HOW TO REMOVE 2011-14 KIA SORENTO HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES

HOW TO REMOVE 2011-14 KIA SORENTO HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES. The vehicle in the demonstration is a 2013 Kia Sorento removing the driver side headlight assembly. The next video will demonstrate how to repair the Low beam headlight connector properly and make a repair that will last. Very common for these vehicles to burn/melt the headlight connector damaging the headlight and connector as well. Hope this helps, leave any questions or comments below and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for future content as this is my VERY FIRST KZbin VIDEO!!!

[@standdown4929]

Update.: It only took this 59 yr old woman 20 to 30 mins from start to finish. I installed brand new assembly on both sides. My car looks brand new again. Great video!

[@DrDemp]

Glad I could help!!

[@ealleg]

there's no 10mm lower bolt on a 14 sorrento. you need to take off the 2 8mm bolts holding the bumper to the fender then just pop the bumper cover down a little

[@DrDemp]

Thanks for the feedback and this will help some people that have the crossover year models with that design. Thanks for supporting my channel!

[@ELB1013]

Hey! Trying to change out my 2014 headlight assembly. Mine does not have the lower 10mm bolt. Any chance you could show the location of 8mm bolts holding the bumper to the finder?

[@AttilioDiMarco]

The Kia dealer wanted $545 each L&M, total $1,090. I bought online the 2 light assemblies and bulbs for total about $260. Installed myself. Saved $830. Thanx for the video.

[@DrDemp]

That's awesome!! Thanks for sharing your experience, I always enjoy hearing feedback!

[@WendeeQ]

Thank you for the easy and clear instructions. We replaced the headlight assembly on both sides of my 2013 Sorento this morning in less than 2 hours. The socket on the passenger side had corroded. I paid $200 and learned new things instead of taking it to the dealer for $800-$1000!

[@DrDemp]

It makes me smile everytime I read the comments on how many people I saved some money and hopefully helped with this video. This was my first youtube video I ever posted I didn't ever think it would get 100's of thousands of views!!! Thanks so much ❤

[@ja3son]

Man. You saved my ass!!!! Did my lights in about an hour today.

[@DrDemp]

Glad I could help!! Smash that like button!!

[@dlisette8179]

Thank you so much for your clear instructions! Going to purchase my head light assembly and install myself! Dealership wants to charge a crazy amount!

[@DrDemp]

I'm glad to hear who doesn't like saving some money!!, As people have noted in the comments, some 2014 have a hidden bolt behind the front cover. Which is not shown in this video. I never expected so many people to watch my First youtube Video 😊

[@dlisette8179]

@@DrDemp thank you 🙏

[@joshbartlett7982]

Cant seem to find the third bolt on my 2014 KIA sorento any tips

[@DrDemp]

Some of the comments here mention some 2014 models dont have a 3rd bolt as the video shows at the rear of the light, you may need to pull the bumper on one side as there is a hidden bolt below the bumper line on the side. Thanks for watching.

[@manny600r1]

Will a 2014 headlight fit a 2012 sorento

[@DrDemp]

I cannot comment on that, check part number interchangeably online.

[@danielhackbarth5984]

This video does not apply for a 2104 Kia Sorento, at least the one I own.

[@DrDemp]

Sorry to see that this isn't working for a few peoples vehicles that seem to have a in between year model with a slightly different design. Hope you got it fixed and found an easy way! Thanks for watching.

[@danielhackbarth5984]

@@DrDemp Got it fixed. The build date for mine is July 18, 2013. They didn't improve the design by any means. Have to remove the bumper cover to allow the headlight assembly to be removed on this machine. Have noticed that Kia seems to like the "proprietary" stuff more so than others. Not a plus for the DIYs. Appreciate you efforts.

[@stephensmith8316]

Do you happen to know if the headlight assembly removal instructions would be the same as for the 2017 Kia Sorento model? The daytime running light (white stripe light) in my passenger side headlight fixture is very dim, almost nearly burnt out and I think the only way to fix it is to replace the whole headlight assembly since it doesnt look to be a specific bulb replacement.

[@richardyoung9773]

This method WILL NOT work on a 2014 Kia Sorento Limited built in Georgia. The bumper cover must be loosen on the side being replaced , top and bottom, and pulled out to get enough clearance to slide the light assembly out.

