Changing a tail light bulb...on a VW Golf

[mjheathcote]

My Mrs has a 2 year old VW Golf, and she informed me that the right rear brake light had failed...it told her on the information display.

Any how I had a look in the boot and yes, you guessed it, no immediate way of access, so I dig out the handbook hidden behind all the make-up in the glove box.

The handbook informs that changing a bulb is a job for the main dealer...or an experienced car mechanic...but does go into the procedure.

I had to pull back the carpet, unfasten a couple of M10 nuts, pop off a wiring multiplug, then remove the whole light cluster from the car!!!

Once off another plastic plate had to be popped off that then revealed the light bulbs....standard 40 year old and moredesigned 21W single filament bulbs!

I did not have one, and the handbook did not indicate the fitment before I started, so I nicked one from one of the Stag reversing lights!

It was not too difficult a job, but not one one could do at the side of the road with no tool kit, some progress!

[stag66]

imported post

Yes,same problem with a lot of headlight bulbs on new cars.

Virtually have to remove the engine to get at them.
As you say - progress!

[Guest]

imported post

I had a Rover 75 (02 plate) i had to change the front light bulbs through the wheel arches:shockwhich were covered in muck)

Jason

[STAG1973]

imported post

My sister has a 03 Renault Megane same process through the wheel arch liner working blind and 2.5 hours later and very scratched arms, never again!!!

Adrian

[Gresley]

imported post

SWMBO has a VW Passat. To change the headlight or sidelight bulbs is a major job on that too. Progress?

[richardthestag]

imported post

Lols

To replace dip or main beam on a stag

sweat profusely while removing the grill sections either side of the affected lamp unit

scratch paint on front panel and have neighbours complaining about swearing

remove chrome bezel holding lamp unit in place and again get dangerously close to scratching that front panel.

replace bulb

Carefully replace bezel. Test light works

Spend next hour trying to get screwdriver onto cross heads inside grill sections while simulaneously avoiding further paint damage.

finally get back to square one and find that the light which was working an hour ago now doesn't :X

retire to boozer a near nervous wreck. :P

On the other hand the wifes trusty picasso can be done in seconds and a friends Volvo minutes.