reverse lights?

[300exoh]

My reverse lights on the 99 NB aren't working and I would like to check the bulbs first. I searched but didn't come up with anything helpful. How do I check/replace the bulbs? Do I have to remove the housing from the bumper cover or can I twist the plug to remove the bulb? Both rear lights aren't working so I suspect the switch but I would like to check the bulbs/fuse first.

Also where is the reverse switch located? I know it is on the trans but I'm not sure where to look. I'm hoping it is easy to access...

Thanks in advance for any help.

[IndyTom]

Working from inside the rear bumper, remove the 2 retaining nuts on the back of the light. Remove light from bumper (pull it out). To remove the bulb, turn bulb holder counterclockwise and pull out from housing. Change bulb and reverse for installation.

A bit of a warning. The mounting studs and nuts get very rusty in there and they may be difficult to remove. Soak a papertowel with some Deep Creep or similar solvent and try and rub some on the small bolt and stud to loosen the rust. Then remove nut with a socket wrench or adjustable wrench. Pull out light and change bulb. Did you check the fuse ? Not sure on the 2007 model but on my 2000 the fuse location is Number 7 and takes a 10amp fuse for the backup lights. Just open the fuse panel and check the location and the fuse.

[300exoh]

Thanks IndyTom. I haven't checked the fuse yet. I was missing the card that tells what the fuses are. I have a printout of the fuse locations now so I will check that first. I'm hoping it's a fuse of the bulbs but I have rarely seen both bulbs go at once. They weren't working when I got the car so who knows. Thanks for the tip with the solvent. They did look a bit rusty when I was under there.

Does the wiring just unplug or do I even have to disconnect it?

BTW- This is for my 99 not the 07.

[Supercharged98]

It's most likely the switch. A common problem on the early NBs. It's mounted under the battery on top of the tranny. It's black, the size of a D cell battery. It's has two mounting screws and a plug onthe side. They're fairly cheap. They changed the switch in the 2000 models, so don't get the wrong one.
Mine will be here today in the mail.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by 300exoh

Thanks IndyTom. I haven't checked the fuse yet. I was missing the card that tells what the fuses are. I have a printout of the fuse locations now so I will check that first. I'm hoping it's a fuse of the bulbs but I have rarely seen both bulbs go at once. They weren't working when I got the car so who knows. Thanks for the tip with the solvent. They did look a bit rusty when I was under there.

Does the wiring just unplug or do I even have to disconnect it?

BTW- This is for my 99 not the 07.

I don't think you need to disconnect the wiring. Just unscrew the bulb holder and pop in a new bulb.
Here is a Fuse diagram. Should be very similar on your 99.

[IndyTom]

Volkswagen New Beetle 2.0 > Lighting > Switches > ES#1895215 Back-Up Light Switch - Bolt In Style - 02A945413C

http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-...Switch/ES5412/

If it is your switch make sure you order the correct one. Check your VIN # to be sure. They spilt sometime in 1999.

[300exoh]

According to my vin I have the later version switch(screw in type) instead of the bolt on. I checked the fuse last night while on a break at work and it's good so it's on to check the bulbs next. Is the switch easy to get to? Do I have to remove the battery? I'm hoping it isn't a 2 hour job to replace a $15 part...

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by 300exoh

According to my vin I have the later version switch(screw in type) instead of the bolt on. I checked the fuse last night while on a break at work and it's good so it's on to check the bulbs next. Is the switch easy to get to? Do I have to remove the battery? I'm hoping it isn't a 2 hour job to replace a $15 part...

I believe you do need to remove the battery and your airbox in order to get full access to the switch. They don't make it easy with these Beetle's Just be grateful it is a $15.00 part. Of course if the dealer installs it then it becomes a 300 Dollar Part really quick

[300exoh]

Originally Posted by IndyTom

I believe you do need to remove the battery and your airbox in order to get full access to the switch. They don't make it easy with these Beetle's Just be grateful it is a $15.00 part. Of course if the dealer installs it then it becomes a 300 Dollar Part really quick

lol. Yeah a $15 part can be costly if replced by the dealer...which is why I avoid them at all cost. Actually I was able to get at the switch without removing the battery or airbox. I don't have the OE battery box so that may be why. I checked the bulbs and they were good as new so...

I decided to check under the hood and and make sure the wiring was okay and low and behold the wires weren't even connected. They were dangling there with bare ends and no plug. So...I pulled the switch out to see what kind of plug it takes in hopes to match it up with something. I ended up using 2 small spade connectors crimped onto the wires to be able to hook it back up. I plugged the wires back into the switch and bolted it back on the trans and everything works like new again.

I couldn't be happier. Thanks for the help...this forum ROCKS!!!

Next project...to install the wiring for the amp/sub

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by 300exoh

lol. Yeah a $15 part can be costly if replced by the dealer...which is why I avoid them at all cost. Actually I was able to get at the switch without removing the battery or airbox. I don't have the OE battery box so that may be why. I checked the bulbs and they were good as new so...

I decided to check under the hood and and make sure the wiring was okay and low and behold the wires weren't even connected. They were dangling there with bare ends and no plug. So...I pulled the switch out to see what kind of plug it takes in hopes to match it up with something. I ended up using 2 small spade connectors crimped onto the wires to be able to hook it back up. I plugged the wires back into the switch and bolted it back on the trans and everything works like new again.

I couldn't be happier. Thanks for the help...this forum ROCKS!!!

Next project...to install the wiring for the amp/sub

Congrats on a Job well done! A little ingenuity goes a Long way!

Hey, when you are done with your sub, come on over to Indy and you can hook up one for me

[300exoh]

Originally Posted by IndyTom

Congrats on a Job well done! A little ingenuity goes a Long way!

Hey, when you are done with your sub, come on over to Indy and you can hook up one for me

Haha thanks man. Some of my car knowledge payed off for once. lol

Whew...thats a long drive. I may be going to visit family/friends in ohio in a couple months if you want to meet me there