Replacing headlamps?

[scolymia]

I need to replace the driver side light bulb on a 2002 2.0 and was wondering if the lens is supposed to come off when removing the headlight assembly? Just read some of the other posts and wanted to know before I go in and start breaking stuff.

Thanks!

[DZLBUG]

There is a how-to somewhere around here. The entire housing comes out of the car, and you remove the black cover from the backside. The lens stays put.

[Ol' Timer]

Originally Posted by scolymia

I need to replace the driver side light bulb on a 2002 2.0 and was wondering if the lens is supposed to come off when removing the headlight assembly? Just read some of the other posts and wanted to know before I go in and start breaking stuff.

Thanks!

YIKES!!! Put down the hammer!!! The lens does NOT come off. The headlight comes out as one big assembly. There are step-by-step instructions in the "Tech How To" section but the pictures are AWOL at this time.

"How To" replace your head light bulbs.


There are some pictures here to help you.
http://www.cindyli.com/index.php/sit...t_replacement/

Try not to break anything. Good Luck!

[scolymia]

Thanks for the info!

[AbuNigel]

Want to change headlight bulb...but..
help

[Bobster]

I just changed the low beam headlight driver side of a 2001 new beetle (was my sister's car and is now my daughter's car). The scenario went this way - my daughter told me the light was out so I picked up the low beam bulb at an outomotive place ( Canadian Tire) and then looked inside the hood quickly realizing it was not like bulbs on a North American car. I went to the dealer he said to lift a lever and slide assembly out or pay him $40. I am cheap so I looked inside the hood again and was not sure about the lever or removing the battery. I then found instructions on your site (a PDF file) which showed pictures and steps including the step about pressing the button before lifting the lever ( the dealer did not mention the button). It was difficult getting the lever to slide up the last quarter inch but by jiggling the assemby which was out about 3/4 of an inch and pulling the lever it finally slid all the way up. Then the assembly pulled out easily and all else went smoothly. I did not have any silicone grease at home to put on the guides and the lever assembly so I put it back together as is. I may get some grease remove assemblies on both sides and lubricate them to make it easier if required in the future. Many thanks to all the posts on this topic. I am sure I will return for future tips.
Bob

[LaurenAshley]

I am trying to remove my headlight from my 2000 vw new beetle. I have the whole headlight removed from my car. and I have the black backing off. the spring removed. I have the old light bulb exposed. It seems to be stuck in the wire casing thing. I cannot pull it out. any suggestion to prying it out?!

[Ol' Timer]

OK, try this. Get a pair of Needle Nose Pliers and clamp it around the end of wiring spade that the bulb plugs into. Be careful NOT to clamp the pliers around the bare wire itself. Wear a light glove to protect your hand and the bulb (you should never handle these bulbs bare handed), and PULL!!! It should pull out. After you install the new bulb and button the headlight assembly back up, clean all the slides with a cloth to get all the dirt and stuff from the plastic slides. I'm not a big fan of "greasing" the slides because it just attracts more crap that might make the next removal difficult. But your results may vary. Also, if you feel adventurous, it might be a good time to replace the OTHER headlamp bulb since they usually last about the same time. Good Luck.