How to change headlight - VW Polo?

backinbusiness

Replaced my sidelight bulb on a 2004 VW Polo today. You need hands the size of a newborn baby's! The access is tiny, and cleverly masked by the knuckle-slicing metal headlight mount! However, perseverence, and the determination NOT to pay anyone else to do it, and I got there eventually, bleeding knuckles notwithstanding.

ps I am female and do try and carry out some of the routine and minor stuff myself (knowing my limited capabilities!)

Cost me the price of the bulb only

red_eye

travel_freak wrote: »

Hi,

I wondered whether anyone has/had a VW Polo and could explain how to change the headlight bulb? Mine has gone. I've looked at the manual and there is no info. at all - it just says to take it to a dealer!! I rang VW and they want to charge £55 to change the bulb!!

If anyone could help with any steps that would be great. I am reasonably handy but don't have any specialist tools, beyond screwdrivers.

Also, is it an automatic fine if you are stopped by the police? I'm working late shifts this week and not sure when I'll get a chance to try and fix this myself.

Thanks in advance.

the only special tool you need is the ability to see with your fingers, open the cap, wiggle the plug off. then you have to feel got the clip (#2 in the pic)

neosalad

i am having a bit of an issue with replacing the main bulb on my 2000 polo sdi (6n2) i have replaced the bulb before, but had horribly scraped hands afterwards, so this time loosed the screw on the battery to move it, took the black cover off, but the clip that keeps the bulb on has came away, cant work out how on earth to get it fitted back in properley as i cant actually see the area it needs to be!!! is the different end of it facing up/down, hard to tell?
I can't seem to see the black plastic bit that is described to keep the bulb in place, hope it hasn't got lost.
annoying as the car only just had the mot and the bulb was fine then but since has stopped working... and with it being dark/winter an all i want it sorted..

kkdd2013

Few weeks ago, the indicators of my car stopped working. So, I went to the garage in Dewsbury where used to have MOT. However, the mechanic said he could not fix it. At the end, I went to KM in morley, paid 220 pounds to change a headlamp cluster, cost me more than a leg and an arm. Anyway, I realized I could buy a headlamp cluster on ebay which cost less than double of the price I paid.:money: Shop around for the parts first before making decision

londonTiger

on the mk4 golf several manual say you need to take the bumper off and headlight unit off to change bulbs. I have successfully changed bulbs without doing so but it isn't easy.

knuckes get scratched a bit but you can just about open the seal and pull the headlight connector out and change bulbs.

Just be careful as access is really bad, if you drop a screw into the headlight it's going to be a headlight removal job.

kkdd2013

You need to take the bumper off only if the headlight or indicator gone due to electric wires loose contacts.

londonTiger wrote: »

on the mk4 golf several manual say you need to take the bumper off and headlight unit off to change bulbs. I have successfully changed bulbs without doing so but it isn't easy.

knuckes get scratched a bit but you can just about open the seal and pull the headlight connector out and change bulbs.

Just be careful as access is really bad, if you drop a screw into the headlight it's going to be a headlight removal job.

superE

Hi, I need help. I don't want to replace the bulb, I need to replace the whole headlight unit on the passenger side in my 2000 POLO. I bought her pre-owned and someone has stuffed toilet paper into the bulb retainment area as it seems bit are missing. So I bought a new headlight and can't for the life of me figure out how to get the darn thing off. I have gone as far as taking out the indicator, taking off the front grill and loosening all the top screws, but I can't see where else it is being held in place or how to get there. Does any one have any advice PLEASE???

Strider590

^^ For a complete headlamp unit, you most likely need to remove the bumper. I don't know many cars where you can remove the headlight without doing so, at least not many in the last few decades.

BeenThroughItAll

Look at where the fixings are on the new headlight, then look for them on the old one.