Changing a bulb

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

• Indicator lamp
• Information on changing bulbs
• Removing and installing the headlights
• Changing bulbs in the front headlights (halogen H4)
• Changing bulbs in the front headlights (halogen H7)
• Changing bulbs in the front headlights (Xenon)
• Changing bulbs in the front bumper
• Changing the bulbs in the tail light cluster
• Changing the bulb in the number plate light
• Changing bulbs in the side turn signals

Changing the vehicle bulbs requires considerable technical skill. If you do not feel confident with the procedure, Volkswagen recommends that you have the bulbs changed by a Volkswagen dealership, or that you seek other expert assistance. You must contact a qualified workshop if other vehicle parts around the lights need to be removed, or if gas discharge bulbs need to be replaced.

You should keep a box with spare light bulbs for the lights that ensure the vehicle is roadworthy in the vehicle at all times. Spare bulbs are available from Volkswagen dealerships. In some countries it is a legal requirement to have these spare bulbs in the vehicle.

It may be illegal to drive with a defective bulb in the exterior lighting.

Some bulbs in headlights or in tail light clusters might have factory specifications that are different to standard bulbs. The designation is inscribed on the bulb, either on the glass part or on the base.

The LEDs cannot be replaced. Seek expert assistance. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.

• Exterior views
• Lights and vision
• Preparation for working in the engine compartment
• Vehicle toolkit
• Fuses

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings .

Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is switched on. They will switch off after a few seconds.

For vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket, the vehicle will also monitor certain bulbs on a trailer which has been connected properly via the trailer socket:

If a turn signal in the trailer fails, the indicator lamp ( or ) in the instrument cluster will flash twice as fast ⇒ Indicator lamps in the instrument cluster.

• Failure of all turn signals on one side.
• Failure of the tail light on one side; in some models, failure of the licence plate light.
• Failure of both brake lights.

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings .

Always carry out the following actions for changing a bulb in the given order ⇒ :

1. Park the vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe distance from the flow of traffic.
2. Apply the handbrake firmly.
3. Turn the light switch to position 0 ⇒ Switching lights on and off.
4. Shift the turn signal lever to neutral.
5. Automatic gearbox: move the selector lever to position P.
6. Stop the engine and remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
7. Manual gearbox: select a gear.
8. Switch off the orientation lighting.
9. Leave the defective bulbs to cool down.
10. Check to see if a fuse has blown ⇒ Fuses.
11. Follow the instructions to change the affected bulb ⇒  . Always use identical bulbs with the same designation, the same wattage and the same shape. The designation is inscribed on the bulb, either on the glass part or on the base.
12. Do not touch the glass part of the bulb with unprotected fingers. The heat of the bulb would cause the fingerprint to evaporate and condense on the reflector. This will impair the brightness of the headlight.
13. After changing the bulb, check to make sure that the bulb is working properly. If the bulb is not working properly, the bulb may not have been inserted properly or may have failed again, or the connector may have been inserted incorrectly.
14. Any time you change a bulb in the front of the vehicle, the headlight settings should be checked by a qualified workshop.

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings .

Depending on the vehicle variant, the headlight may have to be removed in order to replace the bulb.

You will need the screwdriver with the torx blade from the vehicle toolkit to remove the headlights.

• Switch off the lights and ignition
• Open the bonnet ⇒ .
• Use the torx key to remove the screws ⇒ fig. 178 1.
• Press the bottom of the headlight forwards, out of the guides in the direction of the arrow ⇒ fig. 178.
• Disconnect the connection on the headlight by pressing the connector towards the headlight housing and simultaneously pressing the lug on the connector to disengage. Then remove the connector from the headlight.
• Pull the headlight forwards and all the way out of the vehicle ⇒  .

• Push the headlight into the vehicle until it reaches the upper stop in the middle 2. Make sure that the headlight fits properly into the lower guides ⇒ fig. 179 ⇒  .
• Insert the connector into the connection point on the headlight housing. You should feel it click into place.
• Screw the screws ⇒ fig. 178 1 into the headlight housing.
• Push the headlight against the upper middle position 2 and tighten the screws 1 with the torx key.
• Close the bonnet and check that the headlight is positioned properly.

