Dynamic bending headlight fault (DBL)

[Geronimo]

What year is yours? And maybe the Canadian model is different. I've heard others say they couldn't remove the clip. Yours also has two pins in the bottom of the access panel which is different.

Mine is 2018. Doesn't picture in the original post show 2 pins as well?

 

[HoosierStinger]

Probably could use something like a flat head screwdriver and pry the broken piece out. Then buy a clip from a parts store to replace it.

 

[Nedstand]

Tried yesterday to remove cover but guess what. I broke head of the clip. How did you do it?

Scroll up to my post #16 and you'll see I did the very same thing the first time.
I was able to pop the cover from the tab just below and to the right in your photo.
Then using needle-nose I was able to get the broken post out. Wasn't easy.
The correct tool to remove those clips is a "must have".

 

[Geronimo]

Scroll up to my post #16 and you'll see I did the very same thing the first time.
I was able to pop the cover from the tab just below and to the right in your photo.
Then using needle-nose I was able to get the broken post out. Wasn't easy.
The correct tool to remove those clips is a "must have".

I bought tool set similar to what you recommended, just trying to figure out which one of five is best for clip removal.

 

[Nedstand]

I bought tool set similar to what you recommended, just trying to figure out which one of five is best for clip removal.

I use the one with the blue handle and the black metal prongs.
You want to slide the prongs under the cap and then use leverage to pull the cap back out to the original position (see clip photo). Then you can remove the entire clip.
If you have broken the top off the clip, then this tool probably wont work.

When the top part of the clip is pushed into the base, those prongs at the bottom splay out, which holds the clip in place. If the top of the clip is broken off, then you want to try to extract the remaining post in the center, so the prongs "un-splay", and then you can remove the base of the clip.

I hope this makes some sense.

I have extra clips, so I can take some photos and post them if that would help you.

 

[Geronimo]

I use the one with the blue handle and the black metal prongs.
You want to slide the prongs under the cap and then use leverage to pull the cap back out to the original position (see clip photo). Then you can remove the entire clip.
If you have broken the top off the clip, then this tool probably wont work.

When the top part of the clip is pushed into the base, those prongs at the bottom splay out, which holds the clip in place. If the top of the clip is broken off, then you want to try to extract the remaining post in the center, so the prongs "un-splay", and then you can remove the base of the clip.

I hope this makes some sense.

I have extra clips, so I can take some photos and post them if that would help you.

Will try it tomorrow on the other wheel.

 

[Nedstand]

Follow up to my Dec 3, 2023 post:

Took the Stinger in to the new Kia Santa Monica (recently opened) for an inspection and service. All in all, a positive experience.
They did not charge me for the inspection and the only service due was brake fluid as I recently had VIOC do the oil, coolant and tire rotation.

I'm not surprised they didn't inspect the desiccant packs as part of the inspection. Just over 10 months have passed since I last replaced them, so I decided it was time to check. Hard as rocks and pushing out the retaining clips on both R & L sides.

I replaced the desiccant and the retaining clips, and this time I applied a dab of O-Ring lubricant to see if it makes it a bit easier to remove it next time.

Here are photos of the 10 months in service desiccant packs

 

[D.J.]

recently had VIOC

What's a VOIC?

 

[Nedstand]

What's a VOIC?

Valvoline drive in oil and service. Been using the one near me for 20+ years and several vehicles. Great service at my location, however, I have to bring my own Kia (Genesis) oil filter as they do not keep the 3.3L filter in stock.

Oil change usually takes 15 minutes. Oil change, coolant and tire rotation took about 40 minutes. Look for coupons for 20-30% off all services often over holiday weekends.

Valvoline Instant Oil Change

Save on your next visit with Valvoline Instant Oil Change Coupons

www.vioc.com

 

[D.J.]

Valvoline drive in oil and service. Been using the one near me for 20+ years and several vehicles. Great service at my location, however, I have to bring my own Kia (Genesis) oil filter as they do not keep the 3.3L filter in stock.

Oil change usually takes 15 minutes. Oil change, coolant and tire rotation took about 40 minutes. Look for coupons for 20-30% off all services often over holiday weekends.

Valvoline Instant Oil Change

Save on your next visit with Valvoline Instant Oil Change Coupons

www.vioc.com

Sounds convenient

 

[Haigmeister]

92125H8350 Genuine Hyundai / KIA MOISTURE ABSORBENT from eBay seller alfineco​

I ordered this from eBay - $11/each. Delivered quickly. The two brackets holding in the existing packets were bulging but not broken so I was able to reuse them. I believe the eBay product I ordered is the same as from the factory. Process was easy. Jacked up car, wheel drooped, turned wheel inwards, opened the hatch, turned the device counterclockwise, removed bracket and swollen packet, replaced and put it back together. Took roughly 30 minutes total. Based on what those have said earlier I'll probably inspect every 4-6 months. Question - do all modern headlights have these issues with condensation? I've never experience this with any other 'modern' cars.

