How to Change the Front Headlight Bulb on a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle

Broken or dull headlights on your 2001 Volkswagen Beetle can hinder your ability to see clearly while driving, and can earn you a ticket and fine for driving a vehicle with damaged headlights. The lights allow you to see at night and while driving through snow, fog and rain. They also help other drivers see your Beetle coming toward them in the opposite direction. This is why it is in your best interest to maintain working headlights at all times.

• 1

  Prop open your hood and locate the release lever for the headlight assembly, the lever is approximately 2 inches under the two upper mounting bolts that hold the fender in place.

• 2

  Press down on the release lever and then push it back up. Pull the headlight assembly forward and slide it out of your Beetle.

• 3

  Unplug the electrical connector from the backside of the assembly. Look toward the top part of the backside of the assembly for a black plastic tab. Push down on the tab and pull the headlight cover up and out.

• 4

  Pull the retaining clip off of the old bulb and remove the old bulb from the assembly by pulling it straight out. Align the bulb correctly with the headlight assembly by matching the marked tabs on the bulb with the raised notches on the assembly. Set the bulb inside the assembly, pushing it down carefully.

• 5

  Push the ends of the retaining clip into the small holes on either side of the new bulb and snap the headlight cover on to secure it.