Driver's Side Headlight

[kellyyysayss]

So the past two days I've been abusing my beetle.

What I mean is, my driver's headlight went out randomly. I bought two bulbs, in means to take care of this simple, frustrating issue. Whilst in frustrated stage, I smacked my beetle's headlight...and it started working again.

I've had to do it here and there for the past two days. I figured the filament in the bulb is deformed, or it's loose, something simple like that.

I look into the issue more...I can't use my high beams. I can flash them, but I can't keep them on.

I'd love to inspect the headlight but it is hidden behind the battery box, and all that good stuff.

Anyone want to diagnose this? I believe I need new headlights anyway. I have to put in fog lights...so I might as well go at it.

[Wingnut_rb]

sounds like a connection problem. Try bending the metal tabs inside the connector behind the headlight in order to make a better contact with each other, also put some dielectric grease in it to protect from corrosion.

[Cwgrltinkerbell21]

I had to change my headlights 3 weeks ago. the drivers side is the easiest... as far as you can go there is a little lifter handle. lift that up and jiggle the whole assembly out. be carefull not to pull the seals off or u will need a replacement.. new one is about 500$... get the assembly out and disconnect all the plugs, i think 2... then the spot where the bulb goes has a clip, flip that over and it should come out. DO NOT touch buld, use a microfiber cloth, replace bulb, flip clip and do what you just did but in reverse... headlight should work if you did it correctly. Good luck...

[cep]

Originally Posted by Cwgrltinkerbell21

I be carefull not to pull the seals off or u will need a replacement.. new one is about 500$...

I just had to buy a new RH headlight assy for our '02. It cost $189 delivered from AutoHausAZ.

BTW, I still have the old one. The lens popped off of it but the internals are probably still good. If you need sockets, wires, etc. let me know.

[kellyyysayss]

Originally Posted by cep

I just had to buy a new RH headlight assy for our '02. It cost $189 delivered from AutoHausAZ.

BTW, I still have the old one. The lens popped off of it but the internals are probably still good. If you need sockets, wires, etc. let me know.

I'll keep you posted. Gonna have a look at it in my garage tomorrow. I appreciate it.

Every time I hit it it starts working again so I really don't know what's up.

[NewBeetleMechanic]

Originally Posted by kellyyysayss

I'll keep you posted. Gonna have a look at it in my garage tomorrow. I appreciate it.

Every time I hit it it starts working again so I really don't know what's up.

The connector at the back of the light is to blame. If you do not get it repaired it has a very good chance of melting the connector and shorting out the wiring.


My suggestion is to remove the head light and remove this plastic.



When you remove this plastic the female end will not have a mounting base so once you mount the light you will then have to plug it in from the underside of the fender. Someone else mentioned using die-electric greese, its a very cheap insurance policy.

[cep]

I believer her Beetle is an '00...it doesn't have that style of headlamp assembly.

It does sound like the connection is bad, though, if bumping it makes the light come on. I would remove the headlight and check to make sure the connector is pushed on all the way.

[NewBeetleMechanic]

Originally Posted by cep

I believe her Beetle is an '00...it doesn't have that style of headlamp assembly.

It does sound like the connection is bad, though, if bumping it makes the light come on. I would remove the headlight and check to make sure the connector is pushed on all the way.

Your right.

[kellyyysayss]

Guess I abused it three or four times that day. Haven't had a problem with the headlight or having my high beams on.

*shrugs* I'll be doing bulbs or HID conversion soon anyway.

[Wingnut_rb]

Originally Posted by kellyyysayss

Guess I abused it three or four times that day. Haven't had a problem with the headlight or having my high beams on.

*shrugs* I'll be doing bulbs or HID conversion soon anyway.

I guess you "whipped" that one into shape eh?

[kellyyysayss]

Originally Posted by Wingnut_rb

I guess you "whipped" that one into shape eh?

Yes, I believe so!