How To Replace Headlight and Bulb 02-05 VW Passat Sedan

1A Auto shows you how to repair, install, fix, change or replace the broken, damaged, cracked, faded, cloudy, or chipped headlights. This video is applicable to the 02, 03, 04, and 05 year Volkswagen Passat models.
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⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@ralchianelli]

Of all the available videos for those who DIY, 1aauto makes the best. They actually show someone working on a car that isn't just a model made for the video. And if they say their parts are an exact fit, they ARE! Thanks!

[@1AAuto]

+Ralph Chianelli Thanks for the kind words. Thanks for checking out our videos! If any of our viewers need to make this repair, we carry the part shown in this video on our website. Here's a link to them. We also offer free shipping on all orders in the US. www.1aauto.com/1A/HeadLights/Volkswagen/Passat/1ALHP00384?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony

[@haroldstickney6205]

A1 all the way....This worked out perfect. I had a road alligator pop up and break my 2003 passat head lamp lens. I found this video...ordered both head lamp assemblies....if going to take the car apart might as well replace both...and the price was the best around. Followed the video and everything went exrtemely smooth. I will definetly continue to use A1 to keep my 2003 Passat going...currently have 235K miles and looking to top 300K. Thanks A1!

[@errin4]

I did it a couple of times without seeing the video; the video is big help. If you ever do it w/o seeing the video, you'll be appreciative. I'm going out in a few minutes to replace both assemblies. Thank you 1A!

[@1AAuto]

+William Edmiston Thanks for watching. If any of our viewers needs to make this repair, we carry the auto repair part shown in this video on our website. Here is a link to them www.1aauto.com/1A/HeadLights/Volkswagen/Passat/1ALHP00384?KZbin&CTA+Comment&ZON0L8gPq4c

[@Intoxiqated]

Thank you very much for your tutorial, I had to replace both the headlight and fender on my passat and couldn't have done it without you. Great video!

[@vincent70]

Good job. You make things very clear. Wish all YT's were like this.

[@TheJorgSacul]

THANK YOU!!! I just bought a '01 Passat wagon, and the previous owner (while doing marvelous engine work) failed miserably to reattach the bumper cowl/nose section. This will be excellent reference for me to do it right! (and yes, I buy replacement headlight lenses from you, :) )

[@1AAuto]

+TheJorgSacul We love to hear that our videos are helping people get the repair done! That's our main goal. Great work, and thanks for checking us out. For anyone else needing the headlight assembly, we carry the part here: www.1aauto.com/1A/HeadLights/Volkswagen/Passat/1ALHP00384?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony

[@lomazborz691]

Thank you very much .I will be changing the air filter later with another of your videos.

[@MrTimodon]

Hi there! Im a fan of cars from Germany, i like Audi RS6 and models like that! When i still was young 1975 i drove Dodge Dart -65 and Dodge Challenger -71 with 440" big block engine, i also had a Barracuda -71 with 460" Mopar dragrace engine, 1988 i did 11,3 on the dragway Mantorp Park in Sweden! But then i discower the mighty Audi Quatro and the rest i history! Now i drive a Passat -06 2,0 liter engine with gasoline, i think its 150 hp engine! Now im older (58) and have not the power anymore to fix my car, but this site help a lot when i want to fix something small! Biig thanks!!

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for watching! 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@coopercm79]

This is exactly what I needed for the assembly replacement. Thanks for this video!

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for watching. Please let us know how the repair comes out! 1aauto.com?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony 888-844-3393

[@coopercm79]

The installation went great! I watched your video twice and didn't have any questions about how to disassemble the bumper or remove/install the headlights. The issues I had is that I bought lights on eBay before I saw your video and subsequently the link to the headlights you guys sell. They would not aim properly. I believe it was a defect in manufacturing. Unfortunately I had to modify them slightly to use them so I'm unable to return them to who I bought them from. They had crap connectors on the wiring so I spliced in the original connectors from the original headlights. I just placed my order for the 1aauto.com headlight assembly kit for 2003 VW Passat to replace these.

