VW Golf VII; Headlight Bulb Replacement

Philips has produced a number of useful step-by-step lighting fitment guides. In the first of the series, the lighting specialist walks us through the process on a VW Golf VII.

When it comes to changing headlights, cars vary hugely in complexity. For some vehicles, it’s relatively simple to open the bonnet and get to the back of the headlight, remove the old bulb and replace it with a new one. On others, it can be an altogether more fiddly and time-consuming process. To help technicians out, Philips has produced a number of useful step-by-step lighting fitment guides. In the first of the series, the lighting specialist walks us through the process on a VW Golf VII.

The Philips Automotive Lighting Europe YouTube Channel offers a range of both technical instructional videos and short product information films to make it easier for workshop technicians to change the bulbs on the most popular cars on the road. The range of bulbs on offer from the company is comprehensive and, as well as a full selection of replacement and upgrade Halogen and HID Xenon replacement bulbs, it also includes LED lighting options for various vehicle applications.

You also need the right tools for changing the bulb, so Philips offers a handy bulb fitting kit that includes Magill scissors that enable mechanics to reach into the tight areas of a vehicle to twist the bulbs out without getting their hands dirty. Also included is a flexible moveable mirror that allows you to see the hard to reach areas.

Volkswagen Golf VII – step-by- step guide

First, open the hood and secure it. Use the torx screwdriver to unscrew the three screws on the metal retainer bar, and then use the screwdriver to unscrew the four screws of the plastic cover of the cooling system. Now remove the ventilation grill.

The next task is to unscrew the headlight unit. Use a bigger diameter for the two screws on the back, and unplug the connector from the headlight unit. To replace the right side bulb, turn the wheel to the left, unscrew the mud guard, lift it up, and then use the socket wrench to unscrew the remaining screws at the back of the headlamp. Gently pull the headlight unit out, before removing the cover by turning it anti-clockwise. Turn the socket holder anti-clockwise to remove the bulb, and then pull the bulb out from the socket holder. Plug the new bulb into the socket holder, put it back inside the headlight in its original position, and then replace the cover. Gently replace the headlight unit and screw into place.

Repeat the procedure for the other headlight, and then reattach the ventilation grill and screw it in. Do the same for the metal retainer. Finally, close the hood.

To view more step-by-step guides from Philips, click here.