Get Replacing light bulbs Guide for Volkswagen Passat SUV Sixth Generation (2005-2010)

Replacing light bulbs

ꢀIntroduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Indicator light

Information on light bulb replacement

Replacing 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 lights

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

Preparations for 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.

373

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.

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.

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 ⇒ꢀpage 227, 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.

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 avoid damage to the vehicle paint or to other

parts of the vehicle.

375

Replacing headlight bulbs

Fig. 217 In the engine compartment: Covers in the left headlight assembly: A Side marker light, B Low beam

headlight, C High beam headlight, D Turn signal and parking light, E Daytime running light.

Fig. 218 In the wheel housing: Removing cover.

ꢀ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.

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

⇒ꢀfig. 217

Side marker

light

Low beam

High beam

Turn signal

and parking

light

Daytime

running lights

1.

2.

Please review and follow the checklist

Open the engine hood ⇒ꢀ

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

⇒ꢀfig. 217

Side marker

light

Low beam

High beam

Turn signal

and parking

light

Daytime

running lights

Unscrew the

fastening screw

⇒ꢀfig. 218

(arrow) with a

short

screwdriver. To

access the

screw, turn the

wheel in

Same as column

(A).

3.

question inward

as shown in .

Remove the

cover from the

wheel house

lining .

Same as column

(A).

4.

Turn plastic

cover ⇒ꢀfig. 217

A (E)

counterclockwise

and remove.

On the back of the headlight assembly, pull off the rubber cover for

the bulb you are replacing.

5.

6.

Left side of the

vehicle: Turn

plastic bulb

Turn plastic bulb Press plastic Same as

socket tab on back of column (A).

counterclockwise bulb socket to

Same as column

(A).

socket

(about 1/8 turn)

to release it.

release it.

counterclockwise

(about 1/8 turn)

to release it.

Right side of the

vehicle: Turn

plastic bulb

socket clockwise

(about 1/8 turn)

instead.

7.

8.

9.

Pull plastic bulb socket assembly back and out of the headlight assembly.

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

Reinsert the bulb socket assembly into the headlight assembly.

377

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

⇒ꢀfig. 217

Side marker

light

Low beam

High beam

Turn signal

and parking

light

Daytime

running lights

10.

Left side of the

vehicle: Turn

plastic bulb

Turn plastic bulb

socket clockwise

until it locks into the headlight

Push bulb

socket into

Same as

column (A).

Same as column

(A).

socket clockwise

until it locks into

place in the

headlight

place in the

headlight

assembly.

assembly

until you hear

it “click” into

place.

assembly.

Right side of the

vehicle: Turn

plastic bulb

socket

counterclockwise

instead.

Place the plastic

cover A (E) in

the headlight

assembly

housing and turn

clockwise as far

as it will go.

Replace rubber cover on the back of the headlight assembly for the

bulb you replaced.

11.

Place the cover

⇒ꢀfig. 218 in the

wheel housing

liner and use the

screwdriver in

the vehicle tool

kit to tighten the

fastening screw

(arrow).

Same as column

(A).

12.

Please carry out each step only in the order specified:

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

the mirror image of the left headlight assembly.

Replacing light bulbs in the front bumper

Fig. 219 In left front bumper: Removing light assembly.

Fig. 220 Replacing light bulb in headlight.

ꢀ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 cover ⇒ꢀfig. 219 (1) forward in the direction of the arrow.

Pull cover (2) forward in the direction of the arrow.

3.

4.

5.

Unscrew fastening screws (3) and (4) with the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit

Fold the headlight assembly slightly forward and pull out of the mounts ⇒ꢀfig. 220 (small

arrows).

6.

7.

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

Turn the bulb socket assembly to the left in the direction of the arrow, as far as it goes and

then pull it out together with the light bulb.

8.

9.

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

Insert the bulb socket assembly into the headlight assembly and turn as far as it goes to the

right.

379

Please carry out each step only in the order specified:

10.

Attach connector plug (1) to the bulb socket assembly. The connector plug must latch with

an audible “click.”

11.

12.

