How To: Replace a (Passenger Side) Head Light
May 25, 2007 – 5:23 pm by Matt Radel
Filed under Featured, How-Tos
One of the thousands upon thousands of VW owners out there with a burned out head light? Don’t shell out $79 to have the dealer change it. Roll up those sleeves and do it yourself!
Burnt out headlights are all too common for VW owners. Replacing them through a dealer or auto shop can be a real pain, and quite pricey (unless you’re still under warranty. Then VW will replace it for free). So after my second headlight in under a month kicked the bucket, I decided that I wasn’t going to roll up to my friendly VW dealer and fork over my hard earned cash for something that could be replaced in a few minutes. I consulted my buddy Dax.
Lemme say right now – I’m not a gearhead by any stretch of the imagination, so some of my nomenclature might be slightly odd. But if you’re reading this, chances are you’re not a gearhead either.
Note: This replacement was performed on a Mark IV Golf. To my knowledge, it should work on at least Mark IV Jettas as well. The passenger side headlight is significantly easier to replace than the driver side. Please use the following as a guide. We’re not responsible for your repair work – you are. You should be able to do this in less than 10 minutes.
First stop: AutoZone. After talking to the fella at the counter for a minute, I had found my bulb (H7 Halogen from Sylvania), bought it ($15), and was on my way.
So, first thing’s first. Open the hood, and peer down in there.
There’s 3 pieces to get out of our way at first. 1) Wires that are wrapped in a protective hose. 2) A metal clip that helps hold the back of the headlight compartment in place. 3) The backside of the headlight compartment.
You just need to unhook the wire hosing to give yourself some room to work:
Now just flip the metal clip out of the way, pulling it toward the engine:
Pull the black plastic cover off and set it aside:
Now we see the back of the bulb:
Flip the (second) metal clamp toward you:
Extract your old, nasty, burnt out bulb and toss it:
And put your shiny, new bulb in place. One point to note: make sure that the metal point is facing upward (toward the hood). I’m pretty sure you can’t put it in incorrectly, but double check just to be safe.
After you hook the wiring back up to the bulb, it’s in there! Now all you have to do is put everything back in place. Take care to make sure that you insert the plastic tabs on the black plastic covering into these slots on the side:
That’s it! Now you’ve got a shiney new headlight, and you’re ready to drive at night without fearing the man. So what did it cost you? $15 and 10 minutes. That’s a heck of alot better than dropping over $70 at the local dealership. Take THAT VW!!!
How To: Replace a (Passenger Side) Head Light
May 25, 2007 – 5:23 pm by Matt Radel
Rock on buddy. :] Glad we were able to hop outside the office for a few minutes and hit up that ol’ bulb.
Thanks!!! you guys just saved me 30$ install fee for the bulb… And it took me less than 15 minutes to change the thing!
Awesome! Fight the man and keep your cash!
Nice work. Excellent step by step instructions and pics. Hopefully I won’t need to use this anytime soon, but definately good to know. Thanks.
It worked just like you said it would! Great picts, too. Thanks, you saved me $85.
God kharma coming your way.
Great job on the headlamp instructions! Does anyone have any pointers on how to change a drivers side tail lamp on a ‘02 Jetta wagon with a CD Changer? I can barely get my hand in the tiny space between the CD changer and the tail light housing.
Thanks Patrick! You’ll wanna take a gander at Dax’s post about changing a tail light in a GTI. I’d imagine they’re similar.
But chances are you’ll have to take out the changer. If you do, be very careful when you put the changer back in. It’s easy to screw in the screws too far, pushing them into the side and creating a visible bump on the outside of your car. You could have VW replace a few tail lights for the cost of the resulting bodywork. :)
Thanks. Just about the only complaint I have with my 2004 Jetta is the continual need to replace burnt out head and tail lights. When the front passenger light blew last week, I decided to attempt replacement myself after running across your instructions. Total cost: $9.99 for halogen bulb and 15 minutes of time. Really appreciate the step-by-step.
Thanks man! Will save me some cash. Already forking out a stupid amount to get one of the units changed as the glass smashed. Now that is extortionate!! :(
Do you have any instruction you can provide for changing a turn signal bulb (passenger side) on a 2003 Passat Wagon (4 Motion). Thanks
How do you replace the passenger side headlamp assembly 2002 passat. V6?
Can someone show me how to replace the headlamp light bulbs on a 2004 Passat?
Great page, really useful, using the info posted with slight changes I just replaced the drivers side headlight on my 2003 Jetta Wagon. Only real change (other than it being a bit more awkward because of the battery being somewhat in the way) was that the bulb was held in with screw-on plastic ring, rather than a metal clip (I think it was the metal clip in your instructions that held the bulb in).
