The Adventures of Cindy Li
VW Beetle: Tail Light Bulb Replacement
April 26 , 2006 108 comments
I love the web! You can find anything!
I got a bit frustrated when my VW Beetle manual said bring to the car to the dealership to have a bulb replaced so that’s how this all started.
I found this: ”How to replace your tail light bulb.”
I retyped it because it was in all caps, so it was hard to read. What a great post and added some additional tips! Thanks angelhdz!
Things you will need
- Gloves or a towel
- butter knife or a flat screwdriver
- new tail light bulb (7528 Sylvania)
- patience
Optional
If you want to further your knowledge on your VW beetle. I bought this book to help guide me along. It has some tips and its a nice reference to have.
Tip#1:
Use gloves, so you do not touch the tail light bulb. Plus its easier to grip the tail light bulb. The grease/oil from your hands, even if you just washed, it will make the bulb burn out faster.
Let's get started
Remove the cover (it's round) from the inside of your trunk.
Use a butter knife or flat screwdriver to leverage it out. There is a notch on one side so you can slip the butterknife/flat head screwdriver in to pop it out.
When you take that part off, there will be a black knob that needs to be unscrewed totally to release the back light casing.
Next
Along the rear fenders where the lights are, there are two gaps. The inside gap (nearest hatch back door), is a release tab/clip on the light inside between the gaps.
Insert a butter knife or something slim and pull out the casing (don't be afraid, and it take a little force to pull it out).
And then....
After you pull out the casing, you'll find two light switches (one is for the turn signal, and the other is for your brake light).
Turn the light switch counter clockwise (assuming it's hanging upside down) and remove.
Switch it out
Switch the tail light bulb with new one (Advance Auto Parts: $4.17)
There are little dots on the bottom of the bulb that need to be in the right place. You will notice that one is higher than the other. They need to be in the right slot otherwise you will be cursing yourself when it doesn't rotate.
Put it in reverse
Replace everything back as you uninstalled it.
Tip#2:
It is recommended to replace all the tail light bulbs, that way you don't have to do it again later when they go out. It'll save you lots of time... which we never have enough of and you have the extra bulb just sitting there waiting.
Additional Posts about VW Beetle Lights
If you are looking for how to change out your VW Beetle Third Brake Light or replacing your VW Beetle Headlight. Please don't ask me about any additional VW Beetle fix it questions. I only post what I have done. It keeps me out of trouble. I am not a mechanic. Thank you!
Like the tip?
Leave a tip :)
Mon Jul 10, 2006 at 09.36 pm
Mike Schichtel
Thank You Thank you, I like you was so frustrated when it stated to go to your dealerto replace a bulb. I searched and searched for someone that could guide me like you did and amazingly I replaced it (using your precise directions) in about 30 seconds, where as if I would have taken it to the dealer it would have been at least 30 Bucks. Thank you so much for sharing.
Mike
Mon Jul 10, 2006 at 09.59 pm
Cindy
Glad I could help! This is exactly why I created this. I hate paying for something I can do myself. :)
Sun Jul 16, 2006 at 02.01 pm
jami hicks
THANK YOU!!!!!!!! I KNEW IT WON’T BE THAT HARD BUT YOU MADE IT THAT MUCH EASIER AND YES IT WAS EVEN DONE BY A GIRL!!!! YOU ROCK!!!!!
Wed Jul 19, 2006 at 04.42 pm
LeeAnn
Thank you for posting this! I’m going to try it tonight and hopefully I’ll be able to put it all back together. You are a rock star!
Fri Jul 21, 2006 at 10.42 pm
Bradley
Thank you very much for sharing such a hidden little fix. Seems VW doesnt want you to know how to replace your own bulbs. I dont think thats very nice. My girlfriend is from Thailand and she took the beattle to a mechanic and he charged her 60 dollars to replace the front head light, doesnt that seem a little eccessive, I think so.
