Comments on: How To: Replace a (Passenger Side) Head Light http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/ Reviews, opinions and rants on all things Volkswagen Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:28:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Kent http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/comment-page-2/#comment-215769 Kent Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:22:26 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/#comment-215769 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 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

]]> By: Len http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/comment-page-2/#comment-213899 Len Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:45:04 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/#comment-213899 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. 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.

]]> By: Mike http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/comment-page-2/#comment-213136 Mike Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:13:01 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/#comment-213136 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? 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?

]]> By: Philip http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/comment-page-2/#comment-211319 Philip Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:30:35 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/#comment-211319 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 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!

]]> By: Bobby http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/comment-page-2/#comment-210815 Bobby Sat, 24 Oct 2009 04:09:09 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/#comment-210815 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? 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?

]]> By: Susan http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/comment-page-2/#comment-210088 Susan Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:05:09 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/#comment-210088 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. 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.

]]> By: Collin http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/comment-page-2/#comment-209219 Collin Mon, 07 Sep 2009 18:07:09 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/#comment-209219 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. 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.

]]> By: Scott http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/comment-page-2/#comment-206348 Scott Sun, 26 Jul 2009 23:18:08 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/#comment-206348 Thanks very much Matt Radel for the tips to change the bulb in an 02 jetta. Worked perfectly. Thanks very much Matt Radel for the tips to change the bulb in an 02 jetta. Worked perfectly.

]]> By: Pat http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/comment-page-2/#comment-203469 Pat Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:58:33 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/#comment-203469 Thanks man!!! F the dealership!!! Thanks man!!! F the dealership!!!

]]> By: Matt Radel http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/comment-page-2/#comment-197774 Matt Radel Tue, 05 May 2009 14:13:53 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/#comment-197774 @ 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 <a href="http://forums.vwvortex.com/" rel="nofollow">Vortex forums</a>. 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. :) @ 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. :)

]]> By: Cris http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/comment-page-2/#comment-197696 Cris Mon, 04 May 2009 22:30:48 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/#comment-197696 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 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

]]> By: Rachel http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/comment-page-2/#comment-194239 Rachel Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:46:45 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/#comment-194239 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* 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*

]]> By: Robin http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/comment-page-2/#comment-190476 Robin Sat, 07 Mar 2009 18:45:52 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/#comment-190476 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. 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.

]]> By: Jon C http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/comment-page-2/#comment-185037 Jon C Thu, 22 Jan 2009 04:14:57 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/#comment-185037 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 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

]]> By: Matt http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/comment-page-2/#comment-184386 Matt Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:53:14 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/#comment-184386 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. 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.

]]> By: Jerald Santana http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/comment-page-2/#comment-183768 Jerald Santana Sat, 10 Jan 2009 22:26:28 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/#comment-183768 hi c5t6ocgu0ynqs9oz good luck hi
c5t6ocgu0ynqs9oz
good luck

]]> By: Jose Luis http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/comment-page-2/#comment-182417 Jose Luis Fri, 26 Dec 2008 23:06:12 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/#comment-182417 Done on Dec 14th!!. I could replace the driver's side (EU) without removing the battery protector. Thank you so much!!. Done on Dec 14th!!. I could replace the driver’s side (EU) without removing the battery protector. Thank you so much!!.

]]> By: Bridget http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/comment-page-2/#comment-181205 Bridget Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:14:01 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/#comment-181205 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! 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!

]]> By: Dan Volkens http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/comment-page-1/#comment-181196 Dan Volkens Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:07:54 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/#comment-181196 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 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

]]> By: Matt Radel http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/comment-page-1/#comment-181046 Matt Radel Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:19:01 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/05/25/how-to-replace-a-passenger-side-head-light/#comment-181046 @b-man: I think Dan was talking about "A REAL MAN". :) @b-man: I think Dan was talking about “A REAL MAN”. :)

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