[@billstose5131]

Tried it on my 2014 LX I could not find the 3rd bolt below the electrical connector. My vehicle must be a 2014 1/2 or some features of 2015. Sny ideas?

[@DrDemp]

This is correct. The bolt is below the bumper cover if the third bolt is not in the rear of the light as pictured in the video. Hope this helps. Thanks for supporting my channel.

[@mitjakopcar9029]

Anyone know if the ABS sensors are there somewhere and how many of them-1 or 2? Thx

[@danielborth7753]

That's a great video you made thank you very much that'll save me a lot of time

[@rogersoard1945]

what the heck is wrong with you? Are you cia or what? Give me a break.

[@kpags5670]

If you have a Sorento LX limited this way will not work. I could not get headlight out. Bumper needed to be partially taken off in order to remove. All the steps he mentioned still have to be done but there was no hidden bolt behind headlight assembly just the two on top. I was surprised because the front ends look the same minus some trim details. Probably has to do with the LX having the expensive lights that cost a fortune. I told my wife. Limited or special models above standard will always be more of a pain and cost more money 🤷🏻‍♂️ Great quick and straight to the point video tho!

[@DrDemp]

Thanks for the update! As these videos can't possibly cover every model as they have some small differences always good to have some insight for other models and years.

[@voidofthought]

Thank you, thought I was going nuts looking for those 🤦‍♂️😂

[@scruffyark]

I want to thank you good sir, this saved me a trip to the mechanic to pay them to fix it, your video was right on the money, took around 5 minutes to pop out the light, most tutorials on KZbin are not this exact in the time it takes to do what they show, you rock, please post more videos for this car for things that need replacing, like the backup camera.

[@DrDemp]

This was my first KZbin Video Ever! I tried to get right to the point so people didn't have to skip around just to find what they needed to complete this job. Glad I could help, I've made a few more videos since this one, but making a video 's take several hours so I try to do my best. Thanks for supporting my channel! And good luck with the backup camera, haven't had to fix one in this particular make/model but in past experience the sensor (camera) itself gets moisture intrusion and the lens gets foggy and eventually goes black or works intermittently, this can be resolved by replacing the camera itself.

[@gersondelan8058]

Thank you so much

[@DrDemp]

Your welcome! Thanks for supporting my channel!

[@dmgarren78]

What if there’s no bottom bolt on the headlight?

[@DrDemp]

Then it's very likely you have to remove your bumper cover as the third bolt is under there on some models.

[@dmgarren78]

Dang it! Almost everything I look for to work on this car, it’s different! I don’t want to have to pay a load of cash to get this done but one headlight is busted out & I have to get it replaced ASAP.

[@DrDemp]

@@dmgarren78 if your handy try just pulling back one side of the bumper there's only one bolt on the corner that would hold the top portion of the bumper. Then it unsnaps from the fender just have to be very careful. That would be my suggestion. I'm sure there are videos showing bumper removal that would be helpful.

[@joshuaalbertson8405]

Thank you! Just replaced both on mine and it took maybe 30mins. So much cheaper than the dealership.

[@DrDemp]

Not bad timing either! That's awesome! Share this with anyone with this model they almost all have this problem. Thanks for watching!

[@heathernicole114]

The socket melted on my low beam light and this was exactly what I needed to know to get the headlight out to repair it. Thank you!!! 💗

[@DrDemp]

I am glad this video has helped quite a few people with this very common problem on these vehicles. If you have any other problems be sure to check out my second video of properly soldering/connecting the new headlight connector to the harness for a permanent fix. Link in the description!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIHZhpuMdseXoLc Thanks for watching!!

[@heathernicole114]

Oh, I did!! The headlight came out easily following your video, and the other video was super useful. I was able to be completely prepared with the right tools, and and if the soldering iron had been working correctly, would have been finished with the entire process in 20-30 minutes. The only difference was that a lighter was used on the shrink wrap (that I would have never thought to buy had you not mentioned it). Thanks so much! Really appreciate that you took the time to create such a detailed video to share! I saved both in case it happens again. Researching the issue, I'd also read that it's common in the Sorento. 😫 It was actually recalled in 2013 and newer models, unfortunately the 2011 was overlooked. Thanks again!