[@kirkohly]

super helpful video, took me longer than I expected, but every question was addressed by the video. When installing the bumper cover, please, please, please pay attention to the sliding in aspect. I didn't and I had a heck of time until I re watched the video. Thanks

[@GarinvanLohengrin]

Just changing the bulbs is shown in the vid from 01:00 to about 01:40. Real easy. Remove the covers, turn, pull, replace, put back in, turn, put covers back and finished. That is why I like VW. I had a Renault Laguna before, and that was hell. :) Even changing the windshield wipers was difficult. Here the rest in the vid. shows you how to do when you want to change the light casing itself.

[@impossiblesquirrel]

I just did this and it worked! Thanks. (There was another KZbin that said I would have to remove the bumper and grill! unbelievable.)

[@dzsim1803]

I agree, couldnt change my city light bulbs man! Impossible no place at all, thanks who evermade passat b5 you are a genius

[@faithsewmore]

Thank you for this video! I just finished changing my headlight myself. I will be changing the air filter later with another of your videos. My 2004 VW Passat wagon gls tdi looks just like the car in your video. Thanks for sharing this!

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for watching! Glad to be of help. Let us know how the repair turns out. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@kenburden213]

Wow, I dreaded doing this but it was a lot easier than I thought. Only problem I had was when I found a wire hanging down that I didn't know where it came from, 1J0973702 or 1J093702 can't remember now but further searching I guess it's an air temp sensor you need to tuck back in somewhere, which I did. My wife sure is happy all of her lights are working. Thanks.

[@bigfish7493]

Hey, aiming, aligning these lamps is another story of blue language! Thanks for the entire presentation. Removing the bumper cover, the bumper front member which carries the inter-cooler etc etc and the front motor mount incorporated, and then the alternator, and S-belt and then into the front engine cover in order to remove the Timing Belt/water pump.....that's almost where doing the headlamps take you. So learn this if you're keeping your VW....it's not so bad. Those Triple Square bolts are the pits! They will shear! Replace all with Grade 10 Hex bolts. The headlamp job is a trainer! Thanks!

[@WuzuquanSpain]

You saved me a lot of trouble. Thank you!

[@1AAuto]

+Wuzuquan Thoughts Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@GratefulEd09]

Hey, thanks so much for this. Your procedure works EXACTLY as advertised.

[@debbee6107]

Thank you so much you are a blessing for moms on a budget and everyone!!!

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for watching. Have a great day! 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@kekePower]

Thanks a lot. You made changing the bulb a breeze :-) Took me 10 minutes, all in all.

[@1AAuto]

+Stig-Ørjan Smelror A little know-how can go a long way. We're glad the video helped you out. 1aauto.com 866-403-3393

[@bigfish7493]

I own one, love it! Except when replacing parts!

[@chadmock5883]

God help us. Engineers will be the death of us all. Would not be surprised if I have to remove the transmission to add washer fluid. Thank you for the video. Hope my lights last forever.

[@bigfish7493]

They won't, also the engineers never worked outside in -16 weather. Wait until it's 80k miles to do the water pump, timing belt and idler pulley(s) and tensioner. This is an excellent machine but to service anything requires a surgeons adept fingers and tools, and lots of time and patience. Don't break stuff!

[@nickmoser8235]

This comment perfectly summed up my feelings for this car

[@1AAuto]

You can try and wedge your hand into the space behind the headlight to get the bulb but you will probably not come out with all the skin on your hand. Your best bet would be to follow the steps to remove the bulb illustrated in the video.

[@Happy-Me.]

I'll hopefully be getting this done tomorrow on my Trusty Passat!

[@1AAuto]

+Happy Me Thanks for checking us out. 1aauto.com

[@Happy-Me.]

@@1AAuto Just got her done. She looks like new again and she's 17 years old!

[@Happy-Me.]

A great video. I have this model year 2002. Hi from the UK!!

[@nategraham6234]

Ok, I'm really confused! I just watched a "DIY" video showing you how to change the same bulb and he didn't have to remove the front end. The video was less than 5 minutes long and he made it seem really simple. I'm going to use his method. YES, I'm going to do it myself!

[@christianmoya5268]

I was thinking that there has to be a simpler way. There is a video where there is enough space to just change the bulb sticking your hand behind the fixture, but I guess this video is for replacing the whole light assembly. I guess it makes sense.

[@teejayevans]

Nice video, my one light was replaced because of an accident and it had a clip instead of twist to lock.

