Headlights

I have a 2004 Jetta GLS and am trying to change the headlight bulbs. Can't figure out how to do it, without removing the battery, which I really dont want to do. And yes, I have read the stupid manual they give you when you buy the car, and all it says is to take it in to a dealer. Bah!

You are going to need to disconnect the battery, its a safety issue. Your fan can turn on at any time and take your hands or finger if lucky clean off. I recomend getting Haynes manual since they are easy to understand. I really have never looked at the inside of a 2004 but the workings might not be that different from the previous model. I will look into it.
Tacuvito

Before we start remember to get the radio antitheft codes before disconnecting the battery. Ok here we go, here is what I have on how to change the headlight bulbs. It is good to remember that this information relates to 1993 to 1999 models, but sometimes the differences are not much.
Before we start is good to remember never to touch the headlight replacement bulb. The oils on our hands can get baked at the glass of bulb and make the bulb blow up. Wear gloves or handle the bulb with a clean terrycloth. Ok after saying that, here is what I have.
Due to your car being a GLS it might have dual light bulbs, but I will give you the procedure for both one and two headlight bulbs.

1. Disconnect battery.
2. Remove headlight harness conccector and cut tie warp (if installed)
3. Twist bulb holder lock ring counter-clockwise approx. 1/4 turn and remove.
4. Pull bulb holder from headlight housing and remove bulb from socket holder.
5. Insert new bulb into bulb socket.
6. Align lugs on bulb holder with grooves in reflector housing and install holder into housing.
7. Install bulb holder lock ring and twist 1/4 turn clockwise to lock.
8.Reconnect headlight connector and new tie wrap. Check headlight operation.

Now here are the steps for those headlights with two light bulbs.
1. disconnect headlight bulb connector.
2. Twist bulb counter clockwise approx. 1/8 turn and remove from headlight housing.
3. Align lugs on bulb with grooves on the headlight housing and install bulb into housing.
4. Twist bulb clockwise approx. 1/8 turn until it locks into place.
5. Reconnect and check headlights.
Well that is it. Hope it helps you out.
Tacuvito.

Thanks much- this was a tremendous help. Got it done and it looks great! Thanks again :)

with the dual lights do you still need to disconnect the battery?

if you plan to work on your own Dub...buy a Bentley, don't waste your money on a Haynes.