How do I remove entire headlight assembly 2001 jetta vr6 I am NOT changing a bulb I need assembly off.?

Answer 1

Changing the headlight assembly vw jetta

I just changed the headlight assembly on my 03 VW Jetta since the clear lens gets foggy after a few years..

You will need a T20 and a T27 Torx Screwdriver.

1. Remove the front grill (has the vw symbol).. it is a snap fit on the sides.

2. Remove the 5 bolts holding your front bumper onto the body of the car..These you will see after your grill is out of the way.....the bumper needs to be loose to remove the bottom 2 screws of the headlight assembly.

3. There are two grills on the bottom of the bumper covering where flood lights look like they can go (although most VWs with flood lights have them in the headlight assembly). Pinch the grills and pull out towards you. There is one screw behind each of these grills, remove these screws. (if you are replacing only 1 assembly, you can remove just the one on the side you are replacing the assembly)

4. There are five screws holding the bumper on under each wheel well. Start from the bottom of the wheel well and work up and stop with the screw that is just under the top of the bumper cover. You may need to turn the wheels so you can access these with a torx screwdriver. If replacing only one headlight assembly, you can do only one side.

5. The cover will remove easily, be careful to watch the lights and wires for the side running lights

6. Remove the 2 screws holding the top of the headlight assembly in place and replace.

7. The screws can fall on the tray below and no problem to retreive as you remove them.

8. Now you can remove the wire harness to the assembly and you can now put in your new assembly.

9. When you put the bumper cover back on, make sure the running light(s) are in. There are clips on the bumper cover and on the fender of the car on each side that helps hold the cover, make sure you are inserting into them before trying to go all the way in. Put all the screws back in, pop back in the covers in the front of the two screws in the "fog light" area. Pop back in the grill.

The whole process takes about an hour....hope this helps..

Dan

dont forget that under jetta there is a protective cover that is made of plastic and has two screws that attach it to the front bumper dont forget about that otherwise you will have difficulty taking the bumber off.

also, when taking completing the headlight assembly job, it will take one hour minimum but four hours max the time will vary with how well you7 have maintained the car and also if you have ever taken the bumper off because that will affect how tight the screws that are holding the bumper will be