How to Replace Headlights 11-16 Volkswagen Jetta

Difficulty: Advanced · About 90 min · Volkswagen Jetta

Replace the headlights, including removing the front bumper, and aim them on a 2011-2016 Volkswagen Jetta.

Steps

1. Remove the front bumper

   Remove the headlight's T30 bolts and pop its bracket up and out, remove the bumper's four top T25 bolts and the ones beneath it, remove the three T25 bolts in the wheel well, pry off the wheel lining tape and remove the T25 screw underneath, pry the bumper out of its side guides and pull it out evenly, then twist the fog lights counterclockwise to remove them.

2. Remove the old headlight

   Hold it steady while removing its T30 bolt, press the clip to release the wiring harness, then remove the headlight.

3. Install the new headlight

   Insert it into place and tighten its T30 bolt, set the bracket on top, press the washers onto it, loosely assemble the hardware, tighten the adjuster bolt and the bracket's T30 bolts, then clip in the wiring harness.

4. Reinstall the front bumper

   Twist the fog light bulb clockwise, press the bumper into the car and lift it into its brackets, tighten the T25 screws in the wheel well, press the tape back onto the wheel lining, then tighten the screws beneath the bumper and the T25 screws on top.

5. Aim the headlights

   Mark the headlight bulb's center height on a vertical wall, back the car up 25 feet, turn the headlights on, then turn the adjusting screw until the passenger beam sits about two inches below the mark and the driver beam about four inches below it.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.