Remove rear light cluster - Polo 2003 (03) 1.4S 5DR

[jon_iz]

The off-side brake light has failed on my wife's polo.
I pulled the trim back tonight on the assumption that it would be a simple job.

It seems not!

I can see that the cluster assembly is retained by a black plastic wing nut. When this is unscrewed, the M6 stud is visible, and the cluster is loosened. However it does not pull free.
I guess there be something else to release or some lugs that engage in the body and the cluster must be pulled in a certain direction to release it.
I didn't want to get brutal with it and snap any such lugs off!

Can anyone enlighten me in the procedure for removing the cluster assembly please? (Scans for a manual would be helpful if possible!)

Many thanks,

Jon

[jon_iz]

I worked it out... Here's the answer...

Unscrew the black plastic wingnut in the back of the light cluster (you have to pull back the trim in the boot to get to this.

The cluster has two spring-loaded lugs on the outer edge.
The release the cluster, lift the cluster up a couple of mm (against the spring pressure) and pull backwards - the cluster will come away easily - if it does not release easily you have probably not lifted it enough.

After you have changed bulb, make sure that the gaskets are in place, otherwise you will end up with a small swimming pool in the boot!