Again, I want to express my appreciation for sharing the bulb replacment information
Sincerley, Bradley, Olympia, WA
Wed Jul 26, 2006 at 08.58 pm
Micheline Goulart
Thank you sooooooo much! It only took about 2 minutes to do it with your instructions, it was incredibly helpful!
Thu Aug 10, 2006 at 04.59 pm
Cori
I can’t seem to locate the “release tab/clip on the light inside between the gaps”. What does it look like? I actually can’t seem to find anything in between the gaps. Any suggestions? My fiance looked too, and he can’t find it either. :( I thought this would be easy after figuring out how to change the headlight…
Thanks.
Thu Aug 10, 2006 at 06.06 pm
Cindy
I realized I never put the full size link to flickr for the replacement. Hope that helps.
Sun Aug 13, 2006 at 08.30 pm
angela
thank you soo much ... your instructions were very clear..!! and it took with in 10 mins to change both lights!! thankz again
Sat Sep 2, 2006 at 03.39 pm
Andrew J Brignoli
I too was upset to see “Bring it to your VW Dealer” in the owners manual of my 2005 Bug. Looked in vain for a maintenance manual. Couldn’t find one that referenced anything past a 2000 Bug.
Your instructions were right on the mark. It took me literally 5 minutes to change the bulb following your instructions.
Thanks.
Sun Sep 3, 2006 at 06.33 pm
Elise
Your entry saved my sanity! I just moved to Philadelphia to start law school and came back home for the weekend to relax before classes started. While I was home, I had my car serviced for 85,000 miles. Anyway, this afternoon I was about to get on 95 to head back north and got pulled over. Needless to say I had a freak out because I hate cops and was also on edge about going to law school. After getting a repair order and driving back to my parents’ to collect myself, I went and bought the bulbs to see if I could figure out how to fix it myself. Then a friend of mine googled and found your blog entry. Thanks, I did it in about 5 minutes and impressed my whole neighborhood. GO LADYBUGS!
Wed Sep 27, 2006 at 03.01 pm
tami stewart
thanks! I was so surprised when my first attmept went like, “hey , now what? Where’s the bulb?” haha.
Now I am confident I can do this myself~off to Kragens for my new bulbs!
Thu Oct 12, 2006 at 05.55 pm
bill watson
Another happy tail light changer! Thanks so much for this info and your pictures - you were an indispensable help! And we will enjoy the $50 savings!
Sat Oct 21, 2006 at 01.36 pm
Brad
Worked for me, too. Thanks for the tip! Aren’t Beetles supposed to be user friendly?
Sat Oct 28, 2006 at 08.50 pm
Peggi
You saved my night! I’m going to a party tonight and was afraid to get pulled over for my brake light - now I am worry-free. Thank you so much!
Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 06.41 pm
tideliar
...and another happy camper. You’re the #1 google hit for this! Thanks for saving me money & more grey hair.
Sun Nov 5, 2006 at 08.27 pm
lydia
Thanks so much for your help! You saved me 35 dollars
Sat Nov 11, 2006 at 12.49 pm
wayne
thanks so much for this info. I’ve been paying to have my brake lights replaced since I’ve purchased my beetle only because the book said it was best. this job took me 10 minutes after reading your how to do it from your site.
thanks so much,
wayne
Wed Nov 15, 2006 at 12.23 am
Ken Kelly
I love my 2002 bug, but hate the rip-off prices for service at the VW dealer.
I figure you just saved me $50 with your simple 1-2-3 steps on rear bulb replacement. It was a piece of cake!
Many thanks,
Ken Kelly
Thu Nov 16, 2006 at 11.42 pm
Darryl
Thanks for providing the information about the trick that gets the tail light lens cover off the car. I figured something else was holding the tail light assembly to the car but could not figure out what is was on my own. Thanks for mentioning the clip at the joint of the body panels. Every time I work on something simple on that 2000 VW beetle, I break something else because the manual tells you nothing about simple maintenance. Seems that there is a conspiracy at Volkswagen to continually keep its hands on my wallet.
