This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear tail light assembly on a 2015 Kia Forte, including proper electrical connector disconnection and mounting.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Plastic push clips (if broken) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Open trunk to access interior tail light mounting points

Procedure

1. 1

   Access tail light assembly from trunk
   Open the trunk and locate the trunk liner panel on the side of the tail light being replaced. Pull back the carpet or felt liner to expose the tail light mounting area and electrical connector access.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the back of the tail light assembly. Press the release tab and pull the connector straight off the tail light socket assembly. Inspect the connector for corrosion or damage.
   ℹ️Some connectors may have a locking tab that must be lifted before pulling.
3. 3

   Remove trunk liner fasteners if present
   If there are plastic push clips or fasteners securing the trunk liner in the tail light area, carefully remove them using a flathead screwdriver or trim tool. Set aside for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove tail light mounting nuts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the tail light mounting nuts from the studs accessible from inside the trunk. There are typically 2-3 nuts securing each tail light assembly. Keep track of all hardware.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove tail light assembly from exterior
   Move to the exterior of the vehicle. Carefully pull the tail light assembly straight back away from the vehicle body. The assembly should slide off the mounting studs. If resistant, gently wiggle while pulling to release any alignment pins or clips.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting area
   Check the mounting studs and body opening for damage, rust, or debris. Inspect the seal or gasket on the old tail light assembly. Clean any dirt or moisture from the mounting surface on the vehicle body.
7. 7

   Install new tail light assembly
   Position the new tail light assembly to the vehicle body, aligning the mounting studs with their respective holes and ensuring any alignment pins are properly seated. Press the assembly firmly into place to compress the seal evenly against the body.
8. 8

   Install and torque mounting nuts
   From inside the trunk, thread the mounting nuts onto the studs by hand. Tighten the nuts in a cross pattern to ensure even seating of the assembly. Using a torque wrench, torque all mounting nuts to specification.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Connect the electrical connector to the tail light socket assembly, ensuring it clicks into place securely. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked.
10. 10

    Reinstall trunk liner
    Reposition the trunk liner and reinstall any plastic push clips or fasteners that were removed. Ensure the liner sits flush and does not interfere with the tail light assembly or wiring.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all mounting nuts are properly torqued to 8.0 Nm (6.0 lb-ft)
2. Verify electrical connector is fully seated and locked
3. Check that tail light assembly is flush with body panel with no gaps

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and activate all light functions: running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights
• Walk around vehicle to visually confirm all tail light functions operate correctly
• Inspect from exterior to ensure tail light assembly is properly seated with no water intrusion gaps
• Check for any dashboard warning lights or fault codes related to lighting system

More procedures for this vehicle