06 Passat headlight bulb replacement

ArraMusha

Is it easy to replace the headlight bulb (dims) on the Passat?

Attached is a picture of the back of this bulb fitting.
I found online advise that all I needed to do was twist out the fitting but there are tabs(marked in red on the picture attached)...and I cant see how it comes out...and I dont want to force it.

I found online that for the main headlight bulb the bumper has to come out...I hope thats not the case for this dim too..?

anthony4335

If you had the access to take the photo I would assume you can get your hand into the area. So it shouldn't be bad, however I see that there is no retaining spring and it is been held in by the assembly. The only car I have replaced a bulb on like this was a corsa and I came close to breaking the bulb inside the headlight trying to pull it out. So just take care in pulling it out and you should be fine

Moanin

ArraMusha wrote: »

Is it easy to replace the headlight bulb (dims) on the Passat?

Attached is a picture of the back of this bulb fitting.
I found online advise that all I needed to do was twist out the fitting but there are tabs(marked in red on the picture attached)...and I cant see how it comes out...and I dont want to force it.

I found online that for the main headlight bulb the bumper has to come out...I hope thats not the case for this dim too..?

You literally have to manouvre the bulb from side to side and it will eventually pull out. There is no retaining clips but the bulb should fit back correctly into the grooves in the bulb housing. I always find a small mirror and torch useful when replacing these bulbs.

ArraMusha

Thanks lads. I took the photo using a mirror alright. I'll try to wiggle it out..there was another website saying that on the early 06 passats you just pull it straight out...whereas on the late 06 on its a twist and pull. Different bulb housing manufacturers.

I'll give it a go..

ArraMusha

ArraMusha wrote: »

Thanks lads. I took the photo using a mirror alright. I'll try to wiggle it out..there was another website saying that on the early 06 passats you just pull it straight out...whereas on the late 06 on its a twist and pull. Different bulb housing manufacturers.

I'll give it a go..

Didn't work...the black connector came off ok but bulb still in metal housing see photo. Jaaaaysas...

Stallingrad

If you buy the bulb at a VW dealer they will fit it for free.

Moanin

ArraMusha wrote: »

Didn't work...the black connector came off ok but bulb still in metal housing see photo. Jaaaaysas...

Hmmmm Mine is a Feb '06, so maybe it's true. I can't see why they would change the housing though?

anthony4335

The Corsa I replaced a bulb on recently was the same. Perserverance is the key, along with care .You might be able to get a flat blade screw driver in there to help depress the retaining tabs. There are only 2 so you possibly will only need to get at one. If you cannot get a screw driver in there Aldi I think have some pick sets which may be better .

Esel

Yeah, it looks to my amateur eye that you need to depress the tabs shown in your OP pic.

ArraMusha

Esel wrote: »

Yeah, it looks to my amateur eye that you need to depress the tabs shown in your OP pic.

Yep, right you are Esel. I got the beast out by pressing one of the tabs back. It took about 20mins using a mirror and flat head screwdriver and loadsa patience.