Mon Nov 27, 2006 at 08.56 pm
Ducky
Thanks a million! I am another person that successfuly replaced their brake lights thanks to your tips.
Maybe add a note to the section where you unscrew the knob to be sure not to drop the knob. I dropped the knob and it took me like 5 mins to try to find it inside the trough of the car.
Now I can spend the money I saved on dinner with the GF!
Tue Nov 28, 2006 at 08.11 pm
richard bray
Your website has been very helpful.
My brother purchased a VW Beetle convertible in 2006. Recently the taillight went out. After numerous attempts and calls to the VW dealer he ask me to go on the net. Thank you. The only difference on his is that the round disk to be removed in the trunk is a three inch grill work.
Tue Nov 28, 2006 at 11.51 pm
Cindy
Thanks for posting that tip. I’m sure someone will find that useful.
Fri Dec 1, 2006 at 03.55 am
10VWBobby
Hi Cindi,
You did a great job of explaining the
process. It is becoming harder and harder to access all vehicles for minor maintenance. (What a surprise).
In addition to their hourly rate you get to pay 3 prices for the replace-
ment bulb they install for you! The
owner’s manual doesn’t even list the
specifications for the bulbs used in
the vehicle. Thanks again, Bobby
Sun Dec 3, 2006 at 05.58 pm
Chela
Hey thanks so MuCh!>..
But I tried changing the light bulb
and my lights just dont seem to work.
I followed all the instructions…
Any tips?...
Might it be a fuse?..
Tue Dec 5, 2006 at 01.09 pm
Cindy
Chela.. I haven’t run into changing a fuse yet. Sorry.
Sun Dec 10, 2006 at 03.48 pm
Jeff Norris
Thanks Cindy
I knew that was how I wanted to access the tail light, but I was frustrated by VW’s oweners manuel. I was worried about breaking something that was going to cost me an arm and a leg to replace if I just yanked and pried. Completed the mission in 2 minutes after reading your how-to.
Thanks again
Jeff
Thu Dec 14, 2006 at 06.43 pm
Antonio Pachamoro
Thank you very much . My dealership wanted to charge me for 1h labor + parts ( About $ 115.00 ). Now if you could tip me how to change my window regulators ( They only last 3 years , I’ve gotten’em changed each side twice ), they only cost $ 25.00 , but labor is $250.00 + ; there should be a recall on them .....and on the window switches .
Thu Dec 14, 2006 at 11.05 pm
Cindy Li
Antonio,
I looked it up in the book (that is listed on the optional section of the page) and it has directions on how to remove the door “57-14"and refers to the “window regulators” on section 57-18.
It has pictures of where its located and the directions is to fastened to assembly carrier from the back with bolt.
Fri Dec 15, 2006 at 08.05 pm
Gary
Thanks, Cindy, for the great info. We just cracked the tail light cover on our 2002 Beetle. Any suggestions how to replace that and where to get a new lens cover? Thanks.
Fri Dec 15, 2006 at 10.11 pm
Cindy
Use the same steps to undo the light. The lens cover is called a “taillight housing”.
I’m not sure how to remove it from the rest of the backing. I haven’t taken apart that on my car. I’ve only been posting things that I’ve had to do. My best guess is to get a screwdriver and start unscrewing the screws on the back of the taillight.For a replacement:your best bet to get a new part would be the VW parts department. Since its a special part and not a generic part. That’s the price of getting a VW beetle unfortunately.Good luck!
Wed Dec 20, 2006 at 11.54 pm
Mark
I am willing to walk for a mile if I don’t have to pay to park. You know I wanted this info!
Thanks
Thu Dec 21, 2006 at 02.03 pm
Lindsey
Thank you! You saved me $65 that the dealership wanted to charge me! I have a 2005 Beetle and I think I have just about replaced every single light or blinker on that damn car. I must have a lemon beetle with all the headlight, taillight, blinker lights that I have had to replace!! Once again thank you!!!
Tue Dec 26, 2006 at 07.51 pm
Lonnie Bedell
Add another to the thankful chorus. Thanks a million!