[@unconstanta]

Well done!

[@DrDemp]

Glad I could help!!

[@chrisseelbach3746]

Thanks!

[@DrDemp]

Thank you!! Your my first Super Thanks!! That made my day ☺️

[@afatsamoan]

I am about to do this shortly. Question, there are no wires connected to those headlight assemblies? They just come out like that? Or did you unhook wires and I didn't see it?

[@DrDemp]

One electrical plug for the whole headlight was shown. It only takes about 1 second to unhook, it can easily be missed. Thanks for watching.

[@christiancalderon3821]

Where is that stupid 10 mm at the bottom of the headlight? I took off the 2 10 mm on top. Where is the other one???? I'm pulling my hair off

[@DrDemp]

What year is your Sorento your working on? The third bolt (if its equipped) is near the electrical plug on the back side of the headlight.

[@b088yj1]

On the 2014 sxl on the passenger side no screw at the bottom. There is a screw on the underneath bumper by the tire that needs to be taken off first to get the headlamp out..

[@DrDemp]

Thanks for posting a follow-up and supporting my channel.

[@rick3747]

Great video. BTW..... Do you know why the 2011 Sorento N.America version can't use the fog lights Kia has aftermarket. I badly want fog lights and I can't find an easy way except use a dremel and blow a weekend.

[@DrDemp]

Thank you! Sorry I can't answer your question, The vehicle I was working on was not equipped with fog lights. Possibly someone in the comments may chime in on this.

[@dannielephilpot8540]

Do you know how to find where the headlight fuse is in a 2013 Sorento?... My dad was helping me look at my headlights the other night when we discovered the metled sockets & he was looking for the fuse in both the fuse box under the hood & under the driver's side dash & there was no fuse labeled "headlights". We even looked through the manual & couldn't find it in there were to find it on the vehicle. Thanks!

[@DrDemp]

Some things to look for when looking for a headlight fuse is RHLAMP, LAMP, RFLAMP, and occasionally they will just have a bulb symbol and no label for the fuse on the fuse panel. Hope this helps and you were successful in fixing your melted headlight socket! Check out my other video on fixing the melted socket properly with solder. Thank you for supporting my growing youtube channel. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIHZhpuMdseXoLc

[@MikeAnnarose]

This thing is in good shape.

[@ToCan2tuViDa]

how do you replace the led strip bulb above the lightbulbs??

[@DrDemp]

I belive that requires the entire headlight to be replaced. Thanks for watching.

[@MacDaddyRico]

My neighbor's Kia...her little amber lens popped out and is "floating" loose within the headlight assembly...is that fixable?

[@DrDemp]

Its "possible" although It takes lots of patience, some specialized tools, and quite a lot of time. Without having a heat gun, plastic welder, and a few other tools I would recommend buying a new assembly. Watch out for Cheap Chinese knock offs as they tend to leak water and fog up. Stick to OEM parts, Made in Korea. Thanks for watching.

[@meggabitz]

Awsome video, thank you! helped so much, changed it out in 5 mins like you said!

[@DrDemp]

Perfect!

[@OfficialMarkieB]

When you unscrew the 4 push pins and the two 10mm for the grille, does that make it come loose? I'm going to be replacing the grille soon.

[@DrDemp]

No the grille is attached to the bumper from the inside. Thanks for watching.

[@patmassiah3547]

Just did my neighbors lights...worked like a charm.. your vid is spot on! DrDemp for Prezident!!!

[@DrDemp]

Glad I could help! Thanks for supporting my channel!!

[@mikestowe6136]

mine must be differnt mines a 2014 i cant find the bolt on the side or bottom

[@DrDemp]

Some 2014 and possibly late 2013 is the split year design change that may require complete front bumper removal. Hope this helps. Thanks for supporting my small growing youtube channel!

[@BlastBros_LTD.]

This saved me a lot of headaches and stress. Thank you for making this video

[@DrDemp]

Glad I could help!

[@aaronvanbriesen4114]

Thank You! Excellent video and directions.

[@DrDemp]

Your welcome!

[@eganfo]

I swear I’ve replaced my wife’s headlights on her 2013 Sorento 5-6 times in the past few years.

[@DrDemp]

This bad design definitely contributes to that issue. Thanks for supporting my channel!

