How to Replace the Driver’s Side Front Directional on a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta

You will need:

Phillips screwdriver
Good flashlight
Preferably someone to help you

1. Locate the panel on the driver’s side with the picture of the light bulb on it.

2. Using the Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the screws and remove the panel/cover with the lightbulb on it.

3. Remove the battery cover. The battery is behind the lightbulb area, and the case can be removed by pushing hard on two buttons (one on each side) simultaneously while pulling up on the case.

4. Shine the flashlight directly behind the directional lightbulb, which is the top small bulb to the left of the main bulb. You will see a black rectangular compartment covered with a case with a tab at the top.

5. Remove this case. The case will look like the outer edge should stay attached to the tabbed area, but do not be fooled by the tab–this outer edge of the case will actually be removed with the rest of the case. Push down on the tab and pull the case away from the lightbulbs by grabbing the entire outside of the rectangular area. I used a lot of strength, but I don’t think you need to. I think I just was imagining the wrong part of the case being removed.

6. You will see some wires attaching to a white socket-like area. Reach inside and turn the white plastic socket area slightly to the right (while you are standing looking down at it). Pull out the wires slightly to give you more length to work with, and pull out the lightbulb from the back. It will appear as though the lightbulb won’t fit through the hole, but it will–just wiggle it around and get as much length in the wires as you can.

7. Without disconnecting any wires, you will remove the lightbulb. There are two tiny metal clips on either side of where the bulb attaches to the socket. This is where a third hand is useful. Pull the clips apart - away from the socket - while pulling up on the bulb plug. If you are working alone, you can work at one clip at one time, slowly edging up one side of the plug at a time.

8. Stick in the new bulb in the socket until it clicks. Be sure not to touch the bulb itself with your hands. Apparently this can leave oils on the bulb that can cause it to explode or wear out faster than usual, but I didn’t test this out.

9. Work the bulb back through the metal hole.

10. Turn the white plastic socket area to the left, while looking down at it and standing in front of the lightbulbs, until it clicks into place.

11. Replace the black plastic cover with the picture of the lightbulb on it, and screw it in.

12. Snap the battery cover back on.

Posted by: ssjane | October 18, 2005 | 4:40 pm
Posted in: Instructional | Comments Off