My driver side headlight went out but brights work on both

[MichelleRoze]

So I was driving home in the rain just like 10 mins ago and when I pulled in the driveway, I noticed that my lights were not as bright as normal. My driver side headlight went out, but when I turn on the brights they are both on. Now I've been having some slight "electrical issues" with the driver side marker/blinker light on my car as well. Can I just hope this is the same issue? If not, how hard is it to replace a bulb in the driver side headlight? Or would I be better off getting all new headlights? I'd been thinking about new headlights anyway because mine are kinda clouded and not as sharp as new. Is it worth it, or should I just change the bulb?? I'm sure this question has been asked many times...

[HeatherBug]

My passanger side headlight just went out this past weekend and I went ahead and replaced both bulbs. It cost me 40 dollars because I got the Sylvania Silverstar H1 bulbs. They're about 10 dollars more than regular ones. You don't see a HUGE difference but you can definitely tell they are brighter.

Mine was the same as yours, the DRL wasn't working and the low beams weren't working but the high beam was... it's different bulbs.

It's not that hard changing the bulb but it can be quiet annoying because you have to take the entire headlight out, there is a panel on the back that you have to remove and you will see where the bulb is. The tricky part is, getting the headlight back in. There is a diagram attached on how to replace them.

[MichelleRoze]

So you don't have to take the bumper off? I've always been told that the bumper has to come off for pretty much every repair you do on the beetle. That seemed a bit extreme to me, but I had no idea. Well that's cool...so since I'm taking the headlights out anyway, is there a way to polish the lights so they don't look so dull and kinda yellow? Or does that just require new headlights? Thanks for the info. I'm gonna leave here shortly and see if the headlight is still out or if it was just a short.

[LadybugEwa]

Michelle, there are 2 light bulbs in each headlight. One for the lowbeams, and one for the highbeams. Your lowbeam light bulb's blown. It's actually easier to access than the highbeam one, which is placed deeper in the casing.

[HarlequinPixie]

Originally Posted by MichelleRoze

Well that's cool...so since I'm taking the headlights out anyway, is there a way to polish the lights so they don't look so dull and kinda yellow? Or does that just require new headlights?

the silverstar H1 bulbs help with the yellow,to.. they're a much whiter light than the standard H1

[Deserion]

Silverstar's are crap for longevity. Seriously. They last a few months and then blow. Not worth $20 a pop. The stock halogens have lasted far longer.

Also, check the fuses. One went out on the TDI and gave the impression of a bad bulb.

[LadybugEwa]

Originally Posted by Deserion

Silverstar's are crap for longevity. Seriously. They last a few months and then blow. Not worth $20 a pop.

[MichelleRoze]

so, stick with stock then? I can do that. But I can take the seating for the lights out and clean the plastic/glass part of the headlight casing? You know how when headlights (not the bulbs) get old and turn kinda cloudy and yellow? That's what I want to fix. Make it clear and shine like the rest of the car. Can I fix that?

[HarlequinPixie]

i've seen a polishing kit for headlights at autozone.. that should pretty much do it.