2020 Kia Sorento Headlight Bulb Replacement
Complete guide to 2020 Kia Sorento headlight bulb replacement. Cost estimates, difficulty level, time required, and environmental impact.
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💰 Cost Breakdown
💡 Tip: Costs vary by location and repair shop. Authorized service centers typically charge more than independent repair shops.
🔧 Repair Overview
Headlight Bulb Replacement is one of the most common repairs for 2020 Kia Sorento. This repair involves replacing the damaged lighting component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 15-30 min and requires easy skill level.
What You'll Need
- Replacement lighting part (OEM or aftermarket)
- Precision screwdriver set (Phillips #000 or pentalobe)
- Opening tools (plastic spudger, suction cup)
- Adhesive strips or glue
- Clean workspace with good lighting
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1:
Some of the screws are hidden under plastic screw covers or panels which have to be carefully pried off. Use a spudger or opening tool if possible to remove the screw covers.
Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the screws behind the covers.
Step 2:
Use a Phillips #3 screwdriver to remove the plastic fasteners by the left side of the door.
To remove the plastic fasteners we found that applying a little bit of pressure with the flat head tool while unscrewing made the process easier.
Step 3:
Use the door panel removal tool to pry starting from the bottom of the door panel and moving from right to left.
In the second image you can see the yellow plastic clips which keep the door in place.
Step 4:
To remove the door panel you need to detach the light bulb of the interior door light on the bottom right of the door panel.
Detach the bulb by twisting clockwise and pulling the black base.
***Beware the bulb is quite hot to the touch if turned on. ***
Step 5:
Peel off the upper right corner of the plastic covering to reveal the inside of the outer door handle.
One of the 10 mm hex nuts is revealed immediately (highlighted with the red circle) but the second 10 mm hex nut is behind a plastic tape which must be removed to access it (highlighted by red arrow).
To loosen the nuts use the 10 mm socket and ratchet with an extension.
Step 6:
To access the bolt at the side of the door use a prying tool to remove the plastic covering.
Use the 10 mm socket and drive ratchet to unfasten the 10 mm hex bolt.
This will leave the handle unmounted from the door.
Step 7:
Now that the door handle is no longer resting in the door there is a white plastic clamp that hugs a metal bar.
Release the outer door handle by pushing the white plastic clamp the direction the red arrow is pointing in the second image.
Once the door handle is off the door carefully pull the lock cylinder.
📖 Repair guide provided by iFixit - The free repair manual. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.
iFixit Difficulty: Moderate | Time: NaNh NaNm
DIY vs Professional Repair
✋ DIY Repair
- ✅ Lower cost (parts only: $12-$60)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($20-$100)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your 2020 Kia Sorento instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 5699 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new 2020 Kia Sorento generates 5700 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 1 kg of CO₂. That's a 100% reduction in carbon emissions!
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