Get Replacing light bulbs Guide for Volkswagen Jetta 4 Door Sixth Generation (2011-2018)

Replacing light bulbs

ꢀ Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Indicator light

Information on light bulb replacement

Replacing halogen headlight bulbs

Replacing light bulbs in the front bumper

Replacing taillight bulbs in the luggage compartment lid

Replacing taillight bulbs in the vehicle body

Replacing license plate light bulbs

Changing a light bulb requires a certain amount of skill. If you are uncertain about how to proceed,

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.

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.

More information:

ꢀ

Exterior views

Lights and vision

Working in the engine compartment

Vehicle tool kit

Fuses

WARNING

Crashes and other accidents can happen when you cannot see the road ahead and when you

cannot be seen by other motorists.

343

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, Working 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.

H7 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 H7 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.

NOTICE

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 headlight housing and damaging the electrical system.

Indicator light

ꢀ Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Lights

up

Possible cause

Proper response

Light bulb of the exterior vehicle lighting

not working.

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.

NOTICE

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 come

on if all LEDs fail.

Information on light bulb replacement

ꢀ Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Checklist

Steps for replacing a light bulb. Please carry out these steps only in the order listed ⇒ꢀ

.

1. Stop the vehicle in a safe place on level and firm ground at a safe distance from traffic.

2. Apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving, Braking and parking.

3. Turn the light switch to 0 position, Lights.

4. Move the turn signal lever to neutral position, Lights.

5. Automatic transmission: Shift the transmission into Park (P), Shifting.

6. Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition switch, Starting and stopping the engine.

7. Manual transmission: Engage a gear, Shifting.

8. Let orientation lighting go out, Lights.

9. Let the burned out light bulb cool down.

10.Check if the fuse is blown, Fuses.

11.Replace the burned out light bulb according to instructions ⇒ꢀ . Always replace a burned-out light

bulb with a good bulb with the same specifications. Specifications are on the glass bulb or on the

metal base.

12.Never touch the glass of the light bulb with your bare hands. Fingerprints can cloud the outer

surface of the light bulb when heated, affecting the lighting power, clouding the reflector, and

reducing the brightness.

13.Always make sure that the new bulb works. If the bulb does not work, it may not be installed

correctly; the connection plug may not be completely seated; the corresponding fuse may be

burned out; or the bulb may be bad.

14.Always have the headlights adjusted by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility after a headlight bulb has been replaced.

345

WARNING

Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.

ꢀ Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common

sense.

NOTICE

Always insert and remove lamps carefully to help prevent damage to the vehicle paint or to

other parts of the vehicle.

Replacing halogen headlight bulbs

Fig. 172 In the engine compartment: Covers in the left headlight assembly. A Low beam headlight, daytime

low beam headlight or daytime running light, side marker light; B Turn signal indicator; C High beam, parking

light, daytime running light.

ꢀ Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

It is not necessary to dismantle the headlight assembly to replace a light bulb.

Please carry out each step only in the order specified:

fig. 172

(A)

(B)

(C)

Low beam,

daytime low beam

headlight or

Front turn signal

indicator

High beam

Parking light

(small bulb holder)

daytime running

light, side marker

light

1.

2.

Please review and follow the checklist

Open the engine hood ꢀ

Pull off the rubber cover on the back of the headlight.

Depending on the model, a plastic cover with securing clip might be used. Press the

securing clip upward and remove the cover.

3.

Please carry out each step only in the order specified:

fig. 172

(A)

(B)

(C)

Low beam,

daytime low beam

headlight or

Front turn signal

indicator

High beam

Parking light

(small bulb holder)

daytime running

light, side marker

light

4.

5.

Turn the bulb holder as far as it goes to the left and pull out

with the light bulb facing rearward.

Pull out the bulb

holder with the light

bulb facing

rearward.

Pull the light bulb straight out of the bulb socket.

If necessary, press the lock on the bulb holder.

6.

7.

Replace the burned out light bulb with a new bulb of the same type.

Insert the bulb holder into the headlight assembly and turn as

far as it goes to the right.

Insert the bulb

holder into the

headlight and slide it

in completely.

Attach the rubber or plastic cover.

If applicable slide the securing clip rearward.

8.

The illustrations show the left headlight assembly from the rear. The right headlight assembly is

the mirror image of the left headlight assembly.

Different models may have different lights, and the location and design of covers, bulb holders,

and bulbs may be in a different location than shown in the illustrations.

You cannot replace the LEDs in LED daytime running lights. Contact your authorized

Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

347

Replacing light bulbs in the front bumper

Fig. 173 In front right bumper: Removing the light assembly.

Fig. 174 Replacing a light bulb in the fog light.

ꢀ Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Please carry out each step only in the order specified:

1.

2.

