Removing the front grill... anyone got tips?

Just wondering if anyone can give me a quick guide on how they removed the front grill. I’m getting a chrome one soon, so I need to replace the stock one. Checked on Kia Tech Info, found guides for other stuff, but nothing specific about the grill. Anyone got a step-by-step?

Perfect timing… I need to replace mine too. Got hit by a rock, and now my chrome is peeling off.

Steve said:
Perfect timing… I need to replace mine too. Got hit by a rock, and now my chrome is peeling off.

I think the grill is attached to the bumper, similar to how it is on the Forte. Might be easier to just take the whole bumper off to access the screws. Anyone got pics showing the bumper removal for the Rio?

@Dylan
Sounds about right. I guess if you can reach up from underneath after taking the cover off, you might avoid taking the bumper off completely… but it’s a pain either way. I’ve attached a PDF I found, might help.

I’ve done this before… just be super careful with the clips. You can use a screwdriver to gently pop them open without breaking them.

fabio said:
I’ve done this before… just be super careful with the clips. You can use a screwdriver to gently pop them open without breaking them.

Are the clips all the same size? Don’t wanna break any, and it’s hard to tell from pics.

@Dylan
Nah, top ones are hard plastic, but the bottom ones have a little screw in the center. You twist it a bit to pull it out. They’re more flexible, so don’t worry too much.

Is this a good time to upgrade the horn too?

tonycruise said:
Is this a good time to upgrade the horn too?

Totally, if you don’t want to take off the bumper, just remove the right headlight. You can reach the wiring and loosen the horn bolts from there.

@fabio
Exactly! I always plan upgrades together. Don’t wanna take the bumper off twice just for a horn upgrade… those clips aren’t cheap!

Upgrading the horn is way easier if you have direct access to the mounting spots. I’m planning to pop off the bumper just for that.

Dylan said:
Upgrading the horn is way easier if you have direct access to the mounting spots. I’m planning to pop off the bumper just for that.

Yeah, but isn’t there any way to just pop off the grill without removing the whole bumper? Feels like overkill just to unclip a grill.

@Lily
I’ve tried… if you’re careful with a screwdriver, you can manage. Just don’t rush it or the clips will snap.