2014 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT tail lights

Rear view

Fig. 3 Vehicle rear overview.
Key to fig. 3:
(1) Rear window
– Rear window defroster
(2) High-mounted brake light
(3) Taillights (on both left and right)
(4) Luggage compartment release
(5) License plate lights
(6) Roof antenna

WARNING
Daytime running lights and parking lights are not bright enough to let you see ahead or be seen by others when it is dark.
x Always switch on the low-beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark and whenever the weather is bad or visibility is poor.
x Never use the daytime running lights to see where you are going. They are not bright enough and will not let you see far enough ahead for safety, especially at dusk or when it is dark. Always switch on the low-beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark.
x The taillights do not come on with the daytime running lights. Unless the taillights are on, a vehicle cannot be seen by others in bad weather, at dusk, or when it is dark.
x Even if automatic headlight control (AUTO) is switched on, the low-beam headlights may still not come on by themselves in fog or heavy rain. You have to switch on the low-beam headlights manually.
In cool or humid weather, the insides of the headlights, the taillights, and turn signals can temporarily fog up. This is normal and does not affect the service life of the vehicle's lighting system.
Lights and vision features

When you move the selector lever to Reverse (R), the static cornering lights on both sides of the vehicle may come on so that you can see the area around the vehicle better when backing up.
The static cornering lights work only when the headlights are on. If you are using automatic headlight
control (headlight switch in the AUT O position ⇒ fig. 98), they work only when the headlights have been automatically switched on. The static cornering lights do not come on when the headlight switch is in the O position or when the fog lights themselves have been switched on, Switching lights on and off.
Automatic headlight control (AUTO)
Automatic headlight control is a convenience feature only and cannot always recognize all lighting and driving situations.
If the light switch is in the AUT O position, both vehicle lighting and instrument and switch lighting are
automatically switched on and off in the following situations ⇒ :

Automatic activation:Automatic deactivation:
If the low-light sensor registers darkness, for example when driving through a tunnel. If sufficient brightness is registered.

WARNING
Crashes and other accidents can happen when you cannot see the road ahead and when you cannot be seen by other motorists.
x Never use daytime running lights (DRL) to see where you are going. DRL are not bright enough to light up the roadway and be seen by other motorists. You will not be able to see far enough ahead for safety, especially at dusk or when it is dark. Always switch on the low-beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark.
x The taillights do not come on when the daytime running lights are switched on. A vehicle without taillights on cannot be seen by others in bad weather, at dusk, or when it is dark.
x If automatic headlight control (AUTO) is switched on, the low-beam headlights still may not be switched on in fog or heavy rain. You have to switch on the low-beam headlights yourself.
In cool or humid weather, the insides of the headlights, rear lights, and turn signals can temporarily fog up. This is normal and does not affect the service life of the vehicle's lighting system.
“Coming home” and “Leaving home” feature (orientation lighting)

– Turn signals
– Parking lights, low beams and high beams
– Taillights
– Brake lights
– License plate lights
Information regarding changing light bulbs, Replacing light bulbs.
WARNING
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and injuries.
x Please note and follow the points listed in the checklist.

381
Please carry out each step only in the order specified:
3. Using the flat blade of the screwdriver in the vehicle tool kit carefully pry the cover out of
the slot ⇒ fig. 221 A (1) (arrow).
4. Pull the red locking tab B (4) in the direction of the arrow to unlock connector plug B (2).
5. Push catch B (5) to release connector plug. Then pull out connector plug B (2).
6. Remove the cover from the side of the taillight, sliding it in the direction of the arrow B. Check the original mounting position of the taillight before removing it.
7. Unscrew the fastening screws B (3) with screwdriver and carefully remove the taillight assembly from the luggage compartment lid. Pull it to the side and away from the vehicle body and place it on a clean, smooth surface.
8. Unlock the bulb socket assembly by pressing the locking tabs in direction of the arrow
⇒ fig. 222 A and remove the bulb socket assembly from the taillight assembly.
9. Replace the burned out light bulb with a new bulb of the same type B.
10. Reinsert the bulb socket assembly in the taillight assembly. The locking tabs must latch with an audible “click.”
11.
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 ⇒ fig. 221 B (3).
12. Plug connector plug B (2) into the bulb socket and push red locking tab B (4) in the direction opposite to the arrow.
13. Check the taillight assembly for proper installation and secure fit.
14. Attach the cover. The cover must latch tightly and securely into place.
15. Close the luggage compartment lid ⇒ page 57.
Different models may have different taillights, and the light bulb may be in a different location than shown in the illustrations.

383
Changing light bulbs

7. Release the bulb socket assembly from the locking tabs ⇒ fig. 224 A (arrows) and remove the bulb socket assembly from the taillight assembly.
8. Replace the burned out light bulb with a new bulb of the same type B.
9. Put the bulb socket assembly in the taillight assembly. The locking tabs A must latch with an audible “click.”
Installing the taillight assembly

10. Carefully put the taillight assembly in the opening in the vehicle body.
11.
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 fastening screw ⇒ fig. 223 B (4).
12. Plug connector plug B (1) into the bulb socket assembly and push latch B (2) in the direction opposite to the arrow.
13. Check the taillight assembly for proper installation and secure fit.
14. Replace the small carpeted taillight access cover; and the battery trim panel, if any (see step 3 above).
15. Close the luggage compartment lid
Different models may have different taillights, and the light bulb may be in a different location than shown in the illustrations.
Replacing license plate lights