2003 Polo, changing headlight bulb.

[nedflanders]

Not a very catchy title eh? Sorry about that.

Hello all, I'm nedflanders and have just joined up, I'll do my profile thingy later.

I know this has probably been asked before but I have to change a bulb and as you can guess the manual says 'please consult dealer'. To change a bulb!

It looks like I'm going to have to take off the whole unit in order to get access to the retaining clip. I can't even get visual access as it's impossible to see inside the unit. This is so inconvenient and such bad design. Fancy having to use a tool kit in order to simply change a bulb?

Anyway, enough of my moaning. If any of you can help with this problem and tell me how to go on I'd be very grateful. I'm off to Halfords to buy the bulbs this morning.

[RickT]

have you managed to sort this as yet??

RicKT

[Grimace]

Hi guys
Great forum!
I was browsing the Net looking for the same answer - I had a look under the bonnet to change the bulb on the passengers side of my 2003 Polo, and was stumped. There is a cover over the back of the bulb assembly, and when removed I can clearly see the wires that are evidently attached to the bulb, but I didn't want to pull too hard.
The dealer wants R450.00 for the bulb and to replace it, so if I can save that with the help of someone on the forum, I will be very stoked indeed.
I've had a few cars in the past and never seen one that needs a Phd to get to the damn bulb.
And as an after thought, is there maybe another bulb type I can use that will boost the light or quality of the light without frying the fuses / wires ?
thanks,
Rex

[gazza57]

If it's any consolation, the problem exists with the golf too. The sidelight replacement is a complete pig.
Once you done one, you'll be able to paper your hallway through your letterbox!
As far as boosting the light output, the best bet is to try high efficiency lamps with a greater lumens/watt ratio.
I've considered Xenons along with uprated wattage lamps but to be honest you put your wiring loom at risk and if you're particularly unlucky the complete car.
Gazza57

[Grimace]

Hi Gazza

Thanks for the lighting suggestion. As it turns out, no need to go to the VW shop. Our friendly Midas shop gave me the bulb and one of their techies put it in pretty quickly. I have to admit though, he did have the smallest hands I have seen on a bloke taller than 5'2"!!! But he got it sorted and gave me the run down on the lighting - apparently there are issues with the stronger bulbs and they have stopped selling them for the same reasons you mentioned. No matter - I'm really quick happy with the lighting from my Polo.
Thanks again for the help.
Cheers,
Rex

[jimcornwall]

I have the same problem with the headlamp bulb. I maanged to remove it (not sure how) but cannot get the replacement bulb back in the corrct position.
All the comments so far that I've read say that thye've sorted the problem by using a dealer who didn't charge much, a Midas (who are they) shop etc but don't explain the actual technique of removing the bulb and replacing it.
Even the Haynes manual "just says remove the bulb and replace it".
It seems a crazy situation when a lot of countries motoring regulations insist that you carry spare bulbs in the car but you cannot replace them at the roadside!