The illustrations show the right-hand headlight. The left-hand headlight is a mirror image of the one shown.

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings .

The headlight must be removed in order to change a bulb.

The actions should only be carried out in the specified order:

The actions should only be carried out in the specified order:

The illustrations show the right-hand headlight from the rear. The left-hand headlight is a mirror image of the one shown.

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings .

The actions should only be carried out in the specified order:

The illustrations show the right-hand headlight from the rear. The left-hand headlight is a mirror image of the one shown.

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings .

The headlight needs to be removed in order to change a bulb.

The actions should only be carried out in the specified order:

The illustrations show the right-hand headlight from the rear. The left-hand headlight is a mirror image of the one shown.

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings .

The actions should only be carried out in the specified order:

The illustrations show the right-hand headlight. The left-hand headlight is a mirror image of the one shown.

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings .

The steps should only be carried out in the specified order.

1. Observe and follow the instructions on the checklist.
2. Open the tailgate.
3. Turn the sash fastener (arrow) ⇒ fig. 186 in the side trim of the luggage compartment to the side.
4. Hold the sash fastener and pull out the pre-cut cover in the side trim.
5. Push together the catches on the connector and pull out the connector.
6. Unscrew the securing bolt 1 by hand.
7. Carefully pull the tail light cluster to the rear to remove it from the body. Place it on a clean, smooth surface.

1. To release the bulb holder, push the tabs ⇒ fig. 187 1 and 2 in the direction of the arrows.
2. Remove the bulb holder from the tail light cluster.
3. Replace the defective bulb with a new bulb of the same type.
4. Insert the bulb holder into the tail light cluster. All release tabs must click into place.

1. Carefully put the tail light cluster into the opening in the body.
2. Use one hand to hold the tail light cluster in the fitting position while using the other hand to screw the securing bolt firmly back on ⇒ fig. 186 1.
3. Check that the tail light cluster is positioned correctly and securely.
4. Connect the connector to the bulb holder until it engages.
5. Fit the side trim back into the luggage compartment.
6. Close the tailgate.

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings .

A normal flat screwdriver can be used to remove the number plate light ⇒  .

The actions should only be carried out in the specified order:

1. Observe and follow the instructions on the checklist.
2. Insert a screwdriver into the recess on the number plate light in the direction of the arrow ⇒ fig. 188.
3. Pull the number plate light out slightly.
4. Push the catch on the connector in the direction of the arrow ⇒ fig. 189 A and pull the connector out.
5. Turn the bulb holder in the direction of the arrow B and pull it out together with the bulb.
6. Replace the defective bulb with a new bulb of the same type.
7. Insert the bulb holder into the number plate light and turn it as far as it will go in the opposite direction to the arrow B.
8. Connect the connector to the bulb holder.
9. Carefully put the number plate light into the opening in the body. Ensure that you put the number plate light in the right way round.
10. Push the number plate light into the bumper until it clicks into place.

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings .

Depending on the vehicle, the side turn signal may be located in the front wing or in the exterior mirror ⇒ Side view.

Please contact a qualified workshop to have the side turn signal in the exterior mirror changed. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.

The actions should only be carried out in the specified order:

1. Observe and follow the instructions on the checklist ⇒ Checklist.
2. With one hand, push the side turn signal to the front ⇒ fig. 190 1.
3. Manually lever the side turn signal out of the vehicle body 2.
4. Pull out the bulb holder with the bulb ⇒ fig. 191 A.
5. Pull the bulb straight out of the bulb holder.
6. Replace the defective bulb with a new bulb of the same type.
7. Replace the bulb holder.
8. Insert the side turn signal into the body, with the side facing the rear of the vehicle first 3 and push it into the body 4 until you hear that the spring B has engaged.