[@TylerKaraszewski]

Perfect, had exactly what I needed in the first minute, thanks!

[@1AAuto]

+Tyler Karaszewski Thanks for checking us out. Shop here for high quality auto parts: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@Ukdesitours]

Thanks a lot mate. It is really helpful video. Saved my time and money. Thumbs up

[@1AAuto]

+nogent oise Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@Angus626]

Good job I hope I can use this to replace my 04 Passat's headlights? Looks like a pain but I think Im up for it :) Thanks again!

[@1AAuto]

+Angelo C Please feel free to reference this video for your 2004 VW Passat's headlight repair. Nothing worthwhile is accomplished without effort. We hope our video removes some of the mystery. You CAN do this job! For anyone else looking to replace their headlights, 1A Auto offers the set here: www.1aauto.com/1A/HeadLights/Volkswagen/Passat/1ALHP00384?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony

[@Angus626]

So true thanks again!

[@douwefokkema3177]

what happen with the good old days, where changing a lighbulb did take at least 5 minites on each side.

[@missvickyg]

Great video thank you.

[@ediesel000]

Excellent mechanic!

[@JuanRodriguez-ws1kl]

Excelente tutorial aun para los que hablamos en castellano (español)

[@LHR43]

Very helpful video!

[@1AAuto]

The bulb should fit nice and snug ensuring a good seal on the housing.

[@1AAuto]

Unfortunately if the defuser inside the headlight keeps falling off you will have to purchase a new one.

[@keithhodges524]

Can you link to a video that shows how to remove windshield washer tank? Thanks!

[@kamalshojaee8313]

Thank you very much . With the help of this video I create to replace the headlight Xenon and Bulb of my car. I saved 2,500 Kroner.

[@1AAuto]

+Kamal Shojaee You're welcome! We're glad to hear that we were able to help you save some cash and get the job done yourself. That's exactly why we make these videos. For anyone else ready to take on the job, 1A Auto offers the headlight here: www.1aauto.com/1A/HeadLights/Volkswagen/Passat/1ALHP00384?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony 1A Auto also ships internationally through our eBay store! The next time you need parts, give 1A Auto a look here: stores.ebay.com/1aautoincallyourpartsneeds

[@WhatDavidDoes]

2:33 What is that small bulb called? I noticed it comes on under regular night time driving, It's next to the high beam but it is not the high beam. I'd like to replace that 3rd small light but can't find a new one.

[@frlbeatdown]

This was a big help..thanks!!

[@1AAuto]

We're glad the video helped you out. Thanks for watching. 1aauto.com 866-403-3393

[@roccman2003]

glad I came across this!! i'll live with the foggy lens!!

[@souljehr]

Hello, I have a question in regards to adjusting lights that have fallen and are pointing down. I have an '04 Passat with halogen lights and my driver side headlight is pointing straight down. (The passenger side is also pretty low). I am interested to know whether I will need to purchase new headlights or if there is a more affordable fix. And what kind of bill should I be expecting if the answer is to replace.

[@bryanmunoz3872]

this was really helpful. thank you and my bulb came lose which is what cause my problem -.-

[@mchavoya1989]

all of that has to be removed just to replace a bulb?

[@thefonz4795]

Great Video! Extremely helpful thank you.

[@1AAuto]

+The Fonz Thank you for the great reply. We love to empower our customers by showing you how-to perform your own auto repairs while installing our high quality auto parts. Have a great day! 1aauto.com

[@niallbarry3539]

Hi, does the square shaped point behind the actual bulb have to be facing in a particular way. I replaced my bulb but now the headlight has loads of condensation in and around it.

[@garethgorham2850]

Very well explained, thanks

[@agodzadza95]

can you guys do a video on how to replace the power outlet on the center console in the back? my dad hit it with his knee and it broke so its dangling now, the wires are still in place but the outlet doesnt work.

[@v4herman7]

Thanks for the helpful video!

[@1AAuto]

You can find the bulb at your local parts store.

[@hankhill334]

so you basically have to remove the whole front end just to replace the the bulb. that's German engineering for ya!! what a joke.

[@1AAuto]

+Kurtis Love If you can't access the bulb from behind the headlight, you may need to take the headlight out. 1aauto.com

[@bigfish7493]

Now you understand how the German military lost the battles and the war inspire of having superior equipment/weapons! The maintenance and repair protocols were the same then as today. !! Everything was a giant headache !

