Hi
I need to replace the dipped beam headlight bulb,on a MkIV Golf.
Haynes Manual says that you should disconnect battery negative lead - is this necessary and what are the dangers if you dont
Manual also refers to halogen and gas discharge types, how do you identify what type is fitted - I suspect halogen. The bulb has a what looks like a lamp shade over it.
With other cars in the past I just replaced relevant bulb without battery disconnection.
Ian
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You are probably best leaving this to a main dealership because there are different types of bulbs used by VW; the H7 type are pressurised, for instance, and there is just a possibility of shattering, whilst the gas discharge type includes a high voltage section that poses a personal risk.
There's also the chance that some bodywork or parts may have to be removed to change the headlamps and then there's the question of aligning them correctly once fitted.
If you do decide to go ahead, however, having to temporarily disconnect the battery (which is clearly for safety reasons) shouldn't prove a problem when the bulb change has been completed.
You will have to reset the clock, but if your ICE system is the orginal factory fitted version then it will automatically reset itself quite quickly when the battery is reconnected. If it was fitted later then you will have to key in the security code.
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Ian,
A few small problems.
1. The radio. I don't know which you have, but coding etc.
2. The ECU. It learns. Honestly, it does. Your driving for the next 110-odd miles won't be as nice as it was.
3. Central locking alarm. Some are affected.
Sean
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>>A few small problems>>
As I said earlier disconnecting the battery shouldn't cause any problems, outlining the fact you have to reset the clock and that the in-car entertainment, if factory fitted, resets itself.
I've disconnected the battery on my Bora two or three times over the last 15 months and it has been straightforward; the car's running performance etc has been the same afterwards.
I was a bit wary the first time (I had to disconnect the battery to clean the terminals etc after acquiring the car), but a perusal of the manual revealed no major drawbacks with regard to ICE. The factory-fitted system takes under a minute to check that it is fitted to the original vehicle and then works as before.
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Oh, yes.
The job's not easy.
Not a great deal of space. Bumper off etc unless you can persuade your better half to get her hands dirty.
Just possible, we reckon.
Sean
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Thanks to all who replied.
Job done. It was a halogen bulb as suspected. A bit fiddly replacing the actual bulb otherwise relatively straighforward.
Decided to take the straightforward route and not disconnect the battery - suspect this is more relevant to gas discharge.
Thanks again for responses
Ian
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