How to Change a Headlight Bulb on a 96 VW Passat

The Passat first reached U.S. soil in the 1990 model year, but its roots date back to the Dasher, in 1974. The 1996 Passat came in three trim levels: GLS, TDI and GLX. The GLS came fitted with a 115-horsepower, 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder engine; the GLX came with a 2.8-liter V-6 that created 172 horsepower; the TDI version came fitted with a 1.9-liter diesel engine that produced 90 horsepower. Instead of a large glass headlight assembly, the 1996 Passat used a plastic headlight assembly with a capsule-style, halogen bulb installed in its rear. Replacing the headlight bulb on a Passat is a relatively easy task that requires no tools.

Instructions

1

Open the Passat's hood and remove the rubber cover on the rear of the headlight assembly, exposing the headlight bulb beneath it.

2

Disconnect the wiring harness plugging into the rear of the headlight bulb by pulling it with a slight wiggling motion.

3

Squeeze the tabs on the thin metal retainer that holds the bulb in place and press it downward to free it from its latches. Pivot the retainer away from the bulb.

4

Pull the bulb from the headlight assembly.

5

Grab the metal part of the new headlight bulb and insert it into the headlight assembly. Make certain to line the tabs on the bulb up with the notches in the headlight assembly.

6

Pivot the wire retainer over the bulb, squeeze the retainer tabs until the retainer inserts into the latches and release the retainer to lock it into place.

7

Plug the wiring harness back into the rear of the Passat's bulb and reinstall the rubber cover.

8

Close the Passat's hood.