Volkswagen Polo Quiz
Changing a bulb

Introduction

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

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

→ Indicator lamp
→ Information on changing bulbs
→ Removing and installing the headlights
→ Changing bulbs in the front headlights (halogen H4)
→ Changing bulbs in the front headlights (halogen H7)
→ Changing bulbs in the front headlights (Xenon)
→ Changing bulbs in the front bumper
→ Changing the bulbs in the tail light cluster
→ Changing the bulb in the number plate light
→ Changing bulbs in the side turn signals

Changing the vehicle bulbs requires considerable technical skill. If you do not feel confident with the procedure, Volkswagen recommends that you have the bulbs changed by a Volkswagen dealership, or that you seek other expert assistance. You must contact a qualified workshop if other vehicle parts around the lights need to be removed, or if gas discharge bulbs need to be replaced.

You should keep a box with spare light bulbs for the lights that ensure the vehicle is roadworthy in the vehicle at all times. Spare bulbs are available from Volkswagen dealerships. In some countries it is a legal requirement to have these spare bulbs in the vehicle.

It may be illegal to drive with a defective bulb in the exterior lighting.

Additional bulb specifications

Some bulbs in headlights or in tail light clusters might have factory specifications that are different to standard bulbs. The designation is inscribed on the bulb, either on the glass part or on the base.

Lights with LED technology

The LEDs cannot be replaced. Seek expert assistance. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.

Additional information and warnings:

  • Exterior views
  • Lights and vision
  • Preparation for working in the engine compartment
  • Vehicle toolkit
  • Fuses
Accidents can occur if roads are not sufficiently illuminated and other road users have difficulty seeing the vehicle, or cannot see it at all.
WARNING

Changing the bulb incorrectly can cause accidents and serious injuries.

  • When working in the engine compartment, always read and observe the safety warnings . The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area. Serious injuries can be sustained here.
  • Gas discharge bulbs are operated by high voltage. If they are not handled properly they can cause serious or fatal injuries.
  • H7 and gas discharge bulbs are pressurised and could explode when they are being changed.
  • Only change the defective bulb once it has had time to cool down completely.
  • Never change a bulb unless you are familiar with the procedure. If you are uncertain of what to do, the work should be carried out by a qualified workshop.
  • Do not touch the glass part of the bulb with unprotected fingers. When the light is switched on, heat will cause fingerprints to evaporate on the bulb, which in turn will cause the reflector to dim.
  • There are sharp-edged parts in the headlight housing in the engine compartment and on the tail light cluster housing. Protect your hands when changing bulbs.

NOTICE

Damage to the electrical system can be caused by water entering the system if the rubber covers or plastic caps on the headlight housing are not properly mounted after a bulb has been changed.

Test yourself

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