VW Bettle stop lights

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Sun 24 Mar 2002 11:31
VW Bettle stop lights - Mitch Preston
I hope I'm using this forum correctly.

I need to replace one of the brake light bulbs in my 98 VW Beetle, but I cannot figure out how to remove the tail light unit.

Can anyone offer me some advice or tips?

TIA

/\/\itch
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Sun 24 Mar 2002 12:41
Re: VW Bettle stop lights - Andy P
There should be a removable panel inside the boot somewhere..


Andy
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Sun 24 Mar 2002 13:23
Re: VW Bettle stop lights - Mitch Preston
Yeah, there is, but it doesn't seem to lead to the lights.........

There is a big black plastic nut which I assumed should loosen the light unit off, but I slackened it and it didn't!

Thnks for yourb post though.
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Sun 24 Mar 2002 13:54
Re: VW Bettle stop lights - Tom Shaw
VW are being a bit naughty as regards bulb replacement. The handbook for my Lupo claims that this is a main dealer job, which is ridiculous and damn inconvenient as my nearest agent is about 20 miles away. Having had a fiddle with the light panel myself though, it is easy enough to do. I dare say someone on here will be able to help you if a bit of tinkering by yourself doesn't bear fruit.
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Sun 24 Mar 2002 17:31
Re: VW Bettle stop lights - Mitch Preston
Thanks for your help - I've tried on & off all day with no results - I might ask someone tomorrow without going to a main dealer. Makes a mockery of European laws regarding the carrying of spare bulbs
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Mon 25 Mar 2002 08:49
Re: VW Beetle stop lights - John S
Mitch

EU legislation (bless it) requires the main bulbs on a car to be changeable without using tools. Therefore you won't have to remove the light (assuming it's a 'new' Beetle), and the internal cover will come off somehow and give access.

To judge by some cars though, it doesn't also have to be easy!

regards

John
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Mon 25 Mar 2002 09:56
Re: VW Beetle stop lights - David W
Like the Xantia Estate where you need a mirror, torch and slim but very strong fingers about 10" long.

Actually best acheived by folding down the rear seats and lying along the loadspace facing into the trim area.

You've activated the forum autospell than John!

David
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Mon 25 Mar 2002 09:57
Re: VW Beetle stop lights - David W
Shame I didn't!

David

I will edit before posyting, I will edit before postring, I willee edit before posting.....
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Mon 25 Mar 2002 11:02
Re: VW Beetle stop lights - John S
David, you need a PC like mine:

Eye have a spelling chequer
It came with my pea sea
It marques up for my revue
Mistakes eye cannot sea

regards

John
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Mon 25 Mar 2002 11:58
Re: VW Bettle stop lights - j.cronin
Sounds like 2000 escort headlight bulbs;looks like you have to remove the whole light;unless someone knows better-they're different to earlier becaause of headlight levelling regs. etc..
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Wed 27 Mar 2002 06:55
Re: VW Bettle stop lights - Mitch Preston
Just to finish this off, my wife took the car to main dealer man yesterday, and they had two people try ('cause the fisrt man couldn't do it) but succeeded in the end and charged 50 pence, and offered complimentary mineral water and biscuits.

Thanks to everyone who chipped in.

/\/\itch
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