[ahfrederick]

Hmm.. I've found that the bulb that you mentioned is an "HIR" bulb. "HIR" stands for Halogen Infared Reflecting. You can check out more info here: HIR Headlights 9011 9012 Bulbs

 

[04lxoptima]

Ok. I knew what the bulb was I was just wondering why it has that instead of a H7 and how they got it in there and how come I do not have a H7 harness on the High Beams?
Thanks greatly though.

 

[ahfrederick]

That's wierd, since OSRAM/Sylvania has the high beam as an H7. NEWayz, I don't really have to worry about that since I've installed the 6K HID Kit! :thumbsup:

 

[FlipMan]

Ok. I knew what the bulb was I was just wondering why it has that instead of a H7 and how they got it in there and how come I do not have a H7 harness on the High Beams?
Thanks greatly though.

Mine are the same way for my 2003 Optima SE. When I went to change my high beams they were a totally different design from the H7 low beams. I was swapping out all my headlights to H7 7000K HID Hi-Lites when I noticed the difference. According to everyone and even some e-Bay sellers the high beams are suppose to be H7's like the low beams. But they are not, something totally different with the Philips logo. Even the harness like you mentioned is totally different. In fact it looked like a pain in the a$$ to get out so I left them alone. Low beams turn off when you use the high beams anyway so it's not like anyone will notice I have mix matched low and high beams.

What's the easiest way to take out the fog light bulbs? The manual says the cover should unscrew to get to the bulb. But I don't think it's possible to do that and get it through the hole. Any suggestions?

 

[Nate52687]

Anyone have any info on actually removing the headlight assembly on an '01?

 

[Heywood]

Anyone have any info on actually removing the headlight assembly on an '01?

There was something about removing the other bolts and pushing in on the side, if memory serves (extra disassembly beyond the obvious). Sorry I can't be too much more helpful, it's been a while.

 

[ahfrederick]

So no new updates for the 2001?
Wish I could help but my setup is a bit different.

 

[rsimes44]

headlight replacement

I'm glad to know which bulbs to use, but how do I get the danged thing out? I have a 2006 Optima and the bulb burned out. I'd like to replace it. The book says to release the locking wire, but HOW?

 

[ahfrederick]

You have to first press it in towards the bulb then push down and under the tooth/hook (whatever you'd like to call it). That will release the bulb. I really do wish I had a picture to show you, but I don't. Sorry. Hope that helps.

 

[BargeCrew]

'04 Bulb Replacement

I'm just now getting around to installing the H7 super white bulb's for my Optima and ran into a brick wall. The harness if I may looks a bit discouraging so I pussed out. Thought I'd find something here on the forum's before screwing up something in my headlight assembly's. I'm sure it's a no brainer but I'm somewhat challenged when it come's to car's, go figure.

So I removed the black thread mounted cover that sits behind the bulb's and found two phillips head screws on either side of the plug. Can I simply pull the plug? There's also some sort of metal clippy looking thing I played with but wanted to be sure before making a mistake.

I read the entire thread and got a few pointer's but what's with the H7 bulb's only lasting 1100 hours was it? It is even worth the swap if I'll have to be replacing bulbs every few months or so?

 

[01kia_optimus]

Hey thanks for the info!

It was helpful because I've been looking to replace my fog lights.

They're like this stock, yellow-ish color(ew) so I plan on blue halogen.

 

[ahfrederick]

Hey thanks for the info!

It was helpful because I've been looking to replace my fog lights.

They're like this stock, yellow-ish color(ew) so I plan on blue halogen.

I know it's a bit late (I don't really check this forum like I used to) but, I would recommend the following: 4,300K - 6,000K HID for Low Beam and 3,000K HID for fog lights.

 

[nerator]

I have 5000K for both.

 

[ahfrederick]

I have 5000K for both.

Ok, that's kool. But why didn't you use 3,000K for the fogs?

 

[hoovie59]

Hey I have a 2001 kia optima and I was just looking for HID's for my fogs and I couldn't find out what type of bulb they were and I checked here but mine are different, I took them out and they are the 881 style bulb for the fogs and h7 for high and low beam. just thought I'd let you know.

 

[DJEddieXZ]

That's wierd, since OSRAM/Sylvania has the high beam as an H7. NEWayz, I don't really have to worry about that since I've installed the 6K HID Kit! :thumbsup:

How did you install the kit?

 

[Nietos Kia]

I have moisture inside of one of my headlights which condenses on the inside of the front "glass" as drops of water. I tried heating the lens with a hair drier and removed the bulb cap to let the hot moist air out and it disappeared at first but returned after cool-down. Obviously the cap removal did not let the air out. Is there a plug somewhere on the headlamp unit that would let me get the hot moist air out.

 

[Nietos Kia]

I just answered my own question. I took the headlamp assembly out completely and found out that once you remove the bulb cap it's wide open in there. I could blow hot air directly into the inside of the headlamp unit and dry it out that way.