Comments: Changing headlights on a Passat

Oh joy. On my 2002 Golf, the passenger side headlight went out. For 3 days. Then came back on. Then went out for 7 days. Now it's back on, after I bought a bulb. I'm blaming the barometer.

Posted by adam bbboinggg at January 6, 2005 08:04 AM

Thanks for your post. My 2002 Passat had both low beams go out with days of each other. Just bought replacement bulbs today, opened the hood and freaked. Thanks for your link to that .pdf file. That guy is meticulous in his presentation--or, just a blossoming pyschopath.

Posted by Brian Besse at February 9, 2005 01:19 PM

Yeah, the drivers side light just went out, so I'm going to be glad again for that pdf. Meticulous is right ;)

Posted by Mike at February 10, 2005 08:26 AM

Thank you so much for this little tutorial! I appreciate you helping the other Passat owners as dealerships are charging $130.00 to replace the headlights...which gets a big "Whatever!" from me. So thank you, thank you, thank you! :)

Posted by Casey at March 3, 2005 10:31 AM

Nice job Rich..... and thanks. You just saved me $50.00 US.

Posted by 3-toots at March 27, 2005 07:34 PM

Thanks! I thought I could fix this in 5 minutes until I opened the hood. Great link! Fixed it in cheap and fast. Just the way I like it.

Now I have to figure out a cheap way of getting a mechanic to replace my cv boot...

Posted by Doug at May 20, 2005 02:45 PM

Since everybody said this was so easy to do with the help of the instructions, I'm going to feel really dumb if I run into a problem! Whatever happened to VW simplicity? Certain tasks that are safety-related such as lights and bulbs should not be this tough to do.

Posted by Steve at December 9, 2005 08:24 AM

Just wanted to say this worked perfectly on my 2003 Passat Wagon. It literally took me less than 10 minutes to do both driver and passenger low beams.

And to think the dealership was going to charge us for over an hour of labor... They told my wife she'd have to drop the car off and come back later... crooks...

Posted by Christian at June 17, 2006 09:50 AM

Looked like it was going to be a real bitch to replace with some fancy new blue bulbs...took like 5 min. Thanks a bunch for the awesome post!

Posted by Jeff Boutin at June 18, 2006 01:27 PM

WHAT A LIFE SAVER. VW SAID IT ISNT THAT HARD, JUST START TAKING AWAY SOME OF THE PLASTIC AND YOU WILL FIGURE IT OUT. WHAT A BUNCH OF #%^%$&^
THANKS SO MUCH

Posted by CHARLIE at July 3, 2006 04:48 PM

I took one look under my hood after both low beams went out and nearly drove to the dealership until I found this. Many sincere thanks Rich.

Posted by John at September 8, 2006 02:43 PM

Sweet! I lookd inside and had the exact same reaction: "how in hell..." Thank you for saving time!

Posted by PW at September 16, 2006 01:49 PM

Outstanding instructions! You saved me $50 the dealership wanted to accomplish this 5 minute task. Thanks!

Posted by Terry at September 17, 2006 11:20 AM

Thanks for the instructions. It took me 5 minutes to replace my low beam on the driver side. What a dumb guy I was, I had had removed three bolts/screws and found myself going nowhere until I found your web link. Thanks!

Posted by Sam at September 30, 2006 11:46 AM

Thanks for the instructions. The photos with arrows were a nice touch. Please post more!

Posted by Phillip at October 1, 2006 06:19 PM

Thanks! That's a real help! Very much appreciated!!!

Posted by Dave at October 5, 2006 11:30 AM

Wow! Thanks to Rich P for creating this lovely document. I'm printing it out and tossing into my car files.

My dealer told me that three of their technicians are out today and I would have to leave the car all day and I might have purchased the wrong item. Jerks...

We own 2 VWs, and love them both. The dealer on the other hand...

Posted by Carlos at October 13, 2006 05:52 AM

This is great! I knew what needed to come off, but wasn't sure where to pull. Took me about a minute to get the lamp out. Thank you!

Posted by Jim McCarty at October 25, 2006 07:33 PM

My dealer wants to charge 0.5 hrs for each bulb, plus materials and tax. Thank you so much for these instructions!!!

Posted by jason at November 1, 2006 12:14 PM

Thank You! I just bought a replacement bulb and just stared dumbfounded trying to figure out how to change it. I called the dealer for some tips, and they told me that they had to take the bumper off to replace the bulb. I'm like, "what?" Then he proceeded to tell me that it would cost $258 in labor to replace!!! Guess what, I didn't bring it to them.