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

Screw fastening screws ⇒ꢀfig. 219 (3) and (4) tight with the screwdriver.

Install cover (2) in the bumper.

13.

14.

Install cover (1) in the bumper.

Replacing taillight bulbs in the luggage compartment lid

Fig. 221 A: In the luggage compartment lid: Removing the taillight cover. B: Removing the taillight assembly.

Fig. 222 A: Taillight assembly: removing the bulb socket assembly. 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

Please carry out each step only in the order specified:

3.

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

the slot ⇒ꢀfig. 221 A (1) (arrow).

4.

5.

Pull the red locking tab B (4) in the direction of the arrow to unlock connector plug B (2).

Push catch B (5) to release connector plug. Then pull out connector plug B (2).

Remove the cover from the side of the taillight, sliding it in the direction of the arrow B.

Check the original mounting position of the taillight before removing it.

6.

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

assembly from the luggage compartment lid. Pull it to the side and away from the vehicle

body and place it on a clean, smooth surface.

7.

8.

Unlock the bulb socket assembly by pressing the locking tabs in direction of the arrow

⇒ꢀfig. 222 A and remove the bulb socket assembly from the taillight assembly.

9.

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

Reinsert the bulb socket assembly in the taillight assembly. The locking tabs must latch

with an audible “click.”

10.

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

11.

12.

hand tighten the fastening screws ⇒ꢀfig. 221 B (3).

Plug connector plug B (2) into the bulb socket and push red locking tab B (4) in the

direction opposite to the arrow.

13.

14.

Check the taillight assembly for proper installation and secure fit.

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

15.

Close the luggage compartment lid ⇒ꢀpage 57.

Different models may have different taillights, and the light bulb may be in a different location

than shown in the illustrations.

381

Replacing taillight bulbs in the vehicle body

Fig. 223 A: In the side of the luggage compartment: On vehicles with 3.6 liter engines, the vehicle battery is

on the left side of the luggage compartment. The trim panel that separates the battery from the luggage

compartment has to be removed to get the left taillight bulbs. B: Removing the taillight assembly.

Fig. 224 A: Removing bulb socket assembly. B: Removing the light bulbs.

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

Please perform these steps only in the order listed.

Removing the taillight assembly

1.

2.

3.

Please review and follow the checklist

Open the luggage compartment lid

A small carpeted access cover up inside the rear corner of the luggage compartment, near

the taillight, (slightly on underside of rear trim; not a completely vertical surface) must be

removed to get to the taillights. On vehicles with a battery in the luggage compartment, a

trim panel ⇒ꢀfig. 223 A must be removed first when replacing taillight bulbs on the left hand

side of the vehicle.

4.

5.

Pull the red locking tab B (2) of the connector plug B (1) in the direction of the arrow.

Push catch B (3) and pull out connector plug B (1).

Unscrew the taillight fastening screw B (4). Then, working from outside the vehicle,

carefully remove the taillight assembly from the vehicle body.

6.

Changing light bulbs

Release the bulb socket assembly from the locking tabs ⇒ꢀfig. 224 A (arrows) and remove

7.

the bulb socket assembly from the taillight assembly.

8.

9.

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

Put the bulb socket assembly in the taillight assembly. The locking tabs A must latch with

an audible “click.”

Installing the taillight assembly

10.

11.

Carefully put the taillight assembly in the opening in the vehicle body.

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 fastening screw ⇒ꢀfig. 223 B (4).

Plug connector plug B (1) into the bulb socket assembly and push latch B (2) in the

direction opposite to the arrow.

12.

13.

14.

15.

Check the taillight assembly for proper installation and secure fit.

Replace the small carpeted taillight access cover; and the battery trim panel, if any (see

step 3 above).

Close the luggage compartment lid

Different models may have different taillights, and the light bulb may be in a different location

than shown in the illustrations.

Replacing license plate lights

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

Your vehicle is equipped with LED license plate lights. Individual LED lights cannot be replaced. It is

not possible to replace the LED unit without dismantling vehicle components. Please see an

authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

383

Replacing light bulbs for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Sixth Generation (2005-2010)

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