How to Change the Brake Light Bulb on a 2005 VW Beetle TDIAfter reading this guide, you will be able to change the brake light bulb on your VW Beetle in your driveway and save MONEY by fixing-it-yourself.
Added Oct 25, 08 by techw1tdi
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Additional information on this subject and thirty-seven (37) other projects URL: http://www.vwtdirepair.com (Darell's VW TDI Maintenance Page)
Repair Steps
1. Use the key remote to raise the deck lid.
2. If key remote is not available, the ignition key can be used to unlock and raise the deck lid.
3. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry off the cover to access lens assembly (Figure B-1).
Figure B-1 Using Screwdriver to Remove Access Cover
4. Figure B-2 shows the lens assembly access cover removed from the Beetle TDI.
Figure B-2 Access Cover Removed
5. Figure B-3 shows the location of the knob that is attached to a supporting bolt on the lens assembly housing.
Figure B-3 Location of Lens Assembly Knob
6. Remove the lens support knob by turning counter-clockwise with the fingers.
7. Figure B-4 shows the lens support knob removed.
Figure B-4 Lens Support Knob Removed
8. Use a non-marring trim tool to pry loose the lens assembly as shown in Figure B-5.
Figure B-5 Loosening Lens With Trim Tool
9. Using the trim tool, rotate the tool around the lens to loosen the lens from the support frame gasket (Figure B-6).
Figure B-6 Loosening Lens From Gasket
10. Figure B-7 shows the lens assembly being removed from the support frame for accessing the defective tail light bulb.
Figure B-7 Lens Assembly Removal
11. Using the fingers, remove the bulb socket from the lens assembly (Figure B-8). The socket is removed by using a twisting motion. The ears on the socket mate to three (3) slots in the lens assembly (See Figure B-9). It is a push fit.
Figure B-8 Removing Bulb From Socket
12. Once the bulb socket is removed from the lens assembly, visually check for cracks and burned electrical contacts (Figure B-9).
Figure B-9 Visually Checking Removed Bulb Socket
13. Check the bulb socket with a digital multi-meter (DMM) for continuity (See Figure B-10). The DMM showed a reading on the display of "0". This reading would indicate that there is continuity through the wires and contacts and bulb with no internal breaks.
Figure B-10 Checking Socket and Wiring With DMM
14. The bulb is secured to the socket by two (2) tabs that mate to slots in the socket. The bulb is removed from socket by turning counter-clockwise one-half turn. Figure B-11 shows the bulb removed from the lens assembly.
Figure B-11 Tail Light Bulb Removed
15. Using the DMM, check the bulb filament and internal connections. Figure B-12 shows the filament being checked. To check the bulb filament, place the meter selector switch to the "OHMS" position. Place one lead (red) from the meter to the shell of the bulb. Place the black lead to the base of the bulb. The reading on the display of the DMM showed "OL" or open. The reading indicated that there is an open circuit in the bulb.
Figure B-12 Checking Bulb With DMM
16. Obtain a new replacement bulb from the VW parts center. Ask for P/N N0177836.
17. Install the new bulb in the bulb socket with the lens assembly removed.
18. With the ignition switch "ON", have an assistant press on the brake pedal.
19. Check the bulb filament. It should be burning bright yellow through the bulb protective glass (Figure B-13).
Figure B-13 Checking New Bulb
20. Reinstall the lens assembly in the reverse order from which it was removed.
WARNING
A defective tail light bulb in your Beetle TDI will fail a state safety inspection. Make sure all bulbs and lights are in working order before scheduling a state inspection.
21. Road test your Beetle TDI.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
Flat-blade screwdriver
Non-marring trim tool
DMM multi-meter
Replacement bulb (P/N N0177836)
