The process for changing the tail light bulbs for a 2003 New Beetle TDI is relatively simple.
To remove the lens and gain access to the bulbs you first need to release the lens holder from inside the trunk by completely unscrewing the large plastic wing nut that is under a round plastic panel that's located almost directly behind the rear brake light lens.
To gain access to the plastic wing nut remove the round panel by gently prying it off. After this is done you release the lens by using something flat like screwdriver to pry and release the clip that holds the lens in place. Locating the clip: The rear fender has two seams that end at the light lens, the inboard seam (the one closest to the hatch)is where you want to insert the table knife to pry the metal clip that holds the lens in place.
Gently and carefully insert the flathead screwdriver directly at the seam and pry upward to release the lens. Once the clip releases pull the lens the rest of the way and remove the bulbs by turning the bulb holder sockets counter-clockwise. After this is done remove bulbs by slightly pushing down on the bulb and turning it counter-clockwise.
To reinstall is reverse of the removal the procedure. When re-installing take care to clock the lens where the metal clip and the lens protrusions end up in the same position as before. Note: you may need to assist sliding the lens retaining clip in with the screwdriver when reinstalling!
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The process for changing the tail light bulbs for a 2003 New Beetle TDI is relatively simple.
To remove the lens and gain access to the bulbs you first need to release the lens holder from inside the trunk by completely unscrewing the large plastic wing nut that is under a round plastic panel that's located almost directly behind the rear brake light lens.
To gain access to the plastic wing nut remove the round panel by gently prying it off. After this is done you release the lens by using something flat like screwdriver to pry and release the clip that holds the lens in place. Locating the clip: The rear fender has two seams that end at the light lens, the inboard seam (the one closest to the hatch)is where you want to insert the table knife to pry the metal clip that holds the lens in place.
Gently and carefully insert the flathead screwdriver directly at the seam and pry upward to release the lens. Once the clip releases pull the lens the rest of the way and remove the bulbs by turning the bulb holder sockets counter-clockwise. After this is done remove bulbs by slightly pushing down on the bulb and turning it counter-clockwise.
To reinstall is reverse of the removal the procedure. When re-installing take care to clock the lens where the metal clip and the lens protrusions end up in the same position as before. Note: you may need to assist sliding the lens retaining clip in with the screwdriver when reinstalling!
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