Author Topic: Fitting new head light bulbs  (Read 2575 times)

Offline Pjbracer1

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Fitting new head light bulbs
« on: 09 April 2006, 11:31 »
Hi guys this is my first post so I, sorry if it sounds dumb. I have only ever owned Golfs and am now on my 5th (i just cant get enuff of them) Any how Ive had a Mk2 Gti, Mk2 16V Big bumper, Mk3 16V, Mk3 Vr6 and now a Mk4 4motion and have a problem- All I want to do is change the headlight bulbs to some of these ultra white xenon gas bulbs (not the HID kit just the bulbs for now). This would not seem to be to difficult until I looked in the engine bay and found that VW really do not want me messing around in there! I have looked for a Haynes manual but there is not one that covers the V6 so If anyone has any instructions on how to replace them I'd greatly appreciate them.

On my other cars this has been a relatively easy task, but I cant imagine that VW would expect its customers to take it back to the dealer for a blown bulb, or as I have read on other sites remove the bumper to get at the headlights!

I got the bulbs from www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk

Help!! :huh:

Cheers guys

Paul

kingturbo

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Re: Fitting new head light bulbs
« Reply #1 on: 09 April 2006, 19:30 »
i changed my sidelight bulbs last night it is a bloody nightmare but is possible to do without taking the bumper off ive not done headlights yet but ive read they are easier to do than the sidelights. it would be easier for someone with small hands

Offline Mark Thomas

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Re: Fitting new head light bulbs
« Reply #2 on: 10 April 2006, 14:59 »
I've never found it a problem to change any of the bulbs. I've never had to take the bumpers off either. It just  takes a bit of fiddling around but its easy enough once you get the hang of it.

Offline Stu-1.8T

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Re: Fitting new head light bulbs
« Reply #3 on: 10 April 2006, 20:46 »
I managed to do the passenger headlight bulb without too many problems. It's helpful if you have a small mirror and a torch so you can see how the bulb retainer unclips. Dont know if it's the same on your's, but it helped to remove the battery cover aswell.

Offline Pjbracer1

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Re: Fitting new head light bulbs
« Reply #4 on: 10 April 2006, 23:57 »
Cheers guys I shall give it a go over the weekend and see if I have any knuckles left buy Monday cheers for all the help, if I come across any thing tricky I will try and write up some instructions.

I will try and get some photos up as well but if you are interesed here is a link http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4626792877&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

I had to spend a whole saturday cleaning and polishing her but she no looks a beauty I have just ordered the Alu interior upgrade so im sure I will have fun fitting that aswell.

Cheers again

Offline Mantamad

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Re: Fitting new head light bulbs
« Reply #5 on: 13 April 2006, 22:20 »
......................... but I cant imagine that VW would expect its customers to take it back to the dealer for a blown bulb, or as I have read on other sites remove the bumper to get at the headlights!

I got the bulbs from www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk

Help!! :huh:

Cheers guys

Paul

Oh they do - just had a look at my owners manual and it says to take the car to a dealer to replace the bulbs - headlight bulb under £5 - fitting probably £50 :shocked:
Black 2002 GT TDi 130

Offline ginner

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Re: Fitting new head light bulbs
« Reply #6 on: 14 April 2006, 07:39 »
I tried to replace mine as well but not a chance but I suppose it doesn't help when you have fingers like pork sausages does it, I took mine out and had to get them put back in by the dealer when they did my service felt a bit of a t*t.

Offline GazB

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Re: Fitting new head light bulbs
« Reply #7 on: 17 April 2006, 11:37 »
I have done mine a few times and it is a lot easier without the bumper, takes about 45 minutes bumper off and on and lights out, try this guide http://home.nycap.rr.com/brandonc/headlight/

Offline Pjbracer1

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Re: Fitting new head light bulbs
« Reply #8 on: 17 April 2006, 17:32 »
Excellent cheers chaps, I might give it a go as that link does make it look relatively easy so to speak! perhaps not as easy as my older car but hey as technology advances!

To be fair when I look under the bonnet of my car I wonder how they got the engine in there in the first place! I would like to see what the R32 is like!

Cheers

Paul