Lonnie
Thu Jan 25, 2007 at 08.38 pm
Brian Warren
Cindy,
You are a sweetheart! Thank you for posting this information. Your information was so helpful.
Thu Feb 1, 2007 at 03.16 pm
Shawn
I am going to try this on my wife’s 2005 this evening. The only step I don’t fully understand is “The inside gap (nearest hatch back door), is a release tab/clip on the light inside between the gaps.
Insert a butter knife or something slim and pull out the casing (don’t be afraid, and it take a little force to pull it out).” Does this mean to simply insert and pry out, or do I need to slide the knife around the light?
Thu Feb 1, 2007 at 03.29 pm
Shawn
Sorry, one more thing. I just realized that the tail light works. However, once the break peddle is pressed neither the tail light nor the break light work. Is the tail light buld different from the break light bulb?
Thu Feb 1, 2007 at 04.36 pm
Cindy
It is to pop it out.
Tue Feb 13, 2007 at 09.27 pm
jen
any ideas for a front blinker??? :)
Thu Feb 15, 2007 at 09.15 am
Shawn
OK, the bulb replacement went fine, but I’ve since discovered a “new” problem. When the headlights are on the break light doesn’t work, and when the headlights are off, it its much dimmer than the other break light. Does anyone know a solution to this problem, or what might be causing it?
Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 04.24 am
maria
I need help with replacing a headlight bulb in my daughter’s 2002 vw beetle, do you have any suggestions??
Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 04.35 am
Cindy
Try the other post for headlight replacement
Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 09.17 pm
Steven
Thanks so much for the posting, I too was relieved that changint the tail light was something I could handle myself. I was becoming frustrated trying to figure it out on my own. Thank you for the helpful information!
Tue Mar 20, 2007 at 09.16 am
Cortney
If only I had found this sight 24 hours ago! As I write this, my beetle is at a repair shop(the third one I called - the first two wouldn’t do it!) awaiting a new bulb...and costing my at least $40!
Mon Mar 26, 2007 at 05.19 pm
Lori
we just replaced the front headlight and now the blinkers arent working. I cant find a flasher anywhere and the fuses are fine. Does anyone know a cheap fix because VW dealer is too much! 2001 VW bettle. Thanks
Wed Mar 28, 2007 at 03.46 pm
Tracy
THANK YOU!!! I can’t believe how easy you made this for me! The instructions were so great, including the photos. I would have given up for fear of breaking something and ending up at the dealer with more than just a burnt out bulb!
Wed Mar 28, 2007 at 06.53 pm
Mavis
Awesome! Thanks so much. I went to Schucks last night, bought the bulbs and got home before reading that stupid clause in the manual. My boyfriend tried to persuade me just to take it in. But… today I came across this page and I can’t wait to go home and try this tonight! Girl Power!
Thu Apr 5, 2007 at 08.53 am
Shellee
will the volswagen service manual help with a 2003 new beetle too??? Also i was wondering if these instructions were for changing a brake light too???? Is a brake light the smae as a tail light?
Thu Apr 5, 2007 at 11.17 am
Cindy
Sheliee, you will have to check it out on Amazon’s listing. As far as the brake light (the one on the trunk) Third Brake Light
Fri Apr 6, 2007 at 01.23 am
Shawn P
One comment to the Beetle taillight change chain stated
“Thu Feb 1, 2007 at 03.29 pm
Shawn
I just realized that the tail light works. However, once the break peddle is pressed neither the tail light nor the break light work. Is the tail light buld different from the break light bulb?
I am having this exact problem. How can I get in touch with the previous posting individual in the thread to see how this was resolved?
Tue Apr 10, 2007 at 10.25 am
Shawn
Shawn P - My problem turned out to be the socket the bulb plugs into. Once it was replaced, everything worked fine. Hope this helps
Tue Apr 10, 2007 at 12.14 pm
Lorelei Rivera
I cant seem to find the release switch/clip. What does it look like?