Anyway, excellent site, thanks so much for the info, 30 minutes and 12 dollars for the bulb and I don’t need to goto a dealership.
Thanks a bunch. I was confused when I looked at my headlight, but after reading you technique, it makde it ten time easier.
Your awewwwesome…
Hahaha – thanks a ton Victor! Keep checking back for more how-tos.
Your how to on changing the passenger side was an excellent resource when my passenger side light blew last week. do you have any pointers on how to change the drivers side headlight on a 2003 vw golf, mine just blew today.
Thanks for the how to!
I found these instructions here this morning, stopped at AutoZone and changed both headlights in my ‘02 Jetta and was back to work within my lunch hour!
The only difference is the Jetta uses the Sylvannia 9007 bulb instead of the H7. And I got a 2 pack at AutoZone for $17! Sweet.
The only trouble I ran into was removing the wiring harness on the driver side (battery makes it crowded).
Thanks for saving me $65 (or more) in labor. And probably twice the price for parts!
thx so much for helping out a collage student hehe i had a lil truble with the driver side but i got it hehe thx again and keep up the great work :)
Sweet tutorial. Any tips for the driver’s side bulb? My mechanic had to take the battery out last time. But I want to do it myself, without the extra step.
I think most folks have gotten around removing the battery, though I’m not sure how much of a chore that is. If you can, snap some pics and send ‘em in! We’d love to post ‘em up for other folks to enjoy and benefit from.
Any tips on changing the driver’s side front turn signal on a 2002 jetta?
Thanks for the info! The pics helped a lot. I was able to replace it all by myself.
The process worked perfectly for my 2003 Jetta Wagon. Only cost $10.59 and 10 minutes of my time.
Thanks!
Awesome! I bought the bulb for $14.99 and it took me less than 10 minutes to do.
I’m so proud of myself! Thanks!
Angie – 2001 VW Golf
Thanks a ton! Saved me a bunch. Although I have a 2000 Jetta and the steps were slightly different. There are two metal clips keeping the plastic backing on and none underneath. Instead of having a metal clip keeping the bulb in place, after you take off the black plastic backing, you have to twist off some more black plastic that sits right behind the bulb. Even with the differences, your “how to” set me on the right direction.
After trying to rip out the whole headlight assembly for about fifteen minutes, I thought I’d better seek help online. Thanks for posting this, it worked like a charm.
Thank you so much for this website. 10 minute job on the drivers side to boot. It worked exactly as you have posted!
Hey,
Just a quick thanks for the excellent instructions. It’s rare to find a truly helpful answer on the web, even though the web is where I turn every time, I rarely come across an answer this direct and this helpful. Thanks again!
David
Thanks a lot! I had a hard time finding a “how to” and was prepared to go to the dealer…ouch. I followed your instructions and did it in 2-3 min. The pics were great. Thank-you.
Danke, I also completed the task in under 5 minutes, I had to replace the high-beam bulb as well, trickier as there really is hardly any room. My family car is a 2000 Audi, its actually easier there. As to the frequent bulb changes in Audi/VW, I advise to buy some spares as I “pop” one nearly every year when I drive from Portland to Mt Hood for skiing. Mechanic said they don’t like the cold, poor car….. but I do not like to leave $25 at the local Napa up there either.
Thanks! Although the guy at my local Midas installed the bulb for me for free, he aimed it wrong (seemed to think it had to fit snugly without the clips, so he sorta jammed it in). Your how-to enabled me to pop it out and re-install it correctly myself. (my car is a 2000 Passat, btw, for anyone who is wondering if this how-to applies to them).
–Rob*
If you find out how to replace the driver’s side headlight on the 2003 Goll, please let me know.
Thanks,
Tom
trying to change a parking light bulb on a 2000 golf behind the battery provin really hard. any advice
How do I replace the Headlight Assembly? I have some simple instructions from the parts guy but I need more detailed instructions as it requires removal of the front bumper.
Great Instructions!
One point that needs to be made is to make sure you don’t touch the glass part of the new bulb. The oils on your hands can cause the bulb to blow prematurely!
@ Patrick: Good point. You certainly don’t want to do this any more frequently than you have to!
Are all you guys idiots? Why would you ever pay to have a head lamp replaced?
30 dollars? IDIOT!
When my first lamp ever went out, I went to PB said heres my type of car get me a headlamp, went out into the parking lot and changed the lamp…in 5 minutes not no 15. NO MANUL, NO DEALER, NO HELP FROM PB OR ANYONE…JUST GOOD OLD FASHION MAN AND HIS CAR COMMON SENSE!
Those of you who have paid to have this service done….you dont derserve to even drive the Jetta or any VW or any German car or any European car. Go get a Honda, panzy.