[@user-ce6jv5pm4t]

Hello,looked so easy!!will this process work on a 2011 2.4 ex kia sorento? Thx

[@DrDemp]

It should work as shown. Thanks for watching!

[@user-ce6jv5pm4t]

@@DrDemp very well then n thanks for the video

[@lamarcusgainey8692]

Have the 2014 sorento. Can't find the 3rd bolt

[@DrDemp]

As someone else stated in the comments there is a 3rd bolt below the bumper cover that the cover will have to be partially removed only on select models. Also you have a 2014 which is when the body style changed so it's possible you have a different setup being a split year vehicle. You will still have to perform all of these steps just will have an extra bolt below the cover. Hope this helps.

[@cussininthekitchen8224]

In the video you say 2012,13 and 14. The video title includes the 2011, which I have, and we could not wiggle the light loose, I think I have to take it in somewhere.

[@DrDemp]

Did you have 3 bolts just as in the video with the one hidden bolt in the back? If so this will work. If the third bolt is not in the back then you may need to pull the bumper cover off fully to access another bolt below it securing the light. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching.

[@cussininthekitchen8224]

DrDemp it has the hidden bolt in the back!!!! I finally found it in another video! We’re good now! Thanks

[@heathernicole114]

Just an updated suggestion if you're here because you're dealing with the melted socket issue... if you are able to, I'd replace both sides while you already have it taken apart... and the time allocated to work on it... and all of the supplies out and ready to use. This is very common in the Sorento and the same thing happened to my other headlight within just a few months. Fortunately, I'd saved both of his videos on repairing it and was able to watch them as a quick refresher, so the other side went much faster after having the initial experience... but it would have saved sooo much time and effort had I just repaired both at once. And, I also wouldn't have been driving around with a headlight out for 2 weeks... Again... 🙄

[@DrDemp]

I will agree with this, as they generally fail close to the same time. I am glad this helped quite a few people so far and I'm sure this saved several hundred dollars in labor from a dealership! Thanks for watching.

[@heathernicole114]

Yes, for sure. Thank you for sharing, both videos were EXTREMELY helpful. I would have never even gotten the headlight out without them.

[@piesho]

Thanks. Awesome tutorial. I used snap locks instead of soldering. I hope it works.

[@DrDemp]

Your welcome, I'm glad it helped! Snap Locks and crimp connectors can sometimes cause high resistance and melt the connection (worst case scenario). If you have any problems watch my other video on repairing the connection with solder. Link Below. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIHZhpuMdseXoLc

[@briansweet2792]

Really good and clear video. Did the whole removal and install in a half hour. Thank you!

[@DrDemp]

Glad I could help! Thanks for supporting my channel ❤

[@heathernicole114]

For people having issues locating any hidden bolts behind your headlight, look up the headlights for sale online for your car. They usually have photos showing every side. Zoom in on the photos and locate anything that looks like it might be a hole where a screw would go, then put your hand behind the light where it looks like it would be and feel around for it. You'll probably find it...

[@DrDemp]

Awesome tip!

[@heathernicole114]

Thanks. I noticed several people running into that issue, and it's the only way I've figured out how to look at parts while they're still inside my car. That, and using the video camera on my phone, but that alone doesn't always work. I know from experience how frustrating it is. Hopefully it might help someone else as well. :)

[@SmokeyMcpot318]

Thanks for the useful vid man! Do you know what are the bulb sizes of the headlights and foglamps of this variant?

[@DrDemp]

The Low Beam Bulb for this particular Model is H11 and I have a separate video showing how to replace the connector properly with solder. The vehicle I was working on was not equipped with fog lights. Here is a link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIHZhpuMdseXoLc

[@SmokeyMcpot318]

@@DrDemp awesome! cheers buddy!

[@BigWillBx]

Will it be the same for a 2017 sorento?

[@DrDemp]

A 2017 Sorento is a different body style and headlight assembly, unfortunately it will not be the exact same process.

[@standdown4929]

Thank you so much for this video....life saver!

[@DrDemp]

Your Welcome!

[@gtaylor817]

You saved me a bunch of time. Thanks!

[@DrDemp]

Glad I could help! Be sure to check out my other videos, subscribe, and smash like! Lots more content coming!! Thanks for watching!