Thu Apr 12, 2007 at 12.12 pm
Jim
I had some trouble finding the release tab/clip, but managed to find it after a little struggle. It is literally under the seam of the two joining sheets. The shape of that area can be misleading. On the upper side of the seam, there is an indentation where your butterknife will naturally gravitate into - path of least resistence. But that is the misleading part. The clip resides right below that indentation - you have to work the knife against lip protruding from the fender to unlatch it.
Mon Apr 23, 2007 at 07.46 pm
Erin
i also had this problem....but it ended up just being a fuse...so check that too if replacing the light bulb doesn’t work :)
Sat Apr 28, 2007 at 05.32 pm
Billy
THANKS!
Like everyone else, I found your link looking for a better answer than “take it to VW”.
Sun Apr 29, 2007 at 03.39 pm
Louis-Marie Decoste
Thanks a million. I was going crazy trying to change my headlight bulb. The dealertold me it would take half an hour. I decided not to leave it with him. Your site was a real blessing.
LM
Thu May 3, 2007 at 10.58 pm
Bob
I am so glad that before I called the dealer I Googled for VW beetle brake light repair and found your sight. The instructions you provided were simple and right on. The idea to change all the bulbs made sense to me so at the parts store I inquired about both the brake light bulb (which also acts as a 2 in one as the tail light bulb-Sylvania 7528)and the turn signal bulb. The only additional comments I would make is that the turn signal bulb turned out to be a different bulb-Sylvania 7506 LL (P21W). One clue that the two bulbs are different is that the Tabs you mention are aligned differently on each of the two bulbs. Thanks for all the work you went through to post your great instructions and photos too.
Sat May 5, 2007 at 06.04 pm
phthomas
Excellent article. Slightly different on a ‘99, but helpful nonetheless. There are no indentations around the lenses on this model.
Sun May 6, 2007 at 06.28 pm
Jeff
Thank you! I was about to try and force the housing out. I’d found the rear screw and figured it had to be the release, but would have never know about the release tab outside without your site (good thing I Googled it first). Shame on VW for making this relatively simple task into something I have to discover how to do on the web.
Fri May 11, 2007 at 06.15 am
Spadge
Hi Cindy
Thanks for your brilliant info - I work as an auto-electrician but had never had to change one of these before so your site saved me much embarrassment! Cost the happy owner £5 & she went off with your url on the back of my business card. Thanks again, Chris
Sat May 12, 2007 at 09.12 pm
Karl
Hi Cindy. Thanks for the write-up! I’m still having problems locating the release clip. Do you think you could make a note on your flickr photo showing exactly where it is? All I see is an ominous-looking, impenetrable seam…
Thu May 17, 2007 at 10.04 am
JR
Cindy, you are so kick ass for sharing this information. This saved me 70 bucks. I wish I could buy you a beer! Thank you so much for sharing this info and the pictures made it even better! GREAT JOB
Sun May 20, 2007 at 09.56 am
Kris
Hey Cindy!
Thanks! I have used your site for help with headlights (damn it was difficult, but would have been IMPOSSIBLE without your help) that each went out within a week of each other, and now the tail lights. I am going to take your always sage advice and do both brake lights at the rear of the vehicle at the same time. Thank you very much. Seems you have earned a pretty good hunk of karma with this! xoxoxoxo Kris
Sat May 26, 2007 at 10.36 pm
VICTOR
CINDI,MY SISTER’S CAR IS STUCK IN PARK AND IT HAPPENED WHEN I SWITCH BUSTED TAIL LIGHT BULB.
Mon May 28, 2007 at 04.58 pm
Cindy
Victor, there was a recall on the brake light switch. Brake switch. Plus there was a recall on the Volkswagens. Call your service department.
Fri Jun 22, 2007 at 09.50 am
Debbie Barker
Thanks for the tips - wish I had seen these sooner - I have taken my Beetle in so many times for this! Has anyone had issues with their signal lights? I have taken my Beetle in about 5 times for the driver’s side blinkers (fast blink). Finally, VW managed to fix this after I refused to believe that the bulb was burnt out again! Now it is happening on the passenger side. They replaced the bulb, still fast blinking when I picked it up. The mechanic came out and played with it, got it working. Low and behold, it’s fast blinking again - arrrggggh!
