License plate lights

[damacha1]

Both my license plate lights have burnt out, but they are burnt into the socket so I can't change them out, like they are melted or something. I went a local pick-n-pull and cut some out of the festiva that was there.

So I was wondering if there is anything I need to worry about splicing the wires together other than not crossing the wires or something? A coworker warned me about being careful with electrical wiring on my car because it could start a fire if I did it wrong.

Also, what would have been the cause of the burnt lights? I had the same thing happen to a tail light but it hadn't melted into the socket so I was able to get it out without it breaking.

[bravekozak]

common problem

I had to look at about four of those license plate lamp moldings before I could find one that I could even get the rusted screws out of, never mind the bulbs.
They took care of the rusted screw problem with the Aspire. Use stainless Aspire screws for the Festiva licence plate lamp housings. Salvage two of them that you can remove the bulbs out of at the junk yard. You will probably destroy the delicate contacts, digging out the old broken bulb stems.

Alternatively, you could buy a whole new Kia molding from eBay Germany.
The part number is KK15051270. Just click on the part number to see what it looks like new. Then click on the picture to enlarge it. Nice.

[Festiva Time]

Just cut one light out and splice the new one in and use a wire-nut. repeat with the other. You can use electrical tape but it tends to unwind.

You can crimp the the wires in Butt connectors

If you know about Shrink tubing, that would be the best way to go.

[crazyrog17]

If you know about soldering AND Shrink tubing, that would be the best way to go.

fixed that for you...

Seriously though, soldering is the ONLY way to do electrical on cars because there are too many factors that could lead to disconnects or oxidization.

Soldering and (preferably adhesive shrink tubing) shrink tubing is the best way to protect against the elements, constant torture of being part of a car.

[crazyrog17]

I'd also like to suggest retrofitting LEDs. They won't melt the new housings and save power (if you care about that).

[bravekozak]

Just change the lamp housings. Why bother with all the cutting and splicing?
The license plate lamp housings have regular terminal connectors. Just push to release the old ones. Just snap in the new ones.

[damacha1]

Thanks for the suggestions/help I like the LED idea but I wouldn't even know where to begin, maybe I'll take it to a customization shop and have them do it for me since I've never done soldering lol.

[bravekozak]

junk yard

1) Just go to the junk yard
2) Peel the cover off the inside of the back hatch
3) undo the lamp connectors
4) take the entire molding off the back of the rear hatch with the license plate lamp housings attached
5) take it home and put the whole thing on your car

No customization shop. No soldering.

[bravekozak]

This is what you need to swap out:

license plate light

You shouldn't have cut the wires. Just unplug the connector.

[damacha1]

okay cool, I didn't know there was a connector. To get to it I'll have to take off the black plastic part that was first linked I guess? I'll have to see if I can find one at the junkyard, if the screws are rusted how do I get them out?

[bravekozak]

1) diamond bit scewdiver

2) Mini vice grips.

3) Craftsman Screw-Out