Replacing Eye Level Brake Light

[VWBubba]

This one is a piece of cake:

Tools: 1 x medium cross point and 1 x thin flathead screw driver.

Open the tailgate/boot lid, on the inside cover left and right of the catch you will see two hand grips that you use when closing the boot, inside each one of these is a cross head screw securing the cover. After removing the screws, squeeze your finger tips under the edge and using your thumb against the metal rim, gently pull the panel out of the locking clips. DO NOT do this on the back/top edge as here it is secured by two prongs that locate into the frame. Once you have released the locking clips, push the cover up and away from you to release the prongs.

Once the cover is removed you will see the back of the brake light, there are three cross head screws holding it in place, remove the screws. You will also see there are four (two top and two bottom) locking clips on the light unit, they are small and hard to see. Using the flat screwdriver, gently push in the two bottom clips and the light will release.



To release the harness squeeze BOTH sides of the harness plug.

When fitting the new light you will notice there is a slot to locate the harness, forget it !! The sheathing on the loom is way to big to allow it to go in and you will break it trying.

Now here's the thing, the three retaining screws you removed to get the light out are as much use as a chocolate tea pot. The light unit has a hinged, spring loaded bracket that these screws go into and in my case, this plastic fantastic bracket was broken off so the screws did nothing anyway. The lamp is held in by the retaining clips you released with the flathead screwdriver, these clips keep it in place and tighten the weather seal, the three screws DO NOT pull the lamp down.

Clean around the edge of the hole to make sure the new light has a water tight seal. Connect the harness and as you locate the lamp, make sure the harness is fed back so not to trap it. Insert the top of the light first, making sure the clips are under the metal, gently apply even pressure with the heel of your hand to the bottom of the light and you will here it click into place. Do not push down on the ends as this may cause the light to snap in the center !!

The black plastic bracket should now be located ready for the three screws, you may need an awl to get them directly over the hole. Remember that this bracket is spring loaded so pushing hard with the screw only moves it away from you. Put the screws in one at a time but do not tighten until you have the last one in as this allows the bracket to move so you can locate the holes. Tighten the screws and there you have it, new light fitted

One thing to note while the cover is off:

You will see the black plastic ram/plunger that opens the lid. I was having problems with the lid not locking down and found the only way was to lock it with the key, then close it. I found this was because once opened, the white plastic 'Y' piece that sits on the plunger was sticking and not allowing the lock to return, a little spray of white grease and the lid closes smoother than silk.

When replacing the cover, locate the top prongs into the holes and by inserting your thumbs into the 'handles', hook your fingers over the lid and pull the cover back, check the locating clips are in the right position then push on them to lock in, replace the screws in the handles and job done