By the way, the dealer's name is MIDWESTERN AUTO GROUP in Dublin, Ohio.

Posted by Alvin at November 16, 2006 06:26 AM

HA HA! of course it would be this hard....I just did the same dumbfounded stare....Do I take off the whole bumper assembly?! Do I remove the air intake....Do I go buy the Haynes Manual...Nah, I'll google...and WALLA (sp?) here is a 15 page illustrated manual with the included substitutes for the special tools! Thanks, I owe you $200!

Posted by Niels at November 18, 2006 05:14 PM

Thanks for the reference! Didn't know how to get past the air intake that impeded getting to the passenger-side headlight. Your link was instrumental in being able to change the bulb.

Posted by Sanjeev at January 5, 2007 05:17 PM

This link doesn't seem to be working anymore.

Posted by RIch at January 20, 2007 12:21 PM

Try it again -- it seems to be working OK for me still.

Posted by Mike at January 20, 2007 03:55 PM

Same thing here: $50 to do it at the dealership. I'm going to give this a try this weekend instead. So thanks!

They already took me for $25 last week for a tail light for my '03 passat (it was in for service anyway, and I figured it would just be free ... HA!). Anyone know if the tail light is equally complex to replace ... any one done one?

Posted by Tom at January 22, 2007 07:33 PM

Thanks!! Nice job with this post! I am glad it hit near the top of my google query. The instructions are well done.

Posted by Tor at January 27, 2007 07:39 AM

GREAT HELP! Thank you very much.

Posted by Guillermo at January 29, 2007 08:00 AM

Thank a lot! I just got pulled over yesterday for having one of the low beam lights out and I bought a bulb, but then couldn't figure it out until I read this!

Posted by Jim Goose at February 18, 2007 02:41 PM

Thank you who ever Rich P is. you saved me a $100 bucks. I cant belive how much dealerships want to charge when I did this on my own in five minutes.

Posted by Jenn at March 6, 2007 01:18 PM

Hey, thanks a bunch, great tidbit and saved me at least $130. Took 10 minutes. I appreciate the posting.

Posted by Rob at March 18, 2007 07:22 AM

This is wonderful! Thanks very much. Just saved me time, money, knuckle skin and much swearing.

Posted by Clinton at March 18, 2007 07:45 PM

A million thanks: my headlights go off too often and my dealer just keeps sucking my money telling me it's too hard to do it by myself... Thanks for this wonderful document

Posted by Armand at April 22, 2007 07:33 PM

Hey guys, I just joined your ranks :) Very satisfied to have fixed my headlights, and I couldn't have done it without the great article and all the positive enery around here -- Thanks Rich!

Posted by Sirish at April 22, 2007 07:38 PM

I can't believe I did it! I called my dealer and they charge $16 for the bulb and $65 minimum to change the bulb.I found these instructions and decided to try it myself...I am a female with absolutely NO experience in this area, and I did it myself in 5 minutes for $5.99. Thanks again.

Posted by Chris at May 25, 2007 02:45 PM

Umm, how 'bout the factory HID xenon? The outboard light on the right-hand side of my '03 Passat has gone dead. I found a couple of replacement bulbs on Ebay for "cheap" (only $35 ea.), and figured I'd replace both sides at once. But I have no idea how to get at the bulbs to replace them. The article mentioned above, with the pretty pictures, doesn't seem to apply. I've seen posts on other boards that suggest that the bumper has to be removed(!!) to access the bulbs, but that just seems TOO extreme to be true. Any ideas? Anyone done this?

Posted by Warren at June 17, 2007 02:44 PM

Wow, thought I would never find something like this online....simply the best!!! Thanks for the reference.

Posted by Dustin T at June 23, 2007 07:20 PM

Thanks a lot. I'm a total idiot and even I managed to successfully replace the bulbs after only a few minutes.

Posted by Simon R. at September 27, 2007 08:17 PM

This is absolutely beautiful...thanks ten-fold!!!

Posted by Stacy at October 28, 2007 09:48 AM

Fabulous guide, thanks.

Posted by Richard. L at November 1, 2007 09:27 AM

Thanks a lot. It seems that every index entry in the owners manual refers to a paragraph saying to take it to the dealer.

Beware that both the high beam and low beam bulb holders only go in one way. If they are upside down they won't latch, and its not obvious - especially on the high beams. I cut a 'C' shape out of a piece of 3/4" plywood to use as an installation tool in place of the spring clamps.

