How to Change the Brake Light Bulb on a 2005 VW Beetle TDI

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Darell_L._Rains]Darell L. Rains

Follow the below steps to change the brake light bulb on your 2005 VW Beetle TDI:

1. Use the key remote or ignition key to raise the deck lid.

2. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry off the cover to access lens assembly. The R/H or L/H sides lens cover is located in trunk of the vehicle.

3. Use the fingers to remove the knob of the tail light lens assembly. The lens assembly knob is removed from the lens support stud by turning counter-clockwise.

4. Use a non-marring plastic trim tool to pry loose the lens assembly. A trim tool is preferred for this repair because you have less of a chance to damage the clear coat paint.

5. If a trim tool is not available, place masking tape around the tail light lens. A slip of the screwdriver tip will gouge the paint resulting in repainting the body panel.

6. Carefully, work the trim tool or screwdriver aound the lens assembly to separate the lens gasket from the caulking compound on the lens support housing.

7.Remove tail light lens from lens support housing.

8. Remove the bulb socket from the tail light lens assembly. The bulb socket is a push fit that mounts in the lens assembly. No screws are required to remove the socket. A defective socket is replaced as a separate VW part number piece part.

9.Once the bulb and socket have been removed, visually check for cracks and burned contacts.

10. Internal corrosion cannot be seen with the eyes. A digital multi-meter (DMM) is used by technicians' and do-it-yourselfers to check electrical componets for continuity.

11. A DMM is a tool that is easy to learn to use. Most modern DMM's have auto ranging. This mode selects the best range for volts, current, and ohms measurements. The units for ohms are, (1) ohms, (2) kilohms, and (3) megohms or one (1) million ohms.

12. To measure resistance place the meter selector switch to the OHMS position. Insert the red lead into the red (volt/ohms) jack and the black lead (com) jack on the multi-meter. Place the black lead on one (1) terminal of the socket. Place the red lead on the other terminal of the socket.

13. Next, understand what the measurement on the display means. An "OL" reading on the display would mean that there is an open circuit internally in the socket from corrosion or break in the wiring. An ".000" reading on the display would indicate there is continuity throughout the socket and current should flow to the load (brake light bulb. The reading on the display of the DMM shows ".001". This would indicate the there is continuity through the wiring and socket. The socket in this case is good with no breaks.

14. Remove the bulb from the bulb socket. The bulb is removed by twisting slightly to disengage the ears of the bulb from the socket. The ears of the bulb mate to the slots in the bulb socket.

15. Check the bulb filament and internal connections with the DMM. To check the bulb filament with the DMM, place the black lead from the meter to the shell of the bulb. Place the red lead to the base of the bulb. The reading on the display of the DMM showed "OL" or an open circuit. This reading would indicate that a filament wire is burned out or internal corrosion in the bulb. The bulb is diagnosed as being defective.

Warning

In all states, a defective brake light is a safety violation. If cited by a patrol officer, the violation will result in a traffic ticket. Secondly, a vehicle with a defective brake light will not pass the state safety inspection.

16. Obtain a new replacement bulb from the VW parts center. Ask for P/N N0177836.

17. Install the new replacement bulb in the bulb socket with the lens removed.

18. Turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position.

19. Have an assistant press on the brake pedal.

20. Check the bulb filament. It should be burning bright through the bulb glass.

21. Reinstall the lens assembly in the reverse order from which it was removed.

Road test the vehicle.

For additional information on this subject URL: http://www.vwtdirepair.com

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