What is the easiest way to replace a taillight bulb other than going to the dealer. I checked and it looks like you have to pull the trunk liner loose and unscrew the lens. The screws seem hard to reach from inside the trunk is there an easier way???
Woodchuck filled you in. The hardest part of replacing rear-lamp bulbs is figuring out which bulb you need to buy. Maybe it's changed for 2003, but in my 99.5's owner's manual, it was apparent VW thought we were too dumb to replace the bulb ourselves, so they never provided appropriate info. :-(
Apparently there are now bulbs available that look clear/silver when off but burn amber. This would be a cool effect if you have clear turn signal segments (as opposed to smoke/clear like the GTI)
Also if you stick with the conventional amber colored bulbs, the "KR" or "LL" versions (same thing, krypton gas filled) last longer for not much more money. They are available for regular clear 1156 and 1157 as well. that's what I've been using for the past few years and I've never replaced one. They also have nickel plated bases to resist corrosion.
Yep...I think it's Philips Silverstar or something like that.
It kinda depends on what your taillamps look like though. I'd say if you have a lamp that's totally clear (no fluting or optics on the lens...e.g.: "crystal clear" style) then the Silverstars are a good choice since the bulb is totally visible. If you have optics on the lens, an amber one is still probably fine. I have clear (but with optics) corner lamps on my Eurovan (from the European model) and I'm using traditional amber bulbs and they're barely visible as amber when off.
Yeah, I have "Altezza" euro-tails. Each lamp is eliptical shaped, and the turn signals are pretty close to being clear.
Are these bulbs avail most anywhere? And how about the bulbs in the side markers? Those look silver but illuminate amber. Would those fit into the rear taillamps??
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