How to Replace the Headlight for a 2003 VW Beetle

The headlights on the Volkswagen New Beetle contain halogen bulbs within the headlight housing. There are two bulbs in each housing--one for high beams and one for low beams. If a bulb burns out, it must be replaced so the lights function properly by law. If the glass on the headlight housing becomes cracked or broken, you need to replace that also.

Instructions

1

Open the car's hood and disconnect the car's negative battery cable--lift up the battery cover, peel back the insulation, and, with a wrench, loosen the cable clamp nut for the black cable.

2

Pull up the release lever in the back of the headlight housing. Pull the housing out of its tracks until you can reach and disconnect the electrical connectors, then pull the housing out the rest of the way.

3

Remove the retaining clip at the back of the headlight housing to remove the correct bulb holder from the housing. For the low-beam bulb, remove the upper holder; for the high-beam bulb, remove the lower holder.

4

Remove the bulb from the holder. This is necessary if you are replacing the bulb itself or transferring the bulb to a replacement headlight housing.

5

Insert the replacement bulb into the bulb holder or the old bulb into the new housing--whichever repair task you are performing. Use gloves or a clean rag when handling the bulb and try to avoid touching the glass.

6

Insert the bulb holder into the headlight housing and clip it back in place with the retaining clip. Slide the housing into the body until you can connect the electrical connectors and then slide the housing the rest of the way in after connecting them.

7

Reconnect the battery cable.