breaklight replacment new beetle

[jrjohn]

I can't for the life of me figure out how to get the breaklight lense off the rear of my new VW beetle. My breaklight is burned out on one side. I removed the small circular access panel in the trunk and then removed the big wingnut, the lense still won't come off, what am I doing wrong??

John

[veedubmechanic]

you have to pry the light right at the seam of the bumper and 1/4 pannel line.

[1ladybug]

Originally Posted by veedubmechanic

you have to pry the light right at the seam of the bumper and 1/4 pannel line.

Hey, I'm having the same problem. My rear left brake light is out, the dealer wants too much $$. So, does the whole 1/4 left rear panel need to come off? Is it something easy I can do or do you recommend not even dealing with it?

[hako]

The rear quarter panel does not have to come off - open the access panel inside the boot, unscrew the wing-nut, then pry the complete tail-light assembly from the mudguard (Like from outside the car, not from inside the boot) . Maybe use something behind the tail-light to break the seal ...like a plastic clothes peg or something made of wood so you don't scratch the paint. Read what veedubmechanic said. Read the owners manual inside the glove-box - it has step by step instuctions (at least in Australia) The bulb costs $A1.75.

[capture1]

Here is a link to a site that has the process step by step. I had the hardest time until I stumbled upon it.

http://laudeman.com/volkswagen/

[midrange]

perfect.. this link worked for me.... I was having a hard time.. Everyone was saying to get a butter knife to push in the clips and such.. but taking that nut off and pulling hard worked...