Kia All New Carnival Lighting Upgrade Review

Enhance Your Kia All New Carnival with an LED Lighting Upgrade

For owners of the 2016 Kia All New Carnival, enhancing the vehicle's lighting can significantly boost both its aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. This review delves into a specific lighting upgrade focusing on activating the positioning lamps as daytime running lights (DRLs) and installing an automatic slide door button for the second-row doors. While the original context is from South Korea, the principles and benefits of such upgrades are universal for car owners seeking improved visibility and convenience. This type of modification aims to bring the vehicle up to par with newer models, offering a more modern look and safer driving experience.

Positioning Lamp DRL Activation and Second-Row Auto Door Button Installation

Many 2016 Kia All New Carnival models have positioning lamps that function primarily as parking lights, unlike the more prominent DRLs found on later models. The upgrade involves activating these positioning lamps to function as DRLs, using a proven module to ensure stable operation. When the engine starts, the DRLs illuminate, increasing the vehicle's presence on the road. An optional feature allows for integration with the brake pedal; when the brake is applied while stationary, the DRL brightness can be reduced or turned off, creating a more sophisticated lighting effect. Furthermore, the second-row doors, which typically require manual operation, can be upgraded with an automatic slide door button using genuine parts from the later "The Carnival" model. This allows for effortless opening and closing of the sliding doors with the press of a button, mirroring the convenience of the front doors.

Installation Process, Costs, and Considerations

The installation process for both the DRL activation and the second-row auto door button typically takes around 3 to 4 hours when performed together. Same-day service is often possible. The cost can vary based on the specific options chosen, the grade of parts used, and the labor rates at the installation facility. The positioning lamp DRL activation generally starts in the low 100,000 Korean Won range (approximately $75-$100 USD). The second-row auto door button installation, considering genuine parts and the complexity of the work, can range from 200,000 to 300,000 Korean Won (approximately $150-$225 USD). It's crucial to get a precise quote after a vehicle inspection. Factors influencing the final price include the vehicle's exact year and model (as some later 2016 models might have slight variations), whether optional features like the brake pedal linkage are added, the choice between genuine or aftermarket parts, and the specific installation shop's pricing structure.

Installation process:

1. Wiring Integration: The DRL module is carefully wired into the vehicle's existing electrical system, connecting to the positioning lamps and power source.
2. Button Installation: The automatic slide door button is installed in the second-row door panel, integrating with the door's mechanism.
3. Module Setup: The DRL module is configured, potentially including setting up the brake pedal linkage if the option is selected.
4. Testing: All functions are thoroughly tested to ensure the DRLs activate correctly with the ignition and dim appropriately, and the second-row doors open and close smoothly via the new button.

This lighting upgrade is particularly recommended for 2016 All New Carnival owners who find the existing DRL functionality lacking, feel the manual second-row door operation is inconvenient, or simply wish to enhance their vehicle's overall safety and convenience features. While these specific upgrades were performed in South Korea, the parts and expertise for similar LED lighting upgrades and convenience feature installations are available through specialized automotive shops in the US and UK.