The light bulbs are available at Walmart. That is handy when its 9:30 on Sunday night.

Posted by Jim K at November 18, 2007 07:43 PM

Rich P rocks... awesome pdf file.

Posted by Barry at November 20, 2007 07:22 PM

As for the v.w. dealerships around the world...buck-fung-you!!! Thanks for the detail instructions. The money saved was used for a great supper out with coctails....

Posted by terry at November 22, 2007 07:33 AM

Geez, I was about to make an appt with the VW dealer until I thought "why not google the subject." The VW owner's manual says that changing bulbs in the front end of the car should be done by a VW dealer. "Drivers wanted"[so we can make money on headlamp replacements]

THANKS Rich and Mike for making this info available to all !

Posted by Gene at November 27, 2007 09:32 PM

To everyone...you are all welcome. Glad to help. More here, http://home.comcast.net/~slashpub/

I accept PayPal. ;) j/k

Posted by Rich P at December 8, 2007 02:36 PM

Thanks a million. If I ever get rid of this car I will buy something that anyone can work on. I live 2 hrs from any dealership of VW and it has really been a pain. I love my car but it is a pain.

Posted by Karen at December 17, 2007 10:56 AM

Thank you for your post and Rich P, great document!

Posted by Mark S at January 18, 2008 12:17 PM

Great post thanks for the link to the PDF

Posted by Shawn C at January 24, 2008 11:55 AM

Thanks, extremely helpful... I got the job done!

Posted by Max at January 26, 2008 12:40 PM

My N/S headlight went out as I was doing my pre work checks and I could not find the manual any where so I just Googled 'How to change headlight bulbs on a Passat' Up poppede your fantastic blog and in 25 minutes and a gashed left hand Im on the road!! Thanks buddy! If you ever come to the U.K. you get a free ride!

Posted by David the cabbie at February 2, 2008 01:29 PM

My wife thanks I'm a "headlight hero." Thanks!

Posted by David at April 22, 2008 04:19 PM

Bravo!
Bless your heart.

Posted by losboats at May 30, 2008 11:37 AM

thanks, that saved me some cash.

Posted by duncan at June 27, 2008 03:13 PM

Is there a post on instructions on how to replace the entire headlamp, encasement and all. The front plastic cover is completely sandblasetd and extremely opqaque. Cost is $245 for the entire headlight and $55 labor...$300 per side !!! yikes!!!

Posted by Renee at August 20, 2008 09:00 AM

Is there a post on instructions on how to replace the entire headlamp, encasement and all. The front plastic cover is completely sandblasetd and extremely opqaque. Cost is $245 for the entire headlight and $55 labor...$300 per side !!! yikes!!!

Posted by Renee at August 20, 2008 09:01 AM

Thank you so much for this post, it was easily found on a Google search and has seriously empowered this 25-year-old city gal who knows NOTHING about fixing her own car =)

Posted by Carolina Girl at November 20, 2008 09:09 AM

My light went out yesterday. Quick google and Lo the full works. Google is your friend in all things. Now, how does it go?..... How many Passat owners does it take to change a light bulb?

Posted by Chris at December 17, 2008 05:11 AM

So good. Thanks.

Posted by JV at January 12, 2009 09:01 PM

For some reason I am unable to get the "cover" off (on page 2 of the .pdf instructions. The plastic will break if I pull on it any harder. 2002 VW Passat driver's side low beam. Please advise.

Posted by KSW at January 13, 2009 09:00 PM

thanks! just what i was looking for.

Posted by steve b at January 28, 2009 06:24 PM

Thanks for the info. Love my passat, but hat the difficulty of replacing simple things like bulbs and the battery. There's something wrong with a car design when you have to remove the wiper arms to swap out the battery. Thanks again.

Posted by Wil at January 30, 2009 10:09 AM

Much Kudos. Thanks

Posted by SteveD at February 8, 2009 09:29 AM

I have a 2002 Wagon with the 30 Valve V6 engine - which apart from this problem is a very nice car supposedly (VW Germany) capable of 140mph plus. And recently had the same problem. The tail lights are really accessible at least in the Estate/Brake/Wagon however the access for those front lights especially the turn signals is just a 81tch. Be very careful VW must still think the Second World War is one because the wiring looms are extremely tight.
I was told that they had to pull the whole hood forward as well and that it would be at least an hour. Next time I think I will go to Little Rock instead. Thanks for this, I used "Save Target As" and downloaded the .pdf file. Good Job and muchas gracias, mi amigo!