 

[Nedstand]

92125H8350 Genuine Hyundai / KIA MOISTURE ABSORBENT from eBay seller alfineco​

I ordered this from eBay - $11/each. Delivered quickly. The two brackets holding in the existing packets were bulging but not broken so I was able to reuse them. I believe the eBay product I ordered is the same as from the factory. Process was easy. Jacked up car, wheel drooped, turned wheel inwards, opened the hatch, turned the device counterclockwise, removed bracket and swollen packet, replaced and put it back together. Took roughly 30 minutes total. Based on what those have said earlier I'll probably inspect every 4-6 months. Question - do all modern headlights have these issues with condensation? I've never experience this with any other 'modern' cars.

I don't jack up the car, just turn the wheels hard right/left and there's enough clearance to access the panel.

My Stinger is 2018. My wife's Subaru Ascent is 2019 and doesn't have the issue, but it also doesn't have "bending lights"

 

[95oRANGEcRUSH]

I don't jack up the car, just turn the wheels hard right/left and there's enough clearance to access the panel.

My Stinger is 2018. My wife's Subaru Ascent is 2019 and doesn't have the issue, but it also doesn't have "bending lights"

Is your Ascent a premium trim without LED headlights/foglights? We also own a ‘19 Ascent in the Limited trim and it has LED headlights/foglights. Our headlights do swivel but from the parts schematic it looks like there is no desiccant pack.

 

[Nedstand]

Is your Ascent a premium trim without LED headlights/foglights? We also own a ‘19 Ascent in the Limited trim and it has LED headlights/foglights. Our headlights do swivel but from the parts schematic it looks like there is no desiccant pack.

It's the "Touring" trim. I think it has LED lights, but I never noticed them swivel like the ones on the Stinger. I'll take another look when my wife, and the Ascent, are back at home.

 

[Nedstand]

Is your Ascent a premium trim without LED headlights/foglights? We also own a ‘19 Ascent in the Limited trim and it has LED headlights/foglights. Our headlights do swivel but from the parts schematic it looks like there is no desiccant pack.

My wife says the headlights on the Subaru Ascent do swivel right and left. I never noticed, but I don't drive the Subaru much.
I did just pop the hood and as best I can tell if a bulb needs to be replaced, it's much easier on the Subaru as there are access panels from the engine compartment.

A Google search for "headlight desiccant pack" did find some hits including this one:

Desiccant for Automobile Lights | WiseSorbent® Technology

WisePower® Desiccant for Automobile Lights The Secret Weapon to Extending Service Life of Automobile Light Cars are essential for our daily travel In recent years, as people are more and more conscious of energy-saving and environmentally friendly options, many automobile manufacturers utilize...

wisesorbent.com

And

Headlight condensation sealing

Headlight condensation sealing

g42.bimmerpost.com

So the issue doesn't seem to be specific to Kia and our Stingers. That said, since Kia put in the access panel and the parts to replace it, I'm a bit miffed it's not part of the regular service check. I had one headlight replaced under warranty, and the dealer did not follow the TSB and replace the desiccant pack on both sides. I did that myself after the dealer replaced the entire headlight assembly.

I have no idea how many got hit to replace the entire headlight assembly out of warranty, when a $12 part probably would have solved the problem.

 

[Geronimo]

Just out of curiosity. What would happen if you just remove desiccant and bracket without replacing it?

 

[Nedstand]

Just out of curiosity. What would happen if you just remove desiccant and bracket without replacing it?

My best guess is that you might see condensation (fog) or water drops inside the headlight lens.
I have no idea if water might potentially interfere with the operation of the DBL or lead to a failure of the unit.
Hope someone more expert will answer your Q.

My $0,02

 

[D.J.]

Just out of curiosity. What would happen if you just remove desiccant and bracket without replacing it?

My guess is, it would continue to function normally for many years to come.

I had my right side headlight replaced due to the desiccant interfering with the DBL (right side only).

My left side desiccant is the same as the right side was, swelled up, rock hard, and I doubt it is still effective in any capacity. The only difference being, that my left side desiccant that swelled up, is not physically interfering with the DBL motion.

My car was manufactured in 2017, it is a 2018 model, it is now 2025, and both my headlights work perfectly, including the dynamic bending. (No fog or condensation in either headlight).

In all of my reading, anyone who has had DBL interference from the desiccant pack, has always been the right side headlight.

This is just my guess.

 

[Geronimo]

I guess I will just remove it w/o replacing it then.

 

[Nedstand]

I guess I will just remove it w/o replacing it then.

I try to check and replace them every 12 months.
I figure the engineers put them there for a reason, and created the access panels, so it only takes 5-10 minutes per side, once you figure it out the first time.

The mystery to me is why it isn't on the routine maintenance schedule.