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2014 HID (D1S) Headlight Bulb Replacement

59K views 40 replies 19 participants last post by  atillakocsis  
#1 ·
OK, so I know many on here have changed out their HID (D1S) bulbs on their 2011-2013 Optimas, but has anyone on here w/ a 2014 done this, yet? I'm curious to see if there is any differences between the 2014s and the eariler models' housing assemblies... specifically, the metal bracket that holds the bulb in place within the headlight assembly/dust cover. A friend and I tried yesterday to unclamp the one on my car and it wouldn't budge. I attempted to take it to the local "stealership" to see if they'd install it for me (thinking they'd have the expertise or a special tool to disengage the clamp), and they told me over the phone they could do it for $40 (20/bulb). Once I got there, they said... "we gotta take the bumper off and remove the light assembly and that'll cost a couple hours of labor, etc..." I said, "F-you very much!" and left.

Anyway, back to the question at hand. I know what and how to do the bulb exchange w/o having to take off my bumper/light assemblies (remove battery and move coolant reservoir out of the way of both sides' light assemblies), but what was causing the headache was this little bracket holding the bulbs in place. Can anyone who's done this already please look at the pic below and tell me what the trick is??? This is a pic of the passenger side w/ the dust cover removed, for your reference.

Thanks in advance!!

 
Discussion starter · #2 ·
Seriously?!?! 52 views and not one comment, yet... not even from stoli or DINO?!?! ****, I must be losing my clout around this place!!! LOL!

Anyway... to the top! :)
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
I just realized this pic was upside down when it uploaded. Odd. Sorry about that, but the stupid firewalls here at work aren't cooperating w/ this site, so I can't fix it from here.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
Lmao, I saw it but mine D1S clip seems to be different and didn't want to sound like an ass lol. I must have changed out like 4 sets of these bulbs already and it only takes me around 20 min or so with the battery and the water tank out. Sorry I couldn't help you on this as it looks different than what I have but should be very similar though. Unless you have fat fingers then tough break :D

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:poke:

Just unclip it and put the new one in.

:storm:
This this this :p

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OK, you two @$$ clowns are officially cut off!! LOL!!

Seriously, stoli, we've already talked and yes, DINO, from what he and I deduced, the bracket has changed for 2014. That's why I am asking for 2014 owners for any feedback they've got or encountered doing this mod, too.

I only called you 2 out because I knew these would be the replies I'd get from y'all! LMAO!! (it's all good!)

I can't imagine this being too difficult, but that little metal clip is a PITA!!! I guess KIA is making it really "worth" it to the owners to have the dealer do these minor maintenance jobs. I mean, why not when we're a society of flubs who can't do anything for themselves anymore. Heck, I'm surprised there isn't a place that'll wipe people's @$$es for them when they take a dump! (SMH)
 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
In all seriousness, it looks like it is just an beefed up clip from the previous models. If you push in from the back of the light on the bracket towards the front, can you not pull it out from the 'hook' on the side?

(rotated back to upright)
Image
I'll give that another try. I'm pretty sure we tried that, but it'll have to wait a few days, as I'm working all weekend. I'll let ya know if I make any progress.

Lol, you're a trooper NOVA and with all joking aside I hope its not that difficult for you to undo them. Are you planning to use CBI Osram bulbs? Those bulbs are good $hit.

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Thanks, DINO... nothing really gets to me, believe it or not. I just like throwing spears back and having fun with it when they're lobbed my way. That's why I called you and stoli out above.... I knew it would make for some fun banter for a few posts! :)

Shoulda kept the 13 :rolleyes:
Nah... in all seriousness, given the few quirks of the '14 (not so real DRLs and this stupid clip), I still think the pros of the 14 totally outweigh the pros of the 13 SXL I had! :)
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
ive changed the bulb for 2014 before, but from halogen to hid, not from d1s hid to aftermarket d1s hid.

seems like the halogen bulb only needs a "twist" to open, but replacing the halogen with hid (H7) needs a minor modification to hold the bulb in place.

therefore im thinking that d1s should be more or less, maybe pressing it down and twist is counter clockwise..? i havent started an experiment with d1s equipped 2014,
Thanks for the input and idea, Gee... it's been too cold here to deal with this the last few days, so hopefully I'll get a chance to mess with it some next week when things are "supposed to" warm up.
 
Discussion starter · #16 ·
they are usually retaining clips and shouldn't be that hard to come off
"Shouldn't" being the operative word there... LOL! It's warming up now, so I'm gonna try to do this again over the weekend. Hopefully, that clip will budge this time. More to follow! :)
 
Discussion starter · #18 ·
Thanks, me too. If not... guess I'll have some 6K D1S's for sale soon. LOL!
 
Discussion starter · #20 ·
Yes you will cuz you gonna end up wanting to get the CBI Osram bulbs from TRS for better upgrade :p
Nah... I'd rather spend my money on other mods... or as my wife would say, mods for her car! LMAO!!
 
Discussion starter · #22 ·
LOL, like I mentioned before. Happy wife = Happy life :banana::banana::banana:
Yep... but that usually means my wallet is sad.... crazy inverse relationship there. LMAO!!
 
Discussion starter · #24 ·