Changing 2001 Passat headlight bulb

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
View Threaded
Sat 1 Jan 2005 19:38
Changing 2001 Passat headlight bulb - wonderwheels
I know this should be straightforward, but is there an easy way of doing this? Passenger side bulb has failed but it seems quite awkward to replace to me.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 1 Jan 2005 19:48
Changing 2001 Passat headlight bulb - bert-j
It is very awkward! There is a large plastic cover over the back of the bulb housing held by an over-centre spring clip. There is very little room to get at it. Move the spring clip to one side and the cover should pull of. The parking light bulb holder pulls straight out of the back of the reflector; it's usually very tight. The bulb can then be taken out of the holder.
Keep a pack of elastoplast handy!
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 1 Jan 2005 21:19
Changing 2001 Passat headlight bulb - Peter D
A VW agent charge £26 labour to change these bulbs, its up to you my friend and the plaster being handy is a very good idea. If you have a young son, say 10 years old, he can change it no problem, and program your video recorder. Regards Peter
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 2 Jan 2005 11:26
Changing 2001 Passat headlight bulb - Wee Willie Winkie
You should count yourself lucky it's not the driver's side. For that you need to remove the air intake and then there's even less of a gap to slide your hand down and fiddle about. I recently changed both sides and must have spent a good 45 minutes doing it!

DB
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 2 Jan 2005 12:33
Changing 2001 Passat headlight bulb - wonderwheels
Alas, I have to do both sides.I had changed the originals to Philips Blue vision.My local dealer actual done this for "free" when my car was in for a service a couple of years ago.Thought they would have lasted longer.Don't know why I bothered,didn't really notice any difference.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 2 Jan 2005 17:19
Changing 2001 Passat headlight bulb - Wee Willie Winkie
Yes, I've just changed to Philips bulbs - can't remember which ones though. I've noticed quite a bit of difference.

Good luck with changing the drivers side!
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 4 Jan 2005 13:24
Changing 2001 Passat headlight bulb - JohnM{P}
Halfords 'Blue' bulbs used to warning on the packet to the effect that they didn't last as long as normal bulbs.
Philips +50% 'normal' bulbs do make a difference!
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 3 Jan 2005 17:57
Changing 2001 Passat headlight bulb - JH
Just a thought, Halfords will fit minor bits for a small fee. Why not let them skin their knuckles ?

John
Reply | Report as offensive | Link