Replacing the Stop Lamp and Tail Lamp Bulbs

1. Open the trunk lid.
2. Open the service cover.

3. Remove the nuts from the vehicle.
4. Disconnect the rear combination lamp connector.


5. Remove the rear combination lamp from the vehicle body.
6. Remove the socket from the assembly by turning it counterclockwise until the tabs on the socket align with the slots in the assembly.
7. Remove the bulb from the socket by pushing it in and turning it counterclockwise until the tabs on the bulb align with the slots in the socket. Pull the bulb out of the socket.
8. Insert the new bulb into the socket and turn it until it locks in place.
9. Install the socket into the assembly by aligning the tabs on the socket with the slots in the assembly. Insert the socket into the assembly and turn it clockwise.
10. Install the rear combination lamp assembly to the vehicle body.
11. Install the service cover by inserting it into the service hole.
Test yourself
A quick Kia Optima DL3 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.