2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI light

Changing light bulbs
Introduction
In this section you’ll find information about:
Indicator light
Information on light bulb replacement
Changing headlight bulbs
Changing light bulbs in the front bumper
Changing taillight bulbs in the rear hatch
Changing taillight bulbs in the vehicle body
Changing license plate light bulbs
Changing a light bulb requires a certain amount of skill. If you are uncertain about how to proceed,
Volkswagen recommends having the light bulb changed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Special training and knowledge are generally required when
other vehicle parts must be disassembled to replace a bulb, or when HID – High Intensity Discharge
(Xenon) headlights must be replaced.
You should always keep a box in the vehicle with all the replacement bulbs required for traffic safety.
Replacement bulbs are available from your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility. The laws of some countries explicitly require you to have replacement bulbs in the
vehicle.
Driving with outside lights that do not work may be against the law.
Additional light bulb specifications
Some factory-installed light bulbs in the headlights or the rear lights may have different specifications
than conventional light bulbs. Specifications are on the glass bulb or on the metal base.
More information:
x Exterior views
x Lights and Vision
x Preparations for working in the engine compartment
x Vehicle tool kit
x Fuses
WARNING
Crashes and other accidents can happen when you cannot see the road ahead and when you
cannot be seen by other motorists.

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. 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

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

NOTICE
Always insert and remove lamps carefully to help prevent damage to the vehicle paint or to
other parts of the vehicle.
Changing headlight bulbs

Fig. 191 In the engine compartment: Covers in the left headlight assembly. 1 Low beam, 2 Turn signal
indicator, 3 High beam and parking light as well as daytime running light.

Please carry out each step only in the order specified:
⇒ fig. 191 (1) (2) (3) (3)
Low beam
headlights
Front turn signals High beam
headlights /
daytime running
lights
Parking lights (small
bulb holder)
7. Insert the bulb holder in the headlight and turn it
clockwise all the way.
Insert the bulb holder in
the headlight and slide it
all the way in.
8. Install the rubber or plastic cover.
Press the clip down, if necessary.

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.
Changing taillight bulbs in the rear hatch

Fig. 194 In the rear hatch: Removing cover.

Before removing the jumper cables
x Switch off the headlights (if they are on).
x In the vehicle with the dead battery, switch on the heater fan and the rear window defroster. This
helps to minimize voltage spikes when the cables are disconnected.
Removing jumper cables
With the engine running, remove the jumper cables in reverse order to the way they were connected.
1. Disconnect the black (-) cable from the vehicle with the dead battery.
2. Disconnect the black (-) cable from the other vehicle (vehicle with the good battery).
3. Disconnect the red (+) cable from the other vehicle (vehicle with the good battery).
4. Disconnect the red (+) cable from the vehicle with the dead battery.
5. Close the battery cover.
6. If necessary, unscrew the towing eye on the front of the vehicle .
WARNING
Improper use of jumper cables when jump-starting a vehicle with a dead battery can cause
the battery to explode, leading to serious personal injury. To help reduce the risk of battery
explosion:
x All work on the batteries or the electrical system in your vehicle can cause serious acid
burns, fires, or electrical shocks. Always read and heed the following WARNINGS and safety
precautions before working on the batteries or the electrical system .247, Vehicle battery.
x Always wear proper eye protection. Never lean over the vehicle battery.
x Attach the jumper cables in the correct order: first the positive cable, then the negative
cable.
x Never connect the negative cable from the vehicle providing starting assistance to parts
of the fuel system or to the brake hoses or brake lines.
x Never allow the non-insulated parts of the battery clamps to touch.
x Never allow the jumper cable attached to the positive battery terminal to contact metal
parts of the vehicle.
x Check the battery acid level indicator window on the vehicle battery. Use a flashlight,
never a match, cigarette lighter, or other open flame. If you cannot see the color of the
window clearly, or if it is light yellow or colorless, do not jump-start the vehicle. Get expert
assistance.
x Avoid electrostatic discharge in the vicinity of the vehicle battery. Sparks may cause the
hydrogen gas escaping from the vehicle battery to ignite.
x Never jump-start a vehicle with a battery that is damaged or frozen or that was frozen and
has thawed. The battery can explode. Replace the battery instead.
x Always follow the instructions of the jumper cable manufacturer.
x Always make sure that the battery providing starting assistance has the same voltage as
the dead battery (12 V) and about the same capacity (see battery label).
x Batteries give off explosive hydrogen gas. Always keep fire, sparks, open flame and
smoking materials away from batteries.
x Never connect the negative cable from the other vehicle directly to the negative terminal
of the dead battery. The hydrogen gas from the battery is explosive.
x Never short out the battery terminals by connecting the positive (+) and negative (-)
terminals with each other.