@ “A REAL MAN”: Don’t hurt yourself there buddy. We don’t take too kindly to useless and insulting comments like yours around here. As you can see, there are a variety of different people that have found this how-to usefull (including women), and now will change their own headlights as a result of it…and then they can go trolling on blogs and bragging that they can replace one 5 minutes or less.
Side note to all: any future
commentstrash like this will be automatically deleted. Let’s add value to the discussion. Thanks again for reading!Funny.
Well I kinda agree with A REAL MAN and you to Matt. He could have gone at it a different way, but I remember changing my first lamp ever (not a VW) and honestly it never crossed my mind to take it to the dealer, I just opened the hood and did it. I didn’t even know that was a service dealerships offered, but I’d never pay for something like that.
Now when I got my Jetta the lamp on the battery side is a bit more time consuming, but no where near needing to go to the shop for. The review was useless for me*laughs*, I’m about to change out my entire unit, got anything on how to do that?
@ Skyler of Texas: I think for most folks it’s a convience thing…a head light goes out, and they just don’t wanna bother with it. They might put it off until the next oil change or something. This post is intended to show just how simple it is, which some folks clearly don’t realize.
As for replacing the entire unit, we don’t have anything readily available here. I’d cruise around the Vortex forums…someone is bound to have some info on there. If you happen to snap some pics during the process, send ‘em our way! We’d love to post them
will this work on my 2004 R32?
@ natalie hawryluk: I can’t say for sure, but I’d think so…your R32 is basically an über Golf.
Thank you for posting this information! For $8 and 15 min work, you saved me a bunch of cash! On the 2003 Jetta the light is held in by a plastic sheth that you need to turn counter colckwise to get the bulb out (no screw).
As for “real man”, not every one is born with a wrench in there hand. If you dont like the site then don’t read it moron.
Thank you very much for such a good material. Tomorrow I will try to replace both side head lamps.
@ Matt Radel
My apologies.
@ B-man
*takes in deep breath*
AH HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH HAHA HAHAHA HAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHA
*wipes away the tears of joy*
HA
silly boy no one is born with a wrench in their hand, but you a have clearly exhibited that some people are born with little to no common sense.
Wow, looks like we have our first real live troll on Volksbloggin. *sheds single tear* He’s a cute lil’ bugger, isn’t he?
Real man, I would like to apologise for calling you a moron. It was uncalled for. I get pissed of when someone posts some valuable information which allot of people have benefited from as you can see. Only to have someone trash it. I do think you should apologise for calling everyone on here an “idiot”.
It sounds like you have a bunch of good mechanical common sense knowledge and would ask that you post some stuff up here for others to benefit from.
As for Dan: You bet I am a cute little bugger but I do not live under a bridge :-)
@b-man: I think Dan was talking about “A REAL MAN”. :)
Hahah aye I was talking about that guy. But thanks for that great post b-man. Can you all feel the holiday love? o.0
Thank you so much for the great advice! I was going to bring my Jetta in to the dealer for a $75 charge but then I found your blog and decided I should try it myself! It was a lot of help and I really appreciate it! It makes me feel good as a woman to know that I can take care of some car issues by myself and don’t always need to rely on a mechanic who might just take advantage of the very fact that I am a woman who doesn’t know any better!
Done on Dec 14th!!. I could replace the driver’s side (EU) without removing the battery protector. Thank you so much!!.
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good luck
Guten Tag! Thanks for the advice. Ive got a 04 Jetta GLI. I changed both sides and the passenger is far more easier that the driver. It would almost be worth it to remove the battery for extra room. It still went pretty smooth minus the 15 degree temp! The sylvania silverstar ultras look great. I will check this site regularly for info.
Gracias folks for posting these instructions. Gave me enough gumption to do the job myself on both passengers AND driver’s sides!
Passenger side was easy, except for the fact that the metal clip which holds the plastic housing (step 2) kept coming out of the top hole, but easily replaced. I also didn’t need to unclip the wiring bit per step 1, things came out easily enough.
Now, as to the driver’s side, much trickier but fairly similar in steps to the passenger side. Biggest differences are the fact there’s a cover which needs to be removed (a pair of phillips screws holds this in place), a cable needs to be navigated around, and the fact the battery box cramps everything in. Oh yeah, everything’s mirrored on the driver’s side compared to the passenger side.
I unfortunately didn’t take any pictures during the process of changing the bulb, but here’s hoping this helps out somewhat!
Jon
Same results as Jon with the driver’s side. You can do it yourself. You absolutely do not need to have a mechanic do this for you. The battery will cramp the process (if you have larger hands than average, it will be a little more difficult, but still doable).
Only 3 things to be concerned with once the cover (held by the screws) is off.