Sun Jul 8, 2007 at 11.59 am
Nicholas
Got to love your the info need more people like you that are willing to help orthers out.
Nick
Fri Jul 20, 2007 at 01.35 pm
Donald
Never owned a foreign car so your instructions were great! thanks for sharing the information.
Fri Jul 20, 2007 at 06.43 pm
Robert Zaleski
my sisters bug is such a pain to work on, thank you for helping me fix the not so simple things.
Sat Jul 21, 2007 at 09.41 pm
Bob
With regard to tail light, I have read the entire discussion to date, (and after 50 years working on my own cars), the clip location still is not clear. Are you saying that it is accessed from the outside of the car, under the rubber gasket/tail light lens, near the the seam in the body panels?
My first VW, and am slowly learning to “speak VW”
Thanks,
Bob
Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02.33 pm
Laslo
and me
Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02.56 pm
Anna
Thank you! I too was frustrated when I found in the good ol’ manual to take it to the dealer! With your help, I just got done replacing my bulb… I was scared I would brake the entire light, but I didn’t… and now I’m ready to replace the other when needed! Please continue giving this much needed info…
Sun Jul 29, 2007 at 04.12 pm
Shirley
Thanks for the information on the tail light replacement bulb instructions.
Sun Jul 29, 2007 at 06.06 pm
Alma
Replaced the brake light in my 2002 Beetle and used the Sylvania bulb #7528. Instructions were fine except when I attempted to replace the blinker bulb in the same fixture I discovered the 7528 bulb does not fit the blinker. Has different bayonette pins. 7528’s only replace the brake lights in my VW.
Fri Aug 17, 2007 at 06.12 am
Gary Myers
Hi, struggled for a bit but once found out where the two holes (gaps) you speak of it was done in seconds. Its not entirely clear where gaps are in your instructions but when looking into the rear of the boot, on either side where the wings join are 3 large screws, if you remove the screw where the panels overlap, then slide a plastic ruler (what i used) inside the gap nearer the number plate it will release the clip.
Tue Sep 11, 2007 at 07.56 pm
Bev
After looking at your directions, I instantly was able to replace both of my brake light bulbs by myself with only a flat head screw driver. I have had to replace all the bulbs on the front of the car, just a little advice if it is extremely hard to do or is difficult to figure out then you are going at it all work, simplicity is the key, after I stopped trying so hard and over thinking, I was able to finish the job, thanks for all your help!
Wed Sep 12, 2007 at 08.12 pm
BEV
I broke my window button, any suggestions on how to tackle this job? I can’t roll my passenger side window down without leaning over the seat to hit the switch? I love my bug and can’t handle the broken switch, I feel like it has a boo boo and needs attention? Please advise?
By the way thanks again for the “lamens terms directions”.
Wed Sep 12, 2007 at 08.45 pm
Cindy
Bev, Sorry I’ve never done that before so I can’t help.
Thu Sep 13, 2007 at 08.43 pm
Mickey
I think what some are asking; “How do I KNOW where to slide the butter knife.”
From the outside there are no obvious indentations to put the knife in. When you look at the light on the car you will see a seam in the fender next to the light, towards the trunk. Slide the knife in between the light and the rubber gasket right at the seam. I slide it between and after a wiggle, the knife pushed down the metal tab holding the window in. (there are two actually, one below this one). -On the very other side of the light there are stationary clips. Once one is out the other clip will come out too with a little more wiggling. I hope this helps.
Mickey
Mon Sep 24, 2007 at 06.42 pm
patti
I think it’s important to note that the release tab/clip is accessed from the OUTSIDE of the car. The butter knife, or a very thin screwdriver, should be inserted gently at the body seam nearest to the center of the car. After locating the seam, it takes less than two minutes to switch out the bulb(s). Thanks for your help; you saved us a long trip to the VW dealership in addition to saving us $$!
Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 10.44 pm
Charles West
I have tried to get the little door in the console that has the 12 volt socket in it to stay closed. It stopped locking closed and I haven’t got a clue.
This is the socket located on the rear of the console.
Sun Oct 7, 2007 at 08.02 pm
Julie
On Thu Feb 1, 2007 at 03.29 pm
Shawn wrote:
Shawn,
Dunno if you’ll get this, and it’s long past February, but here goes:
What you are describing is exactly what my lights were doing prior to my replacing the brake light bulb. It appeared fine (both elements intact) when I removed it, however, replacing it with a brand new bulb as directed, fixed the whole problem. Be sure you’re replacing the brake lamp, and not the turn signal lamp. Hope this helps… you or anyone else.
Mon Oct 8, 2007 at 11.29 pm
Bob Griffith
Nicely done! One hates to force (and break) stuff. I was amazed that the several hundred page owner’s manual set didn’t cover this.
Sat Oct 20, 2007 at 11.33 pm
Sally
Cindy,
Thank you. Our story is much the same as many that preceed us. We would never have known how to accomplish this without your instructions. Shame on VW.
Sally
Sun Oct 21, 2007 at 08.29 pm
Jennifer
Thank you soooo much for posting this info. I wish I had something like this when I tackled the tedious task of replacing my headlight bulb. These instructions saved me a ton of time and frustration! You rock!
Wed Oct 24, 2007 at 03.13 pm
jay
Hi everyone, im here in the u.s. visiting a friend who has a 99 bug and had to replace her stop tail light bulb for her and found your site.back home in the u.k a manual is available which shows you everything you need to know about keeping your bug well loved and cared for. its by a company called haynes and can be found at the following link..http://www.haynes.co.uk just follow the car maintenance section until you come to vw then just pick beetle. you can even buy it on-line. good luck bug lovers and btw i love your country. jay.p a visiting bulb changer !
Sun Oct 28, 2007 at 12.21 am
Ken
The directions did the trick. Looking at all of the comments I can only imagine how much money you have saved us all.
Mon Oct 29, 2007 at 01.00 pm
Steve B
I have the same problem as Debbie Barker. I’ve brought my 2005 Beetle in about 5 times for a fast blinking blinker. They repari it and within a few weeks its out again.
Anyone have a solution?
Mon Oct 29, 2007 at 10.10 pm
Andrea
Hi Cindy:
I write from La Paz, Bolivia, South America. Yesterday I got to work on changing my Beetle’s tail light using your instructions for changing the light bulb, the result...perfect!!! Thank you for spreading the word!
Andy
Sat Nov 24, 2007 at 04.15 am
LS450SUZ
I AM TRYING TO CHANGE ALL MY LIGHT BULBS ON MY 2000 VW BETTLE TO LED AND BLUE LIGHTS I GOT FRONT LOW AND HIGH BEAMS ALREADY AND REAR ONES ALSO BUT I ORDER SOME FORM EBAY FOR LIC- PLATE -SIDE MARKERS UNDER OUTSIDE MIRRORS AND INSIDE DOOR PANEL WELL THIER NOT THE RIGHT SIZE AND I THINK THE ONES ON THE LIC PLATE R SHAPE DIFFRENT THAN THE ONES THEY SEND ME DO U KNOW WHAT THE NUMBER TO THOSE R
Sat Nov 24, 2007 at 04.45 pm
David
To Steve B.- Usually the blinker is fast due to burned out bulb (changes the resistance in the circuit and is designed to alert you to burned out bulb). You need to see if a turn light is burned out and if so replace it. If it burns out again you need to find out why. Like the instructions say- use a clean cloth to handle bulbs- do not use bare hands. Could be water getting to bulb causing it to burn out prematurely and then the blinker runs double time.
