Replacing Kia Rio Headlight Bulbs

[bobbygeorgina]

Okay, so I've been having some trouble trying to replace my headlight bulbs.

I got the bulbs thinking that it was going to be an easy job.
...Something along the lines of being able to pop the headlight covers off, unscrewing the current bulbs, screwing in the new bulbs, and poping the covers back on.

I have had absolutely no luck getting the covers off. - My friend and I gave it a whirl and ended up breaking a little plastic clip off of one of the headlights.

Really I want to know how to do it because I don't even know if I'm on track.

Thanks in advance for any and all help!

[sixjeeps]

I can tell you about my '02 Spectra...not sure if the '01 Rio is identical or not.

Mine has a grey round cover about 3" in diam on the back of the headlight bezel. Rotate it counterclockwise only a partial turn (not even 1/4 turn) and it should pop out. Then remove the electrical connector from the back of the bulb. Then there is a paper-clip-like wire bent into a very funky shape that is a spring clip holding the bulb in place, just pop this clip off...no need to remove any screws. My bulb is an H7 (55w). The best price I've found is about $14 at autozone.

Hope this helps.

Mark in MA

[bobbygeorgina]

When I was trying I know I unscrewed that cap on the back but I didn't go any further than that.

Nevertheless, I'm kinda out of it right now so I will try that tomorrow.

sixjeeps!

[bobbygeorgina]

Thanks a ton!

That worked and it worked well. - Now I've got some nice, new, brighter than ever before, headlights!

Thanks again!

[ahfrederick]

Originally posted by bobbygeorgina@Nov 8 2005, 10:16 AM
Thanks a ton!

That worked and it worked well. - Now I've got some nice, new, brighter than ever before, headlights!

Thanks again!

Quoted post

awesome.. what type of bulbs are you using? and pictures should be taken!

Here are mine - Sylvania Silverstars:

[bobbygeorgina]

I was going to post a picture but my camera went caput this weekend.

So far I have xenon gas-filled headlights, a spoiler, and a few other minor adjustments made.

I really need to put my money into getting a decent alarm system. - I am thinking about popping $250 for one that pages you when someone is breaking in....that way I can run out of whatever class I am in (I'm in college) and chase their asses down . - The reason I need some sort of alarm system is because I got 2 8" headrest LCDs, a 7" in-dash LCD, a DVD/CD/MP3 player, and a rear-view camera a few months ago that I have yet to install.

The only problem is that I'm a poor college student and my finances seem to be elsewhere . Which reminds me, I want to get my windows tinted ($160) and get autolocks installed on all four doors ($60 each).

Anyway, I really should get a new camera so that I can take pictures of the thing.

[ahfrederick]

Originally posted by bobbygeorgina@Nov 8 2005, 07:18 PM
I was going to post a picture but my camera went caput this weekend.

So far I have xenon gas-filled headlights, a spoiler, and a few other minor adjustments made.

I really need to put my money into getting a decent alarm system. - I am thinking about popping $250 for one that pages you when someone is breaking in....that way I can run out of whatever class I am in (I'm in college) and chase their asses down . - The reason I need some sort of alarm system is because I got 2 8" headrest LCDs, a 7" in-dash LCD, a DVD/CD/MP3 player, and a rear-view camera a few months ago that I have yet to install.

The only problem is that I'm a poor college student and my finances seem to be elsewhere . Which reminds me, I want to get my windows tinted ($160) and get autolocks installed on all four doors ($60 each).

Anyway, I really should get a new camera so that I can take pictures of the thing.

Quoted post

What do you mean by "Xenon gas-filled"? what brand and how much did you spend on it? And how much brighter than mine are they, because UNLESS you've bought a new kit upgrade, such as an HID Conversion Kit, then you might have over spent on the bulbs.. mine are Sylvania Silverstars - which I bought @ Advance Auto Parts for $38/pair. They are burning @ 4,000K - 55W. I think they are a MUST for better driving and visability! But newayz, enough about that.. hopefully you'll get a new digicam and take pics of your baby! Peace!

[bobbygeorgina]

My guess is that mine aren't brighter than yours. - They're brighter than mine were before.

I paid like nothing (less than $10 after shipping) on eBay for some random off-brand.

I believe mine are 5,000K - 80W/100W Output but I can't be sure unless I get my friend to dig out the boxes at his place. What color were your bulbs. - My stock ones had a silver tip with clear shaft. These new ones had a silver tip but had blue on the exterior of the shaft. The light is a bright white.

[ahfrederick]

Originally posted by bobbygeorgina@Nov 8 2005, 11:28 PM
My guess is that mine aren't brighter than yours. - They're brighter than mine were before.

I paid like nothing (less than $10 after shipping) on eBay for some random off-brand.

I believe mine are 5,000K - 80W/100W Output but I can't be sure unless I get my friend to dig out the boxes at his place. What color were your bulbs. - My stock ones had a silver tip with clear shaft. These new ones had a silver tip but had blue on the exterior of the shaft. The light is a bright white.

Quoted post

OUCH! 80/100W? Man that's HIGH! But to answer your question, the Silverstars come with the tips colored Silver.. Looked nice! My guess is (and I might NOT be right) that the HIGHER the Wattage, the lower the price (hence your price being UNDER $10 W/shipping).. the LOWER the wattage, the HIGHER the price.. hence silverstars ($38/pair @4000K - 55W) - Luminics Bulbs ranging from $29.99 (JDM Yellow Bulbs @2300K - 55W) - 349.99 (Kaixen HID Conversion Kits - @6000K - 8500K @ 35W).

[ahfrederick]

Check out this thread for further information on HID Lighting...

HID conversion kits