How to change the taillights on a B5.5 Volkswagen Passat

Introduction

This article shows how to replace a tail light on your mk4 B5 VW Passat

This article was originally by Misteroboto, if you have any questions about this procedure please post a follow up to the forum thread here.

Parts

7225 bulbs
passat tail light bulb

Procedure

Open the door behind the lens cover.
passat tail light replacement

Move the wire harness out of it's holder. You'll probably need the space to pull the bulb carrier out of the way.
vw passat wiring

The black piece is the carrier for the bulbs. Disconnect the three plugs from it. The top two have tabs that you squeeze to release them. My hand wouldn't fit too well on the lower one so I GENTLY pried them one at a time to ease the plug off.

The gray plastic piece holds the turn signal bulb. Turn it counterclockwise 1/4 turn to release it.

There are two tabs that hold the carrier in place. Push them inwards and the assembly should come out easily.
vw passat tail light bulb

Turn the bulbs counterclockwise 1/4 turn to release the bulbs. The carrier has two j shaped hooks in it. Line up the posts on the new bulb, push and turn.
vw passat tail light bulbs

Push the bulb carrier back in place.

Line up the gray piece with the hole. The two metal prongs on it should be on the lower side. Twist clockwise.
tail light replacement passat

Plug the wires back in and test it out. Put the wire harness for the amp back in it's strap and put the door back on and you are done. Easy peasy.

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