How to remove the front bumper or remove the front headlights on a Volkswagen Golf (also works for Jetta)
Back to 1000q: a4 "how to" index
Back to 1000q: a4 pumpe duse "how to" index
Introduction
This article shows some steps for headlight or front bumper / fasica removal for the VW Golf. The basic steps work on the Jetta.
There are slight differences between model years/models but the
general idea is the same. Original credit for pics is from http://home.nycap.rr.com/brandonc/headlight/,
I mirrored this so the pics wouldn't be lost. Another pictoral post can be
found here: http://www.ottawa-vdubbing.com/forums/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10525 A
video showing the steps can also be viewed below: (the video is hosted at a 3rd
party, if no longer valid work please post a note in the forums)
GTI - Bumper Removal DIY from Vag Viewer on Vimeo.
Headlight removal
Remove the plastic duct covers from both sides of the front bumper. They have two tabs that hold them in place, as seen below. Push down on the area below the tabs as you pull out on the cover. This can be a little difficult.
These are the tabs that hold the covers in place.
Remove the front grille. Use a scredriver to unhook the tab located at 1. Then pull lightly on the spots marked 2 and they will pop out. Push back and pull up on the spots marked 3 and the will unhook from the bumper. Then do the same for 4. You can leave the grill attached, as it will be held on by the hood latch.
Turn the wheels all the way to the right, and remove the 4 screws shown from the fender liner. Then turn the wheels all the way left and remove the 4 screws on the other side.
Remove the screw located where the duct covers were. Only remove the circled one.
Same as above, other side.
Remove the circled screws. Be careful removing the last one, as the bumper will no longer be connected to the car, except for some wiring.
CAREFULLY pull out on the bumper, and set it down in front of the car. It will still be connected by the wiring for the corner lights (and outside temp sensor if you have a GLX)
Remove these screws.
Remove these as well, and the headlight can be pulled out.
Remove the wiring harness (A) from the connector on the
headlight (B). There's a clip that you need to press on on the
underside of the harness. You're done!! Now you can replace the bulbs as needed. Make
sure that the cover on the back of the housing is sealed back
up before installing the headlight again.
There were some differences over the years so watch out for those.