Posted by EdtheBrit at March 21, 2009 06:04 PM

Very good. On the 2004 Passat removal of the drivers side cover (shown on page 2)is done by reaching down in front and behind (lengthwise on the car) the green filler cap. Two clips hold the cover to the stem below the filler cap. They are disconnected by putting your fingers under the lowest portion of the clip and pulling away from the cap. Be careful not to break them.

Posted by Rod at April 12, 2009 11:40 AM

Thank you so much this was perfect and helped make this job quick and easy! You Rock!!

Posted by Trudy at June 20, 2009 08:04 PM

I'm a 50 year old female, hates cars - changed the low beam bulb in my 2007 Passat in 5 minutes! Cost under $15. The instructions are the same except now it's easier - there is no casing to remove before getting to the little rubber weather cover. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the link to the picture tutorial. It was a breeze and if I can do it, anyone can.

Posted by Jeanne at July 15, 2009 05:27 PM

Just saved myself $15 by doing it myself. Thanks!

Posted by Glenn at July 27, 2009 04:49 PM

Great post.
I'm really p***ed off about the outrageous charges by VW dealerships ... example I was just quoted $850 for my 40,000 service. How utterly absurd is that! To check this, check that, top off this and top off that, change the oil, replace a filter or two and stare at a car that is a four stroke engine with 4 wheels, brakes and a steering wheel. Did the same service AND fixed a tire puncture for less than $100. All I recommend is that you keep a file to document your services for warantee purposes.
Anyway, chagning the headlights on a Passat 2007 2.0T is really easy and similar to the link provided in an earlier post: there's boot to take off (simply pull it off) right behinf the light, then the light has a toggle-like appendage to help you turn it counterclockwise (looking from the cabin to the front) then pull it out, ticckle the base of the lamp out with a knife or screw driver, put in the new (low and high the same) and do the opposite to put it back together.
$130 saved!

Posted by Adriaan at August 1, 2009 12:55 PM

Thank you very much! Extremely helpful. Not every day when you find something this applicable so quickly online!

Posted by Jeremy at August 22, 2009 03:03 PM

Yes, thank you! It was fabulously easy to replace! Now I can make $90 an hour.

Posted by Greg at October 13, 2009 07:52 PM

Wonderful directions for people who are low on cash and are resorting to having to do new things for themselves. Thank you for your support!!!
George

Posted by OutOfCash at October 15, 2009 12:39 PM

Thanks. I used this to replace the low beam on the passenger side of a 2004 Passat. The only problem was when I dropped the weather seal, and had to spend 20 minutes fishing it out with a coat hanger! Tip: Stuff a rag in the area below the light before removing the weather seal to catch it in case it falls.

Posted by George at December 12, 2009 09:34 AM

Another supremely happy person once again driving a 2 headlighted Passat thanks to this post! Too bad you don't have a "Donate" button on this page...I'd have been happy to share my saving that you enabled.

Posted by Charley at December 15, 2009 03:03 PM

Thanks! Dealer said it would be too hard to do and that I should bring it for a $40 charge. Your link helped me figure out how to remove the plastic part to get at the low bulb. $15 for a new bulb and 5 minutes later I was driving... Thanks again!

Posted by Mike at February 15, 2010 03:36 PM

Nice PDF for the low and high beam.. but how do you get that little city light (running lamp) bulb out? Tough even getting my finger tips on it. Thanks.

Posted by Don at March 11, 2010 06:04 PM

Thank you, thank you, thank you!
The world may be a decent place after all if there are people like Rich P. that spend their time and effort to document these mandane repairs in such a comprehensive manner for the rest of us
struggling fools to have an easy time of it. Let's not forget the compassionate gesture of Mike to pass this along and make the day a little bit brighter for the rest of us. You guys rock!

Posted by Kurt P at April 13, 2010 05:50 PM

Thank you, I'm going to tey it on my 2002 passat. My father and husband looked at it and had no idea what to do. Cross our fingers

Posted by Sybil at April 25, 2010 07:43 AM

That was great! you the best!

Posted by Bob at May 12, 2010 09:20 AM

The procedure is the EXACT same for a 2004 VW Passat 1.8L turbo. I have about 66000mi on my passat, and both headlights went out at almost exactly the same time. At first I thought I blew a fuse, but turns out it was just both blown bulbs.

This change took about 10 minutes. Definitely do not waste your time paying for someone to do this for you.

Posted by SurfCharleston at June 13, 2010 08:47 AM