2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2.5 SE lights

Waxing
A good coat of wax helps to protect the vehicle paint. When water no longer forms small drops and runs off when the paint is clean, apply a new coat of good hard wax to protect the vehicle again.
Even if a wax solution is used regularly at the car wash, Volkswagen recommends applying a coat of hard wax at least twice a year to protect the paint.
Polishing
Polish your vehicle if the paint has lost its shine and the gloss cannot be brought back with wax.
The vehicle must be waxed after polishing if the polish used does not contain wax compounds to seal the paint.
NOTICE
x To help prevent damage, do not use hard wax or polish on matte-finished parts, plastic parts, headlights or rear lights.
x Do not wax or polish your vehicle if it is dirty, or in a sandy or dusty place.
Caring for and cleaning chrome and aluminum parts

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Lights up Possible cause Proper response
D Glow plug preheating before diesel engine start-up.
B
Engine control/monitoring system malfunction (engine Malfunction Indicator Light - MIL)
Ease off the accelerator. Carefully drive to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Have engine checked.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
If you suspect a malfunction or vehicle damage, read and follow the following advice before contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. You may also find helpful information under “Special considerations” or “Checklist” in the index.

Description Possible causes, among others Possible remedy
Engine does not start.
Vehicle battery dead. – Perform jump-start – Charge vehicle battery
The wrong vehicle key is used. Use a valid vehicle key
Fuel level too low. Refuel
Vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked using vehicle key.
– Battery in the remote control vehicle key is dead. – Too far away from the vehicle (out of range). – Buttons have been pressed too many times.
– Replace the battery in the remote control vehicle key – Move closer to vehicle. – Synchronize vehicle key – Lock or unlock vehicle manually
Unusual noises. Cold engine, braking assist systems, electronic steering column lock. Check the “Noises” entry in the index.
Odd driving behavior.
Assistance systems activated. Check the “Assistance systems” entry in the index.
DSG® Direct Shift Gearbox too hot. Stop vehicle as soon as you can safely do so.
Front seats cannot be adjusted with power controls.
Vehicle battery dead. Charge vehicle battery
Fuse blown. Check fuse and replace if necessary
Features do not work as described in this manual.
Settings were adjusted in the Volkswagen Information System.
Check and reset to factory settings if necessary
Headlights do not light up the road as they should.
– Headlights incorrectly adjusted. – Light bulbs burned out. – Low beams not switched on.
– Have the headlight range adjusted by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. – Change light bulbs – Switch on low beams
Electrical consumers do not work.
Vehicle battery charge too low. Charge vehicle battery
Remaining fuel level too low. Refuel
Fuse blown. Check fuse and replace if necessary .
Fuel consumption higher than indicated.
– Short hauls. – “Jumpy” accelerator pedal.
– Avoid short distance driving. – Drive defensively. – Accelerate smoothly.
Electrical loads switched on. Switch off unnecessary loads.
Engine control malfunction. Have the malfunction corrected
Tire pressure too low. Adjust tire pressure

WARNING
Improper replacement of burned out headlights and other light bulbs can cause serious personal injury.
x Stop! Always read and heed the WARNINGS before doing any work in the engine compartment, Working in the engine compartment. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially dangerous area, and work in this area can lead to serious personal injury.
x HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights get power from a high voltage source that can cause severe personal injury and even death if handled improperly.
x H7 bulbs and HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights are under high pressure and can explode if handled improperly.
x Always let a burned out light bulb cool down before replacing it.
x Never replace a light bulb unless you are familiar with all of the necessary procedures. In particular, never remove a headlight unless you know exactly how to carry out the job and have the correct tools and light bulbs.
x If you are uncertain about what to do, have the work performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified workshop. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work.
x We strongly recommend that you always have HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights and H7 bulbs replaced by a qualified technician.
x Do not touch the glass of light bulbs with your bare hands. Fingerprints left on the bulb evaporate due to the heat when the bulb is switched on and cause the reflector to “cloud.”
x There are sharp edges on and around the headlight housing in the engine compartment and the rear light housing. Wear hand protection if you replace bulbs.
NOTICE
After replacing a headlight bulb or other light bulb, always make sure that the rubber covers or plastic caps have been properly and securely reinstalled to help prevent water from getting into the electrical connections and headlight housing and damaging the electrical system.
Indicator light

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WARNING
Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.
x Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
x Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Failure of a single LED within a taillight is not indicated. However, the = indicator light will come on if all LEDs fail.
Information on light bulb replacement

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Please carry out each step only in the order specified:
fig. 172 (A) (B) (C) (C)
Low beam, daytime low beam headlight or daytime running light, side marker light
Front turn signal indicator High beam Parking light (small bulb holder)
4. Turn the bulb holder as far as it goes to the left and pull out with the light bulb facing rearward. Pull out the bulb holder with the light bulb facing rearward.
5. Pull the light bulb straight out of the bulb socket. If necessary, press the lock on the bulb holder.
6. Replace the burned out light bulb with a new bulb of the same type.
7. Insert the bulb holder into the headlight assembly and turn as far as it goes to the right. Insert the bulb holder into the headlight and slide it in completely.
8. Attach the rubber or plastic cover. If applicable slide the securing clip rearward.
The illustrations show the left headlight assembly from the rear. The right headlight assembly is the mirror image of the left headlight assembly.
Different models may have different lights, and the location and design of covers, bulb holders, and bulbs may be in a different location than shown in the illustrations.
You cannot replace the LEDs in LED daytime running lights. Contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

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Please carry out each step only in the order specified:
10. Slip the headlight into the mounts (small arrows) and fold rearward.
11. Screw the fastening screw ⇒ fig. 173 (1) tightly with the screwdriver.
12. Insert the cover into the bumper .
Different models may have different lights, and the location and design of covers, bulb holders, and bulbs may be in a different location than shown in the illustrations.
Replacing taillight bulbs in the luggage compartment lid

Fig. 175 In the luggage compartment lid. A: Removing the taillight cover. B: Removing the taillight assembly.

Fig. 176 Taillight assembly. A: Removing the bulb holder. B: Removing the light bulbs.

Please carry out each step only in the order specified:
3. Using the flat blade of the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit carefully pry the cover
off the slot ⇒ fig. 175 A (1).
4. Unscrew the fastening screws B (3) with your hand and carefully remove the taillight assembly from the luggage compartment lid.
5. Press together the release tabs for the connector plug B (2) in the direction of the arrow and pull the connector plug off.
6. Unlock the bulb holder by pressing the locking tabs in direction of the arrow ⇒ fig. 176 A and remove the bulb holder from the taillight assembly.
7. Replace the burned out light bulb with a new bulb of the same type B.
8. Reinsert the bulb holder in the taillight assembly. The locking tabs must latch with an audible “click”.
9. Attach the connector plug ⇒ fig. 175 B (2) to the bulb holder.
10. Carefully reinsert the taillight assembly into the opening in the luggage compartment lid. Hold the rear light assembly with one hand in the installation position and with the other hand, tighten the fastening screws B (3).
11. Check the taillight assembly for proper installation and secure fit.
12. Attach the cover. The cover must latch tightly and securely into place.
13. Close the luggage compartment lid
LEDs in the taillights in the luggage compartment lid
Changing LEDs is not possible without dismantling vehicle components. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Different models may have different lights, and the location and design of covers, bulb holders, and bulbs may be in a different location than shown in the illustrations.
Replacing taillight bulbs in the vehicle body

Fig. 177 In the side of luggage compartment: A: Open cover of the rear side panel. B: Removing the taillight assembly.