Volkswagen Beetle (1998-2011) - Change Brake Light Bulb

Volkswagen Beetle (1998-2011)

Manufacturer	Volkswagen
Parent company	Volkswagen Group
Production	1998–2011
Assembly	1998 - 1999: Germany 2000 - 2010: Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
Predecessor	Volkswagen Beetle
Successor	TBC
Class	Small family car
Body style(s)	2-door sedan 2-door convertible
Layout	front engine, front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Platform	Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) platform
Engine(s)	petrol engines: 1.4L I4 16 valve 1.6L I4 1.8L I4 Turbocharged 2.0L I4 2.3L VR5 20 valve 2.5L I5 20 valve 3.2L VR6 32 valve (RSI) diesel engines: 1.9L I4 TDI
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed automatic 6-speed automatic tiptronic
Wheelbase	99 in
Length	163 in
Width	68 in
Height	59.5 in (1998-2000), 59 in (hatch 2003-present), 59.1 in (convertible)
Related	Audi A3 Mk1 Audi TT Mk1 SEAT León Mk1 SEAT Toledo Mk2 Škoda Octavia Mk1 Volkswagen Golf Mk4 Volkswagen Jetta/Bora

The focus of this project is changing the right-hand (RH) brake light on a 2005 VW Beetle TDI (although the same steps can be used for the left hand side, as well as on several other VW models). The rear tail light bulb is accessed by removing the lens housing cover located in the trunk of the vehicle. Following the below steps, you will be able to replace the tail light bulb yourself and save $100 in professional repairs.

Contents 1 Tools Needed 2 Supplies Needed 3 Instructions Needed 4 Tips 5 Warnings 6 Videos 7 See Also 8 References

[edit] Tools Needed

• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Non-marring trim tool
• DMM (digital multimeter)

[edit] Supplies Needed

• Replacement bulb

[edit] Instructions Needed

1. Use the key remote, fob, or key to raise the deck lid.
2. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry off the cover to access lens assembly (Figures B1 and B2).
   

   

   Figure B-1 Using Scewdriver to Remove Access Cover
   

   

   Figure B-2 Cover Removed
3. Use the fingers to remove the knob of the tail light lens assembly (Figures B-3 and B-4).
   

   

   Figure B-3 Removing Knob to Lens Assembly
   

   

   Figure B-4 Lens Support Knob Removed
4. Use a non-marring trim tool to pry loose the lens assembly (Figure B-5).
   

   

   Figure B-5 Loosening Lens With Trim Tool
5. Rotate trim tool around lens to loosen lens assembly (Figure B-6).
   

   

   Figure B-6 Loosening Lens for Removal
6. Remove tail light lens assembly from support cradle (Figure B-7).
   

   

   Figure B-7 Tail Light Assembly Removal
7. Remove the bulb socket from tail light assembly (Figure B-8).
   

   

   Figure B-8 Remove Bulb Socket From Tail Light Assembly
8. Once the bulb socket is removed, visually check for cracks and burned electrical contacts (Figure B-9).
   

   

   Figure B-9 Visual Check Bulb Socket
9. Check the bulb socket with a digital multimeter (DMM) for continuity (Figures B-10 and B-11).
   

   

   Figure B-10 Checking Socket With DMM
   

   

   Figure B-11 Checking Socket and Wiring With DMM
10. Remove the bulb from the bulb socket (Figure B-12).
    

    

    Figure B-12 Brake Light Bulb Removed From Socket
11. Check the bulb filament and internal connections with the DMM (Figure B-13).
    

    

    Figure B-13 Checking Bulb for Continuity With DMM
12. Obtain a new replacement bulb from the VW part center. Ask for P/N N0177836.
13. Install the new bulb in the bulb socket with the lens assembly removed.
14. With the ignition switch "ON", have an assistant press on the brake pedal.
15. Check that the bulb filament is burning bright through the bulb glass. (Figure B-14).
    

    

    Figure B-14 Checking New Bulb
16. Reinstall all parts in the reverse order from which they were removed.
17. Road test the vehicle.

[edit] Tips

• A trim tool is a plastic pry bar that doesn't scratch the clearcoat finish.
• The bulb socket is removed from the lens assembly using a twisting motion. Ears on the socket mate to three (3) slots in the lens assembly (Figure B-9)
• The DMM is the tool of choice to accurately check the bulb and bulb socket (Figure B-10). It is a simple tool to learn to use. It can be bought at any auto parts store for less than $20.00.
• The DMM showed a reading on the meter dial of "0" (Figure B-11). This would indicate that there is continuity through the wires and contacts and bulb with no internal breaks.
• To check the bulb filament with a DMM, place the meter selector switch on "OHMS". Place one lead (black) from meter to the shell of the bulb. Place the red lead to the base of the bulb. The reading on the display of the DMM showed "OL" or open. It indicates there is an open circuit in the bulb, in this case the filament (Figure B-13).
• The brake light bulb needs to be replaced for proper operation of the brake system.

[edit] Warnings

• Complete these steps and tips with the ignition switch in the "OFF" position.
• Most states require a state safety inspection. The brake light and other safety equipment should be in working order before taking the vehicle for inspection. A vehicle that has a burned out rear brake light will fail the inspection.

[edit] Videos

[edit] See Also

[edit] References

• http://www.wikihow.com/index.php?title=Change-the-Brake-Light-Bulb-on-a-2005-VW-Beetle-TDI
• http://www.vwtdirepair.com (Darell's VW TDI Maintenance Page)