How to Change a KIA Sportage Brake Light Bulb
by Jody L. CampbellProbably one of the most ignored light bulbs in any vehicle are the brake lights. Turn signals might blink rapidly when you engage the directional switch, telling you that a bulb is out in the front or rear, but most vehicles offer no warning signs when a brake light burns out. You can't step on the brake pedal and see if your brake lights are working at the same time. Someone will alert you sooner or later, hopefully before a police officer pulls you over and cites you. Changing the brake light bulb in a Kia Sportage is relatively easy and you can save some money on labor charges at service stations.
Step 1
Place an assistant in the Kia Sportage and have him run through all the lights while in it.
Step 2
Open the rear gate door.
Step 3
Using the brake light assembly as a guide, look at the metal rail of the door on the side. You will see two seated screws. Remove them using the Phillips head screwdriver.
Step 4
Stand on the outside of the brake light assembly and pull it out gently but firmly. The lens is not released by the two screws, but still affixed by a ball socket on the inside molding.
Step 5
Turn the brake lamp socket at the back of the lens assembly to the left to release. Extract the socket and remove the bulb by also twisting a half turn to the left while pushing in slightly on it.
Step 6
Insert the new bulb, twisting a half turn to the right while also pushing it slightly inward.
Step 7
Have your assistant step on the brakes again to test the bulb.
Step 8
Insert the socket back into the lens assembly and twist a half turn to the right.
Step 9
Line up the ball socket and snap the assembly into place.
Step 10
Reinsert the screws and close the door.
Things You'll Need
- Phillips head screwdriver Assistant
Writer Bio
Jody L. Campbell spent over 15 years as both a manager and an under-car specialist in the automotive repair industry. Prior to that, he managed two different restaurants for over 15 years. Campbell began his professional writing career in 2004 with the publication of his first book.
