How to Replace Your Headlight Bulbs - 1999 to 2002 Volkswagen Golf, GTI, Jetta and Cabrio

Here at Extreme VDub, we're here to help you out.  Nobody wants to have burnt out headlight bulbs, much less a ticket from a less-than-friendly law enforcement officer.  Pick up some replacement bulbs, or better yet, some high-performance HID xenon bulbs from our store, and use this guide to put them in.

Warning: Halogen bulbs are gas-filled and under pressure and may shatter if surface is scratched or the bulb is dropped.  Wear  eye protection and handle the bulbs carefully, grasping only the base whenever possible.  Don't touch the surface of the bulb  with your fingers because the oil from your skin could cause it to overheat and fail prematurely.  If you do touch the bulb  surface, clean it with rubbing alcohol.  Also, bulbs can remain hot for up to twenty minutes after they are turned off.  Be sure they have been off and cool before you handle them.

1) Headlight housings on these models incorporate high beam, low beam, fog light and turn signal bulbs all in one housing.  Read our article on installing aftermarket headlights on your VW for info on replacing the entire housing.

2) Open the hood.  At the back of the headlight housing, release the retaining clip and pull back the bulb cover, disconnect  the connector from the bulb, unhook the retaining clip and remove the old bulb from the holder.

3) Handling the new bulb only with gloves or a clean rag, insert the new bulb in the holder.  To ease installation, spray some  silicone lubricant on your finger and rub in onto the rubber O-ring.  Do not spray directly on the O-ring because it will also  get on the bulb.

4) Install the bulb, snap the clip into place and reconnect the wiring.

Illustrations:

Golf model shown

Low Beam 1a

Low Beam 1b

High Beam 1a

High Beam 1b