Please review and follow the checklist

Pull the cover forward in the direction of the arrow ⇒ꢀfig. 173.

3.

4.

Unscrew the fastening screw (1) with the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit

Fold the headlight assembly slightly forward and pull out of the mounts ⇒ꢀfig. 174

(small arrows).

5.

6.

Release the connector plug (1) and pull it off.

Rotate the bulb holder (2) counterclockwise as far as it goes and pull it out with the

light bulb to the rear.

7.

8.

9.

Replace the burned out light bulb with a new bulb of the same type.

Insert the bulb holder into the headlight assembly and turn clockwise as far as it goes.

Attach the connector (1) to the bulb holder (2). The connector must latch with an

audible “click”.

Please carry out each step only in the order specified:

10.

11.

12.

Slip the headlight into the mounts (small arrows) and fold rearward.

Screw the fastening screw ⇒ꢀfig. 173 (1) tightly with the screwdriver.

Insert the cover into the bumper .

Different models may have different lights, and the location and design of covers, bulb holders,

and bulbs may be in a different location than shown in the illustrations.

Replacing taillight bulbs in the luggage compartment lid

Fig. 175 In the luggage compartment lid. A: Removing the taillight cover. B: Removing the taillight assembly.

Fig. 176 Taillight assembly. A: Removing the bulb holder. B: Removing the light bulbs.

ꢀ Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Please carry out each step only in the order specified:

1.

2.

Please review and follow the checklist

Open the luggage compartment lid

349

Please carry out each step only in the order specified:

3.

4.

Using the flat blade of the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit carefully pry the cover

off the slot ⇒ꢀfig. 175 A (1).

Unscrew the fastening screws B (3) with your hand and carefully remove the taillight

assembly from the luggage compartment lid.

Press together the release tabs for the connector plug B (2) in the direction of the

arrow and pull the connector plug off.

5.

6.

Unlock the bulb holder by pressing the locking tabs in direction of the arrow ⇒ꢀfig. 176

A and remove the bulb holder from the taillight assembly.

7.

8.

Replace the burned out light bulb with a new bulb of the same type B.

Reinsert the bulb holder in the taillight assembly. The locking tabs must latch with an

audible “click”.

9.

Attach the connector plug ⇒ꢀfig. 175 B (2) to the bulb holder.

Carefully reinsert the taillight assembly into the opening in the luggage compartment

lid. Hold the rear light assembly with one hand in the installation position and with the

other hand, tighten the fastening screws B (3).

10.

11.

12.

13.

Check the taillight assembly for proper installation and secure fit.

Attach the cover. The cover must latch tightly and securely into place.

Close the luggage compartment lid

LEDs in the taillights in the luggage compartment lid

Changing LEDs is not possible without dismantling vehicle components. Contact an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Different models may have different lights, and the location and design of covers, bulb holders,

and bulbs may be in a different location than shown in the illustrations.

Replacing taillight bulbs in the vehicle body

Fig. 177 In the side of luggage compartment: A: Open cover of the rear side panel. B: Removing the taillight

assembly.

Fig. 178 Taillights: A: Removing the bulb holder. B: Removing the taillight bulbs.

ꢀ Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Please carry out each step only in the order specified.

Removing the taillight assembly

1.

2.

3.

Please review and follow the checklist

Open the luggage compartment lid

Open the cover of the rear trim panel ⇒ꢀfig. 177 A.

Unscrew the taillight fastening screws B (1) and carefully remove the taillight

assembly from the vehicle body. While doing this, detach the connector plug B (2)

from the bulb holder.

4.

Changing the light bulb

Release the bulb holder from the locking tabs ⇒ꢀfig. 178 A (arrows) and remove the

5.

bulb socket assembly from the taillight assembly.

6.

7.

Replace the burned out light bulb with a new bulb of the same type B.

Insert the bulb socket into the rear taillight assembly. The locking tabs A (arrows)

must latch with an audible “click”.

Installing the rear light assembly

Plug the connector plug back into the bulb holder and carefully insert the rear light

assembly into the opening in the vehicle body.

8.

9.

Hold the rear light assembly with one hand in the installation position and with the

other hand, tighten the fastening screw ⇒ꢀfig. 177 B (1).

10.

11.

12.

Check the taillight assembly for proper installation and secure fit.

Close the cover in the side trim panel.

Close the luggage compartment lid

351

LEDs in the rear lights of the body

Changing LEDs is not possible without dismantling vehicle components. Contact an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Different models may have different lights, and the location and design of covers, bulb holders,

and bulbs may be in a different location than shown in the illustrations.

Replacing license plate light bulbs

ꢀ Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

You cannot replace the LEDs in LED license plate lights. Contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer

or an Authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

Replacing light bulbs for Your Volkswagen Jetta 4 Door Sixth Generation (2011-2018)

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