Replacing light bulbs
Introduction to the subject
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:
Changing a light bulb requires a certain amount of skill. Therefore, Volkswagen recommends having the light bulb changed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Special training and knowledge are generally required when other vehicle parts must be disassembled to replace a bulb, or when HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights must be replaced.
You should always keep a box in the vehicle with all the replacement bulbs required for traffic safety. Replacement bulbs are available from your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. The laws of some countries explicitly require you to have replacement bulbs in the vehicle.
Driving with outside lights that do not work may be against the law.
To obtain the Volkswagen service information necessary to change light bulbs yourself, see .
Additional light bulb specifications
Some factory-installed light bulbs in the headlights or the rear lights may have different specifications than conventional light bulbs. Specifications are on the glass bulb or on the metal base.
WARNING
Crashes and other accidents can happen when you cannot see the road ahead and when you cannot be seen by other motorists.
WARNING
Improper replacement of burned out headlights and other light bulbs can cause serious personal injury.
- Stop! Always read and heed the WARNINGS before doing any work in the engine compartment . The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially dangerous area, and work in this area can lead to serious personal injury.
- HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights get power from a high voltage source that can cause severe personal injury and even death if handled improperly.
- HB2 (H4) bulbs and HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights are under high pressure and can explode if handled improperly.
- Always let a burned out light bulb cool down before replacing it.
- Never replace a light bulb unless you are familiar with all of the necessary procedures. In particular, never remove a headlight unless you know exactly how to carry out the job and have the correct tools and light bulbs.
- If you are uncertain about what to do, have the work performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified workshop. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work.
- We strongly recommend that you always have HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights and HB2 (H4) bulbs replaced by a qualified technician.
- Do not touch the glass of light bulbs with your bare hands. Fingerprints left on the bulb evaporate due to the heat when the bulb is switched on and cause the reflector to cloud.
- There are sharp edges on and around the headlight housing in the engine compartment and the rear light housing. Wear hand protection if you replace bulbs.
NOTE
After replacing a headlight bulb or other light bulb, always make sure that the rubber covers or plastic caps have been properly and securely reinstalled to help prevent water from getting into the electrical connections and the headlight housing and damaging the electrical system.
Individual LEDs cannot be replaced. Contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.
Indicator light
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
| Lights up | Possible cause | Proper response |
|---|---|---|
| Light bulb of the exterior vehicle lighting not working. | See an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or other qualified workshop to replace the light bulb that isn't working. |
When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function check. They go out after a few seconds.
WARNING
Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.
- Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
- Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
NOTE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Failure of a single LED within a taillight is not indicated. However, the indicator light will light up if all LEDs fail.
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