[@1AAuto]

There should be an adjusting screw on the back of the headlights. If you turn them, you will see the light move. You want to park the vehicle about 25' away from a wall or garage door with the lights on. When you turn the screw you will see the beam move. Hope this helps you out. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@rozregan8997]

Thank you! I got it done!

[@1AAuto]

+Roz Regan Thanks for checking us out. 1aauto.com

[@melfear1]

I purchased and installed new headlight assemblies on my 02 Passat. However the beams are way off, aimed very low and I can't find anything that explains how to adjust them. I tried turning the two wheel like screws on each assembly but it didn't seem to move them up nearly enough. Any suggestions or help is appreciated.

[@1AAuto]

Hi Mel, On the back of the headlight there should be an adjusting screw (or two) that will raise or lower the headlight when turned. hope this helps you out. 1aauto.com 866-403-3393

[@martijnbuunk]

I just did like a minute ago change the whole right light bulb unit without removing the bumper, the only thing that has to come of was the grill panel... even that isnt screwed on.. I own a Passat 2001 B5 2.3 V5 and in was easy to do in front of my house.

[@chavoserio]

hey guys from ( 1A Auto Parts) you guys should make some videos oh 04 passat wagon cant find anything on that car .... and window on my right back door got of the rail so please helllllp ...

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for watching. Unfortunately we do not have a video for your application. We will keep this repair in mind for future videos. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@bygallery7534]

What an insanity for replacing a bulb.

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for watching! 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@BIGGS5699]

Hello, I hope you guys can help me with this, my headlights need major adjustment, the lights are literally pointing to the ground. Do you have a link to a video showing how to aim the projectors, please i really need this. I have a 2005 VW passat 1.8T wagon.

[@MrElixx22]

here 14:24

[@joelbradford525]

Do you have the part number for that bracket those the light connects to and the whole assemble the light goes into much appreciated its for a 2002 passat 4 motion gls

[@aladeenmadafaka6286]

Thx a lot for help!

[@1AAuto]

+Aladeen Madafaká That's what we're all about! Glad to hear we've been able to help out. Buy your auto parts from 1AAuto.com

[@SikUfc]

nice work ,keep on

[@BornInBosnia]

Do you ship to Ontario, Canada?

[@stealthcamo712]

German engineering... fudge. Thanks for showing. I'll get to work.

[@quinncywoods684]

everything looked so easy expect for the latch for the hood

[@1AAuto]

+Quinncy Woods It's not too hard if you take your time. Thanks for watching. If any of our viewers needs to make this repair, we carry the replacement headlights shown in this video on our website. Here's a link to them www.1aauto.com/1A/HeadLights/Volkswagen/Passat/1ALHP00384?KZbin&KZbin&CTA%20Comment&

[@quinncywoods684]

1A Auto Parts thank you for the video and it was kinda hard to open the latch to put it back on there but I got the job done

[@arlynhinrichs4431]

I changed the low lights and checked the fuses, all good, but still cannot get the low beams to come on. What next to check?

[@1AAuto]

You may want to take a look at the switch to see if it's bad and needs to be replaced. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@pauliekruger7639]

What do you mean by the headlights / bulbs "float"?

[@1AAuto]

+Paulie Kruger meaning there's not a lot of support keeping the lights in place. They sort of "float" in there"

[@nora4971]

is any video to show how to change head light bulb in a 1997 passat?

[@1AAuto]

Unfortunately we do not have a video for your application. We will keep this repair in mind for future videos. Thank you for watching! 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@justinquinn712]

1a auto, what if the grill screws just keep spinning? if tried everything. like, everything. even have my Passat Facebook group giving me ideas, but nothing works.

[@1AAuto]

+Justin Quinn Sounds like their housings are stripped. You could try drilling them out and just using a small nut and bolt instead. That's probably what we'd do. Hope this helps you out. 1aauto.com?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony 866-403-3393

[@cardenas333]

thank you!

[@TheHuskyK9]

And this is why I will gladly pay a mechanic to do this for me

[@derrylwc]

One note of caution: Avoid touching the actual bulb (the glass part) with your skin while you're installing it. When the bulb becomes hot, your skin oils might cause the glass to shatter. It's not *guaranteed* to happen, but better safe than sorry!