Assuming you are standing facing the front of the car: a) There is a cable that you need to hold back as you work the inner casing (and throughout the whole process). This is easily accomplished with the back of your hands. Keep your fingers free to work the inner cover, clip, and bulb. b) The plug may be tough to pull off the bulb. The further you can get your left hand in and horizontal the better. You may be able to work it a little using your right hand as well. c) Once the bulb is replaced, everything is easy to put back except the inner cover. This will test you if you can’t get the extensions on the cover aligned with the holes on “your” far right side of the assembly. Don’t give up. Try to keep the cover evenly aligned horizontally once you’ve got it down and into place over the bulb. Push with moderate force to the right with your left hand. You may need to use your right hand to apply pressure towards you on the cover, or to align it with the holes.
Both bulbs should take you 15-30 minutes depending on your dexterity. It helps to be in good lighting.
Thanks so much!! Just replaced the bulb on my husband’s car, and now I’m smiling because he thinks I’m a genius…. (don’t tell him you told me how, okay?) *grin*
hi Matt
do you have any tips on how to replace the passenger side sidelight of a polo 1.2.. I’ve had a look at it and it doesn’t seem very easy (and having had a look around some websites.. lots of people – at least here on this side of the pond :) U.K. – seem to find it quite hard). thanks in advance for helping yet another student
Cris
@ Cris: Can’t say I have any experience with a Polo (wouldn’t mind it though!). The best place I can refer ya to is the Vortex forums. I’m betting someone on there has been successful in replacing the light. If you do get to do it yourself, please snap some pics & send ‘em in! We’d love to post up more stuff like this. :)
Thanks man!!! F the dealership!!!
Thanks very much Matt Radel for the tips to change the bulb in an 02 jetta. Worked perfectly.
Great post, saved me some time and money. 2000 Jetta 2.0 driver side light bulb. Sylvania 9007 bulb at DIP for $9. Some helpful tips for this model: unscrewed (two screws) and removed plastic piece from along grill front directly infront of battery. Disconnected battery leads then removed lower bolt from front side (toward middle of grill) of battery cover. Then pulled back battery cover and tied off with piece of string(out of the way) to access bulb cover similar to photo. removed cover to find black plastic retaining collar holding bulb. gently twisted collar and removed bulb. Installed new bulb using lint free cloth to avoid oils on bulb. reversed process above. total time including checking out your site 45 minutes. Next time (hopefully not for awhile) it will take 20 minutes. BTW whats the obsession with covering every little bit in black plastic? It still gets dirty and its just one more thing to take off and install. Although it does allow dealers to make more money selling, installing and removing the black plastic.
Thanks so much for this! I changed the bulb in my 2003 Jetta this morning. Slightly different when I removed the cover, but easy enough to figure out. Thanks again.
The passenger light on my girlfriends car went out so we went to Autozone and bought the 9007 for her 03 Jetta. We figured out how to pull the clips back and all that but the darn light will not go in. We took the black ring out and everything. I was able to get the old bulb out no prob but we cannot get either the new OR the old bulb back in. (I was trying to put the burnt bulb back in to help me figure out how to do it without breaking the new bulb) anyway we cant get the bulb passed the red “washer” type rubber part. It wont lock in any thoughts?
I just finished changing the driver side headlight bulb. It was a bear (because I have big hands) but once I got the battery cover out of my way and figured out that I had to twist and pull the black ring housing the actual bulb, it was a piece of cake.
Man, I feel empowered now. And I saved a trip, a long wait, and the lightened wallet I would have had if I had to visit the repair shop.
Thanks!
I have an 06′ Jetta and this worked, I got the bulb out and back in just like you said but that wire clip that holds the bulb fell out! Any tips on getting it back on?
Drivers Side 2000 Jetta, sorry no photos.
More difficult. you can do it without removing the Battery.
1. Remove the cover piece as described above (two phillips screws).
2. remove the battery cover (it pops off)
3. Now you need to remove the battery housing. I found one screw (best with long socket and extension, but I was able to slowly do it with a needle nose plyers, but get the socket wrench). NOTE: battery terminals are exposed, so be careful.
3a. unclip the battery cable on left side of the housing.
3b. the battery housing is a three sided affair, clipped on the left side (when standing in front), pop the plastic snap ins on the vertical edge of the left side. (there are two).
3c. the battery housing is also snapped in to a metal frame on the bottom left and right sides, snap/pop it out.
3d. remove the housing.
4. This should give you plenty of room to work the lamp replacment. continue as above.
2003 Jetta…Any tips as to removal of the headlight covers so I can refinish the dull glaze? I see that there are 2 clips holding the lens cover, the top is a no brainer, but the side clip looks near impossible to remove and reinstall without having to do any front end parts removal? Any pointers? Thanks