[READ & WORKED ON: October 21, 2009] Replacing bulbs
Don’t worry, I’m not going to review the manual. I wanted to point out the hilarious warning that accompanies the changing of a light bulb.
So the headlight on our 2004 Jetta burnt out. When I was about 17 I changed a headlight on my Ford Fairmont (a great big glass thing that was the entire headlamp). It was time-consuming but fairly easy. So I figured how hard could it be now?
I’m mechanically inclined (I built a chicken coop after all) but I’m not a car guy. I guess you could say I’m afraid to tamper with anything that I drive everyday and that holds my family most days. But a light bulb? I had to at least try.
The friendly owner’s manual says:
Replacing bulbs
It is becoming increasingly more and more difficult to replace vehicle light bulbs since in many cases, other parts of the car must first be removed before you are able to get to the bulb. This applies especially to the light bulbs in the front of the car which you can only reach through the engine compartment.A HUGE WARNING BOX!
- H7 bulbs are pressurized and can explode when being changed. Potential risk of injury!
- On vehicles equipped with gas discharge bulbs life-threatening injuries can result from improper handling of the high-voltage portions of such lamps!
For your safety, we recommend that you have your authorized VOLKSWAGEN dealer replace any bulbs for you, since your dealer has necessary tools, the correct bulbs and expertise.
ANOTHER HUGE WARNING BOX!
Before you check anything in the engine compartment, always read and heed all WARNINGS on page 34.Adjusting headlights
Special tools and expertise are required to adjust the headlights. For your safety we recommend that you have your authorized VOLKSWAGEN dealer check and adjust the headlights when necessary.
That’s a little repetitive. But Wow! You’d have to be CRAZY to try and change this light bulb. Or would you?
I Googled it, and got this very helpful Wiki Answers page.
I bought the bulb at my local Hapi Auto Parts store (sadly no picture available, but what a great store!). It was not the huge glass block like from years ago, it was a small halogen bulb.
I followed her instructions and, aside from pausing to run back inside to get a flat head screwdriver (which I needed to pry something off) the whole thing went without a hitch. The bulb was replaced in about five minutes.
I guess you can’t believe everything you read.
I Just Read About That... 
Lol. I feel you. Last car I owned was a ’78 Celica, I went out one day to change a headlight bulb and took off half the front end of the car (I’m not-so-mechanical but also not-a total-placebo). It was ridiculous!
A few months ago, we lost a bulb in our ’99 Outback. I ignored it for as long as I could stand, absolutely petrified of the idea of ripping this car open for the sake of a headlight, and loath to take it to a shop to have it done, which would have to be the most embarrassing thing since my wife took our dog into the vet (at emergency appt. rates) because she (the dog) had a slightly sprained wrist.
So, I finally get up one day, bring out a few screwdrivers and other assorted tools, a couple extra cigarettes in case of frustration, some water and a couple towels, a pair of gloves. Opened the hood. Looked in. Looked at the instructions on the bulb package. Pulled out the old bulb. Plugged in the new one. Total time elapsed: 45 seconds.
Hey! Nice to hear from you.
I’m not sure what it is about mu (our?) pride about not bringing in a car to get a light bulb changed, but I sure as hell wasn’t going to do it! I don’t know if its the price (how much would they bleed you for for that?) or just the embarrassment–I almost wished to have a major problem so that it could be dealt with at the same time. (almost).
So, I just repleaced the other bulb (evidently you’re supposed to change them both at the same time). AND, I changed a fuse (my kids put a penny in the lighter/power outlet and blew the fuse).
In the past week I’ve become quite the mechanic. Next: an oil change (heh, just kidding)