Sat Nov 24, 2007 at 04.59 pm
Doug
Thanks Cindy, you have done a great service to all of us Beetle owners. I am sure ther service departments at the local VW dealers arent to happy but what a rip off for something that is so easy. Thanks again
Sat Nov 24, 2007 at 06.02 pm
Cindy
LS450SUZ,
I haven’t had any experience with them. I’ve posted only directions that I have done.
Sat Dec 1, 2007 at 11.42 pm
raidersdiehard
Cindy, thank you for creating this DIY. I had to change my wife’s passenger side brake light on her ‘02 Beetle and w/ the help of this site and another it was a breeze. The reason I needed another site was because the description and lack of photo of where to insert the butterknife to release the tab was a little frustrating. The tab is of course under the rubber molding (from the outside of the car) right about where the seam of the bumper and the rest of the car are. Make sure that your inserting the knife closest to the seam by the license plate in both left and right instances.
Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 02.36 pm
scott
thank you, very good instructions,took about 5 min. total.
Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 05.12 pm
Sri
great ! thanks
Fri Jan 25, 2008 at 01.46 pm
Rebecca
Hey, thanks for the info. Do you or anyone else know if the procedure is the same for a blinker. My left turn blinker is going so rapid, but it still works. Thanks…
Sun Feb 17, 2008 at 07.35 pm
GUY INFIELD
I REPLACED MY HEAD LIGHT TODAY. THE WEGB SAID PUSH IN LIGHTLY ON THE LEVER AND FORCE UP TO RELEASE TJHE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY. I DID IT IT BROKE OFF IN MY HAND. THE ASSEMBLY IS 250.00 DOLLARS - IT APPEARS TO ME THAT THE LEVER FUNCTION IS A PART ON IT’S OWN,.
CAN IT BE ORDERED OR THE BUNGEY CORD HOLDING IT IN WILL HAVE TO STAY.
THANK YOU,
GUY
Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09.57 pm
Antoniio Lopez
Cindy can you please help on how change a head bulb on 2006 VW beetle
Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 10.20 pm
Freeman
You make my day!
Fri Mar 14, 2008 at 08.40 pm
Eric
Great stuff - happy to donate for info like this!!!
Tue May 20, 2008 at 03.08 pm
thom m
Thank you! It worked perfectly and saved me the hassle and $$$. The best advice was to apply a bit of force to the housing. I really didn’t think it was going to come out. After that the whole procedure took about four minutes! Thanks!!!!
Mon May 26, 2008 at 05.26 pm
adam
Wow, that was easier than I expected. To think I drove around with only one brake light for a whole month. Thank You!
Wed May 28, 2008 at 11.03 am
Sharonr1
THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
I was supposed to take my daughter to take her driver’s test this afternoon and the bulb went out on the way to work. The dealer couldn’t fit me in until this afternoon, but since I found your site and easy instructions, I was able to get it replaced. One bulb $2.11 at O’Reillys. I needed to find a flashlight because the 05 convertible had no light inside.
Now we just have to hope she passes. :)
Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 03.13 pm
Sheena
You are amazing. I’m a girl who likes to do it herself and this was a lifesaver. Thank you so much!
Fri Jun 20, 2008 at 10.40 pm
Sam
These are some great articles! I work part time at Advance Auto Parts and had a customer come in needing a bulb. I sold her the bulb and proceeded to try and put it in. I gave up after a few minutes because I didn’t want to break anything. If I had seen this site earlier, I could have had it done in a few minutes. I just wanted to add that you should always put a little dielectric grease (also sold as “bulb” grease) in the socket when you change a bulb. It keeps the moisture and contaminants out, so the bulb will last longer. Great site and thanks! BTW, it’s Advance Auto Parts, not Advanced. Just a little pet-peeve of mine.
Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 02.08 pm
Gary R
Thanks so much - it worked just as you said. I have to drive 40 miles to the nearest vw dealer and then pay the $98 an hour service fees, so you did real good.
Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 02.28 pm
Nancy Burks
I really have a question. A friend of mine accidently broke off a key in my 2003 Volkswagen Beetle and I have been trying to find a way to get it out without having to have it towed to the dealership. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks