Replacement of both headlight assemblies on a 2015 Kia Forte, including removal of bumper cover and disconnection of electrical connectors.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Driver side headlight assembly × 1 — 92101-A7010 or equivalent
• Passenger side headlight assembly × 1 — 92102-A7010 or equivalent
• Plastic push clips (if damaged) × 10 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off all lights and remove key from ignition
3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts
5. Allow headlights to cool completely if recently used

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front bumper cover upper fasteners
   Locate and remove the plastic push clips and screws securing the top edge of the bumper cover to the radiator support. There are approximately 5-6 clips along the top edge. Use a trim removal tool to carefully pry out push clips without breaking them. Remove any Phillips screws at the upper corners near the fenders.
2. 2

   Remove wheel well liner fasteners
   Turn the steering wheel fully to one side to access the front wheel well. Remove the plastic push clips securing the forward edge of the wheel well liner to the bumper cover on both sides. You do not need to remove the entire liner, just release the front portion enough to access the bumper side mounting bolts. Repeat on opposite side.
3. 3

   Remove bumper side mounting bolts
   Through the wheel well opening on each side, locate the 10mm bolts securing the bumper cover to the fender/body (typically 2-3 bolts per side). Remove these bolts completely and set aside. These are accessed from behind the wheel well liner.
4. 4

   Remove lower bumper fasteners
   From underneath the front of the vehicle, locate and remove the plastic push clips and screws securing the bottom edge of the bumper cover. There are typically 8-10 fasteners along the bottom edge and inner fender wells. Remove all lower fasteners completely.
5. 5

   Disconnect fog light connectors and remove bumper
   Carefully pull the bumper cover forward at the corners while supporting its weight. Once there is clearance, reach behind and disconnect the fog light electrical connectors (if equipped) by pressing the release tab and pulling straight out. With an assistant supporting the opposite end, fully remove the bumper cover and set it aside on a protected surface to avoid scratching.
6. 6

   Remove driver side headlight assembly
   Disconnect the main headlight electrical connector by pressing the release tab and pulling straight back. Remove the three 10mm mounting bolts securing the headlight assembly to the body (one at top center, one at outer edge, and one at inner edge near radiator support). Carefully pull the headlight assembly straight forward out of the mounting position. Note the alignment pins on the back of the assembly.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove passenger side headlight assembly
   Repeat the same process for the passenger side headlight. Disconnect the electrical connector, remove the three 10mm mounting bolts, and carefully extract the assembly. Keep both assemblies in a safe location if they will be reinstalled or used for core return.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Prepare and install new driver side headlight
   Inspect the new headlight assembly to ensure it matches the old unit. Transfer any adjustment mechanisms or brackets if not included with new assembly. Align the locating pins on the back of the headlight with the body mounting points and carefully slide the assembly into place. Install the three 10mm mounting bolts finger-tight initially, then torque to specification in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install passenger side headlight and connect electrical
   Repeat installation process for passenger side headlight assembly. Align locating pins, seat the assembly fully, and install the three mounting bolts. Torque bolts to specification. Connect both headlight electrical connectors by pushing firmly until you hear and feel a positive click, ensuring the connector is fully seated and locked.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Test headlight operation before bumper installation
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal temporarily and turn on the headlights to verify both assemblies are functioning correctly (low beam, high beam, and turn signals). Check that all bulbs illuminate and there are no error messages. Disconnect battery again before proceeding.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall front bumper cover
    With an assistant, position the bumper cover back onto the vehicle, aligning it with the fender edges. Reconnect fog light electrical connectors if equipped. Carefully push the bumper into place, ensuring all alignment tabs engage properly with body mounting points. Start all fasteners finger-tight before fully tightening.
12. 12

    Secure all bumper fasteners
    Install and tighten all bumper mounting bolts through the wheel well openings. Install all upper push clips and screws along the radiator support. Install all lower fasteners underneath the vehicle. Reinstall wheel well liner clips. Ensure all gaps between bumper and fenders are even on both sides and the bumper is fully seated.

Reassembly

1. Verify all bumper fasteners are tight and no clips or screws were missed
2. Reconnect negative battery terminal and torque to specification
3. Check headlight aim and adjust if necessary using adjustment screws accessible from engine bay
4. Verify all panel gaps are consistent and bumper is properly aligned with fenders and hood

Verification

• Turn on headlights and verify both low beams, high beams, and turn signals function correctly
• Inspect for proper headlight seating with no gaps or misalignment
• Check that bumper cover is securely fastened with even panel gaps on both sides
• Verify no warning lights appear on instrument cluster
• Perform a test drive and confirm headlights remain secure with no rattling or movement

More procedures for this vehicle