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for watching. We'll keep this request in mind in the event that we need to make this repair in the future. Have a great day, 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@waveyswaggy]

Hi, How about changing park light of vw sharan 2004?

[@1AAuto]

+Raymart Aguilar We will keep this request in mind in the event that we need to make this repair in the future. 1aauto.com

[@FFS8tto-sc-FFS8G]

Is it same as VW P B5 ? :)

[@1AAuto]

We currently do not have an auto repair video specific to your vehicle. You might be able to apply some of the basic steps shown in this video to your application. +FFSetto

[@thereverand15]

Question about the bulbs. On my wife’s 04 Passat sedan, the low beams (outside bulb) come on without the headlight switch in the on position. When I turn the headlight switch on, the small bulb inside the high beam housing comes on, and the low beams stay on. Is this normal? What is the point of the small bulbs inside the high beam housing, and why are the low beams on regardless of the headlight switch being in the on position?

[@1AAuto]

+Arnott15 You may want to see it the vehicle is equipped with some type of a daytime running light option that may be causing this to happen. Hope this helps you out. 1aauto.com

[@WaleAkinsefunmi-ci9pl]

Oh, okay!!......The bulb alone is much more simple!

[@1AAuto]

+Wale Akinsefunmi Agreed! For anyone else who might be doing this job, we carry the parts shown in the video on our website. Order from us and we'll cover the shipping. Here's a link: www.1aauto.com/1A/HeadLights/Volkswagen/Passat/1ALHP00384?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony

[@WaleAkinsefunmi-ci9pl]

1A Auto Parts Awesome... Thanks for the offer!

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for watching. We carry new headlights for your Volkswagon Passat on our website 1aauto.com 888-844-3393 FREE SHIPPING in the lower 48 states!!!

[@Kingston1942]

My heart was like "Oh wtf so hard!" when you pulled out VW Grill... Be more accurate. I hope nothing was broken :)

[@VqVick]

A simple job wit these cars is dreadful

[@1AAuto]

Hopefully this video can help you out. 1aauto.com

[@Xyleksoll]

For the HID headlights you have to actually remove them from the vehicle, it's impossible to service otherwise. There are 2 kinds of headlights for this Passat version, the regular halogens (as seen in the video) and the HID's (you can tell them apart from the turn signal placement). For the HID's Hella (the OEM) has posted a bulb replacement time of 93 minutes. Go figure.

[@1AAuto]

We do ship to Canada, you would need to place the order through the website. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@teresacoulter2767]

What causes low beam and fog lights not to work.

[@1AAuto]

+Teresa Coulter You may want to start by checking the fuses. If they are okay, it could be a bad switch. Hope this helps you point you in the right direction. Have a great day! 1aauto.com

[@Mprikiman]

Taking apart bumbers, front grate, wheelwheels, covers, almost half the front end just to replace the damn headlight. GERMAN ENGINEERING AMIRITE? Thanks for the video anyway, great effort needed for those...

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for the great reply. We love to empower our customers by showing you how-to perform your own auto repairs while installing our high quality auto parts. Have a great day! 1aauto.com

[@edikando1574]

Rubber boot on my car is bolted with hex screws.

[@1AAuto]

You're welcome. Have a great day! 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@drlong08]

I have to pull my entire front end off my passat to change bulbs. Progress. Just might sell the car at this point.....

[@e6363ee]

light bulbs should be easy to replace on the road without tools but are they? I think they are not. lights are very important thing when we think about safety driving. so I just don´t get this kind of engineering.

[@jonahraynebalaberda7455]

I thought the battery behind the heat sync was the biggest engineering atrocity of this car. Oh no, for the story has just begun. Cant be that mad considering it's on 380xxx km though.

[@bigeyejim]

And then you have a nice shiny bulb on a kinda faded car!! LOL

[@sachxc]

WTF? all of that just to replace a light bulb...those VW engineers really suck.

[@1AAuto]

HI Joel, We currently do not have a header panel for that vehicle. 1aauto.com 88-844-3393

[@piotrkielbassa2239]

Ok

[@nategraham6234]

The only thing I learned from watching the video was to not try it.

[@kenpsych]

Great work, thanks!