How to Fix a Headlight on a New 2000 Beetle

Wrench
Headlight bulb
Gloves
Rubbing alcohol and rag

Instructions

1

Disconnect the negative battery cable. The Beetle's battery is stored within its own case; lift up the cover for the case and peel away the insulation to reach the terminals, then loosen the black battery cable's clamp nut.

2

Locate the release lever at the back end of the headlight housing--the hood still needs to be up--and pull it up. You can now slide the housing along the tracks contained within the housing.

3

Pull the headlight housing out of its mount in the car body until you can access the electrical connectors. Disconnect these connectors and remove the housing from the car body.

4

Disconnect the retaining clip from the rear of the headlight housing if you need to replace the bulb or remove it to transfer into a new housing. You'll see two bulb holders; the upper bulb holder is for the low beam bulb and the lower one is for the high beam.

5

Remove the bulb holder from the headlight housing and then the bulb from the holder. If the bulb is good and you are moving it to another housing, wear gloves and avoid touching the glass on the bulb.

Installation

6

Insert the bulb into the proper holder within the headlight housing. Do not touch the glass on the bulb with your bare skin.

7

Install the bulb holder into the headlight housing and connect the retaining clip to secure the holder.

8

Slide the headlight housing into its mount in the car body along the tracks until the wiring connectors can reach their ports. Connect the electrical connector to the housing and then install the housing all the way into the car body.

9

Connect the negative battery cable and test the headlights with the car's light switch.