clip in place. Go back into the trunk and reattach the light wire clip, replace the screws. Not sure about the other clips. Have 2 adult beverages handy to two celebrate because Kia has designed a really screwed up way to replace this light.
TIP: From inside the trunk, pull open the back seat for a better angle and you can have a second person help if needed.
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I have a 2006 Kia - there was a recall and they replaced the brake light switch, or something like that. I called Kia dealer after I replaced the right brake light 3-4 times, and they claimed no problem, but about one month later, I got the call about the recall....so far, the light has not burned out again.
Did nit yesterday! easy go in thru the trunk and there is two silver screws you take oout, unplug the lamp, and work it out from the inbside as an assembly. But depending on your milage it is not burnt out and the brake light switch is the problem. not positive havn't replaced mine yet;. Hope this helps
How to replace low beem haed light
My dad pulled the head light assembly completely out then replaced the bulb but he machine an easier clip to hold the light in place because those clips are insane!!! I have an 06 KIA optima, my my stupid low beams go out every few months!!! I hate my KIA!!! I can't work on it like I did with my Honda and acura!!!
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3 4 or screw and some gental finessing and laying in your trunk you can then take the light assembly out from inside the car
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