Replacement sorrento turn signal socket misalignment, help?

Maintenance/Repairs
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1

Hi -
I replaced the faulty headlight assemblies on my 2013 kia sorrento several years ago. (After repeated bulbs dying too fast, wire harnesses melting, etc - was a recall.) It’s been on good behavior since then.
Last week I had a fast blink and figured a bulb was burned out.

  1. New bulb = still fast blink (yes it’s the correct bulb)
  2. Swap the turn signal sockets Left/Right = fast blink follows the socket, regardless of bulb
  3. Order replacement socket = fast blink and the socket seems to not fully snap into place when twisted
  4. Swap the socket Left/Right = same as above, blink follows socket, and it doesn’t fully twist into place
  5. I still have the sockets from my old assemblies.. so I’ve tried those too and they behave the same as the replacement socket.
  6. Check continuity between contact points on socket, both old and new ones seem fine.
    I think the replacement headlight assemblies are slightly off from the OEM somehow, and the socket has failed somehow. I’ve been trying to file down the keyed tabs on one of the old sockets to see if I can make it twist into place better and get seated in the headlight correctly.

Any other ideas? I don’t know the manufacturer of the newer headlight assemblies. Was purchased from rock auto but no longer have paperwork.

TLDR: only the socket that came with the headlight assembly seems to fit correctly, replacements don’t. it gives a fast flash regardless of location or bulb.

2

Check for corroded grounds.

1 Like
3

Or maybe just stop by a Kia dealer and pick some up that fit. I was having trouble with my right head light going out every year. I bought a new socket at Napa but didn’t use it yet. Last time I just spread the prongs a little and it’s been fine for a couple years. $50 worth of bulbs and a socket just waiting for the bulb to go out again.

4

If the light flashes slow or fast, the socket is ok. Check the rear turn signal lights.

1 Like
5

I checked with an ohmmeter for continuity, it seems and looks fine / shiny

6

I think my problem is that my replacement headlight assembly isn’t original, so if I go to kia for a socket, I’ll have yet another one that won’t align. Ugh.

7

But when I swap this particular socket to the other side of the car in the front - then THAT side does the fast flash, and the original side is fine. The flash follows the front turn signal socket.

8

Did you install the correct bulb?

9

Yes. I think so, anyway.
If I swap the bulb with the working socket - the flash stays with the socket, not the bulb.

10

Sounds like there is a poor connection between the contacts on the socket and the headlamp housing. Try bending the tabs a little.

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