How to Replace Headlight 05-10 Volkswagen Jetta
Difficulty: Advanced · About 90 min · Volkswagen Jetta
Replace a headlight bulb or the full headlight assembly, including removing the bumper cover, on a 2005-2010 Volkswagen Jetta.
Tools you will need
- Flat blade screwdriver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- T30 driver
- T25 Torx driver
Parts and supplies
- Headlight bulb
- Headlight assembly
- Side marker light bulb
Steps
- Service the bulbs
For the low beam, twist its cover off, twist the socket counterclockwise, swap the bulb, then twist the socket and cover back on. For the high beam, remove the headlight cover, disconnect the connector, release the wire retainer, swap the bulb, relock the retainer, then reconnect and refit the cover.
- Remove the grille
Remove its two top clips and two screws below it with a Phillips screwdriver, push in its top tabs, then pull up on both sides to free it.
- Loosen the bumper cover
Remove the T25 screw in the fender and the four T25 screws in each wheel well, remove the two T30 screws on top of the bumper, then remove the row of T25 screws along its bottom.
- Remove the side marker light
Pry it out with a screwdriver, twist out its bulb socket, then repeat on the other side.
- Pull the bumper cover and old headlight
Pull either end of the bumper cover free and disconnect the side marker harness clips, remove the headlight bracket's T25 screws, disconnect the headlight's wiring harness, then pull it out.
- Install the new headlight
Insert it, reconnect the wiring harness, then refit the top T25 screw on its bracket.
- Aim the headlight
Park the car 20 feet from a level wall, turn the inside bolt so the beam concentrates about an inch below where it sits on the car, then tighten the T25 screws and reconnect the harness.
- Reinstall the bumper cover and trim
Fit the bumper cover back on and tighten its two top T30 screws and the T25 screws in each wheel well, clip the side marker harnesses back in, push the side marker lights back into place starting at the front, tighten the T25 screws along the bumper's bottom, then refit the grille, tightening its two screws and two top clips.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.