Volkswagen Polo Quiz
Changing a bulb

Changing bulbs in the front headlights (halogen H4)

In this manual: Changing a bulb
Vehicle exterior — 4Vehicle interior — 8Instrument cluster — 14Before setting off — 14Opening and closing — 35Sitting correctly and safely — 46Lights and vision — 26Transporting items — 29Practical equipment — 20Starting the engine, changing gear and parking — 34Driver assist systems — 18Air conditioning system — 8At the filling station — 14In the engine compartment — 24Vehicle care and maintenance — 66Practical tips — 2In an emergency — 5Manual opening and closing — 6Vehicle toolkit — 4Hubcaps — 4Changing a wheel — 9Breakdown set — 7Fuses — 4Changing a bulb — 13Starting the engine with jump leads — 4Tow-starting and towing — 7
~3min read

Fig. 178 Rear view of the right-hand H4 headlight with plastic covers: ① dipped beam and main beam, ② turn signal and ③ side light

Fig. 179 Rear view of the right-hand H4 headlight with rubber cover: ① dipped beam and main beam, ② turn signal and ③ side light

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings

The headlight must be removed in order to change a bulb .

Replacing bulbs in H4 headlights with plastic covers

The actions should only be carried out in the specified order:
① ② ③
Dipped beam and main beam headlights Front turn signal Side lights
1. Observe and follow the instructions on the checklist .
2. Open the bonnet .
3. Release clip ⑥ from catches and pull off plastic cover ⑤. Pull off plastic cover ⑦.
4. Push retaining clip ④ downwards and unhook at side. Turn the bulb holder anticlockwise as far as it will go and pull it out to the rear along with the bulb. Pull the bulb and bulb holder out to the rear.
Pull the bulb and bulb holder out to the rear.
5. Remove bulb from bulb holder. If necessary, press the catch on the bulb holder.
6. Replace the defective bulb with a new bulb of the same type.
7. Insert bulb holder with bulb and fix the retaining clips ④. Insert the bulb holder into the headlight and turn it clockwise as far as it will go. Insert the bulb holder into the headlight.
8. Fit the plastic cover ⑤ and push the clip ⑥ towards the opposite side until it engages. Put the plastic cover ⑦ on and check that it is fitted securely.
Then check that it sits correctly.

Replacing bulbs in H4 headlights with a rubber cover

The actions should only be carried out in the specified order:
① ② ③
Dipped beam and main beam headlights Front turn signal Side lights
1. Observe and follow the instructions on the checklist .
2. Open the bonnet .
3. Pull off rubber cover. Turn the bulb holder anticlockwise as far as it will go and pull it out to the rear along with the bulb.
Push retaining clip ④ downwards and unhook at side.
Pull the bulb and bulb holder out to the rear.
4. Remove bulb from bulb holder. If necessary, press the catch on the bulb holder.
5. Replace the defective bulb with a new bulb of the same type.
6. Insert bulb holder with bulb and fix the retaining clips ④. Insert the bulb holder into the headlight and turn it clockwise as far as it will go.
7. Put the rubber cover on and check if it is fitted securely.

The illustrations show the right-hand headlight from the rear. The left-hand headlight is a mirror image of the one shown.

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A quick Volkswagen Polo quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.