[@strat3069]

Thanks so much, worked like a charm! I can see again!

[@DrDemp]

Awesome!! Glad I could assist!

[@atreides4653]

This video keeps on giving. I just changed out both headlight assemblies on my son's 2011 and it was very straight forward thanks to you! The only issue was getting that lower rear bolt on the driver side back in! It felt like it would not quite bite but loosening the others and putting it in first worked. Thanks for you great work.

[@DrDemp]

So happy to hear this has helped so many people and saved them some money as well. Thank you for supporting my KZbin channel.

[@321-sleep]

VERY USEFUL. I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH THE MELTED SOCKETS AND HAVE HER ASSEMLY OUT MULTIBLE TIMES OVER THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS. I WASN'T TAKING THE GRILL PART LOOSE AND IT WAS NOT EASY AT ALL. I AM GOING WITH CERAMIC SOCKETS THIS TIME.

[@DrDemp]

Glad I could help. Where are you getting your ceramic sockets from? This was my first youtube video I have posted and I never would have thought a few months ago this would have over 12000 views already! Thanks for watching!

[@321-sleep]

@@DrDemp amazon. Search h11 ceramic headlight socket.

[@honeymccarthy9381]

Melted sockets seem to be a common problem for Sorento. Happened on both of my lights.

[@honeymccarthy9381]

Awesome video. Wish I would've found this before tackling it myself lol. Didn't take too long but this video definitely would've saved me some time!

[@grad0n]

I can’t find the 3rd bolt on the passenger housing(couldn’t even find it on the driver side either).

[@DrDemp]

It is possible that your particular model is not equipped with a third bolt, I'm assuming your talking about the one hidden on the back side of the headlight? Or it is also possible that someone had left that bolt out from a previous repair as this is a very common issue that the connectors on both sides melt. Unfortunately sometimes more than once during ownership.

[@grad0n]

DrDemp the third bolt on the inside corner(another video showed where it was on the chassis with the assembly out).

[@DrDemp]

Its possible that your particular vehicle is what they call a "split year" vehicle. This is where it may have extra bolts or differently designed parts from a previous model of the same vehicle or a later or newer design. This one video encompasses the average design of 2011-14 headlight removal. Thanks for watching.

[@redfishburn3293]

I also could not find a third bolt on the passengers side. I have not started or attempted removal, but will today. The drivers side is pretty easily found. Will attempt to remove and reply back.....stay tuned

[@grad0n]

Red Fishburn i ended up leaving the housing on and taped around it and then restored the plastic w/ the Meguiar’s kit. I saw a stud/bolt end on the inside that might’ve been the 3rd bolt, but that means the head is facing the front.

[@foreverbrownsfan]

Thanks for this short and to the point how-to video. Worked great for me!

[@mikestowe1406]

I cant find the bottom bolt on mine

[@DrDemp]

Is yours a 2014?

[@DrDemp]

2014 and possibly late 2013 is the split year design change that may require complete front bumper removal. Hope this helps. Thanks for supporting my small growing youtube channel!

[@mikestowe1406]

Ya it's a 2014 looks like I gotta take the whole bumper off I had a wire brake off my dog light n was just gonna see if I could get to it if I took the headlight out I have to replace the fof light anyways its cracked so I guess I'll take the bumper off

[@enriquegonzalezjr8875]

Thank you so much!

[@DrDemp]

Thanks for supporting my channel with a comment and a like!! Glad I could help!

[@enriquegonzalezjr8875]

Your welcome, I wish there were more Sorento videos. This came in handy for my Sorento. I'm subscribing, keep up the good work!

[@DrDemp]

@@enriquegonzalezjr8875 I have a few here my newest one was replacement of the outside door handle that had broken off.. If you have any of the common problems with this model you can always comment below I try my best to respond quickly. Sorento videos are always very popular here on youtube! Thank you!

[@enriquegonzalezjr8875]

@@DrDemp just took the bolts and screws out, but I don't see that last bolt by the inside of the headlight or the electrical connector.

[@DrDemp]

@@enriquegonzalezjr8875 Do you happen to have a 2014? Or late model 2013?

[@haroldbrown9603]

Nice work bro

[@DrDemp]

Thanks for supporting my KZbin channel.