Two questions: brake light out and power outlets not working

[ladytonya]

Okay, I realize these are probably unrelated but I didn't want to start two different threads. Sorry if that makes this confusing, but it shouldn't. Anyway, here goes:

1. One of my brake lights is out. I looked in the trunk and I see the round panels that are behind the two tail lights. How hard of a change is this? I tried changing my headlight and ended up taking it to the dealership in frustration. Autozone, which has helped me with simple stuff like this in the past, wouldn't touch the headlight. Said Beetle are a PITA and they won't touch them. Anyway, is the brake light easier than the headlight, or should I just go ahead and take it somewhere to be done? Also, if it is easy enough to tackle myself, should I just go ahead and replace all the lights while I'm in there? If so, what do I need to buy before removing the assembly?

2. The power outlets in the front of my car (center console under the arm rest and under the temp controls behind the cup holders) stopped working. The outlet in the trunk works fine. Does this sound like a fuse or has something somewhere come unplugged? If it is a fuse, which one? The diagram was confusing to me.

Thanks for any help anyone can give with these two issues!

[Smileybug]

I'd actually like to know about the brake light change myself. One of mine is out too.

[ladytonya]

So you have to remove the whole tail light assembly to change a bulb just like you were changing the whole assembly? That how-to was for completely removing the factory tail light and replacing it. I just need to replace the brake light.

[MichelleRoze]

changing the tail light bulb is cake. Just take out the assembly and unscrew the bulb, and replace. Easy! Headlights are easy too...just take some strength and skill. There are several little maintanence and repair things that you don't need anyone else to do for you. Can you make it to the GA GTG Tonya? I could show you how to do both. As far as the outlets, that kinda sounds like a fuse issue. As to which one...i have no clue lol

[ladytonya]

Thanks, Michelle! Unfortunately I can't make that GTG The Hubby and I already have plans that weekend for our anniversary. Our 9th anniversary is June 24! I made the mistake of paying the dealership to do the headlight because I had been told twice, once by local sheriff's department and once by Highway Patrol, that I needed to get it done asap. Kinda made me mad since I see people driving around all the time with one or another light out on their vehicles. Anyway, I got robbed on a light change once! Not going back there again!

As for the fuse, I was very proud of myself for finding the fuses! LOL! That diagram is somewhat confusing. Some of the little pictures are self-explanatory, but some of them look like you have to have the owner's manual to decipher. Unfortunately, in addition to only coming with one key fob Bullet did not come with an owner's manual.

[MichelleRoze]

I don't think the fuse diagram is in the owners manual either. Most the owners manual says is "see a certified VW dealer for repair" or something like that. This information is from the Bentley Manual probably. Which you can purchase. I don't have the link for it, but I'm sure somewhere here does. They aren't cheap, but I hear they will tell you everything you ever need to know about the car, with simple easy instructions and illistrations. I need to get myself one too.

Yeah I've been hosed on some headlight changes too! But live and learn right? Once you know how to do it yourself, you'll feel awesome and when people say, "it must be difficult to do ____" You can say "Nope, I do that myself. It's fairly simple".

Good luck! Always check the How-To section of the org. It has TONS of ways to fix things without blowing a bunch of money, and the pictures are ALWAYS helpful!

[Smileybug]

yeah the Bently has all the wiring and fuse diagrams. Its a great investment. It helps you out with any repair, big or small. Between having a Bently and coming to the Org, you can really save yourself a ton of money.

[HarlequinPixie]

there's the fuses, with handy words instead of confusing pictures.

Tail light bulb is way easier than changing the headlight, definitely .

[ladytonya]

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!! That diagram is what I needed to see! I still need to get new fuse so I can see if this is the problem. I'll definitely be looking at that if this car is still mine in the next few days. I may be trading him in, but we'll see......

[ladytonya]

Okay, this may or may not be a stupid question. I have finally had 5 minutes to print off this diagram and read it. No. 41 says "Cigarette Lighter/12V Power Outlets". I'm wondering of this controls all the outlets, the two in the front plus the on in the trunk. The outlet in the trunk works (I just figured out last night). Neither of the ones in the front work. I'm confused.

[MichelleRoze]

I would think it would control all of them. I would replace the fuse and see what happens.

Any news on the possible trade?