How to Change the Tail Light on a 1998 VW Beattle

Volkswagen stopped selling the classic Beetle sedan in the U.S. after the 1977 model year, and the Super Beetle convertible hung around in the U.S. through 1979. In 1998, the Beetle returned to the U.S. as the New Beetle. The 1998, the New Beetle came fitted with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that created 115 horsepower. The styling of the New Beetle was similar to that of the classic Beetle. The headlights and taillights were strikingly similar, as well. They were fender-mounted and circular, just as later models of classic Beetles. Having these fender-mounted taillight assemblies means some extra work when replacing the taillights.

Instructions

1

Open the trunk and remove the spare tire cover by pulling it from the rear of the Beetle, exposing the four expansion clips at the bottom of the rear lock carrier cover -- the plastic trim that covers the striker for the rear hatch.

2

Pry the center pins from the four expansion clips, using a small flat-head screwdriver. Pry all four expansion clips from the rear lock carrier cover.

3

Pull upward on the far left and far right of the rear lock carrier cover to release the metal clips securing it to the Beetle. Pull the rear lock carrier cover from the Beetle -- this allows access behind the quarter panel trim.

4

Reach behind the quarter panel trim and remove the nut holding the taillight assembly in place, using a ratchet and socket. Make certain to catch the nut, washer and spacer as you remove them. If these fall, they are difficult to find.

5

Pull the taillight assembly from the rear of the Beetle.

6

Turn the taillight assembly over and twist the lower light socket -- the bottom socket -- counterclockwise to unlock it. Pull the socket and taillight from the taillight assembly.

7

Press the bulb downward and turn it counterclockwise to unlock it from the socket. Pull the burnt-out bulb from the socket.

8

Grab a new 7528 taillight bulb with a clean, lint-free cloth and insert the bulb into the socket. Push downward on the bulb and turn it clockwise to lock it in the socket.

9

Insert the bulb and socket into the rear of the taillight assembly and turn it clockwise to lock it into place.

10

Set the taillight assembly back on the rear of the Beetle. Reach behind the quarter panel trim and place the spacer, washer and nut, in that order, on the taillight assembly. Tighten the nut with a ratchet and socket.

11

Reinstall the rear lock carrier cover on the Beetle and press the right and left side until it clicks into place. Insert the expansion pins in the holes on the bottom of the rear lock carrier cover and press the center pins until the clips lock into place.

12

Set the spare tire cover back in the rear of the vehicle and close the Beetle's trunk.