VW Jetta Rear
Passenger Reading Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a rear passenger
reading/courtesy light bulb in a 6th generation 2011 to 2016 MK6 Volkswagen Jetta.
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 2012 Jetta Rear Reading Lights |
 Pry Out Lens Cover |
 Lens Cover Removed |
| This
automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist
owners of the 6th generation MK6 (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 &
2016)
Volkswagen Jetta in changing a burnt out overhead rear passenger
courtesy reading light bulb in the headliner housing. Owners of other VW Group vehicles with similar light bulb housings such as the Passat, CC, Tiguan, Golf, Touareg, Beetle, GTI, SportWagen, Eos, Rabbit, Bora, Vento, Audi A3, A4, S4, A6, S6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7, A5, S5, and TT may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. Replacement "festoon" or "fuse" type bulbs are part number 6418 (approximately 35mm in size). They are available from manufacturers such as Sylvania, GE, PIAA and Eiko. You may also be able to use the slightly longer 41mm # 6411 bulbs or a compatible LED unit. The only tool needed to replace the bulbs is a small flathead screwdriver used to pry out the translucent plastic lens cover. |
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 Old Light Bulb Exposed |
 Pull Old Bulb Out of Socket |
 Old # 6418 Festoon Bulb |
| To help avoid
scratching the plastic surfaces, you may choose to cover the tip of the
screwdriver with a thin micro fiber cloth. Carefully insert the blade of the small flathead screwdriver in between the inner edge of the lens cover and the overhead light housing. Gently pry out the lens cover and set it aside in a safe place. Do not use excessive force to pry out the lens cover. It should pop out relatively easily. Grasp the old bulb with your thumb and forefinger before pulling it straight out of the socket. You may need to pull back the metal electrical contact with your fingernail to release the bulb. |
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 Empty Bulb Socket |
 Push In New # 6418 (35mm) |
 Turn Switch - Test Bulb |
| Insert a new 35mm
long # 6418 festoon bulb in to the socket or a brighter
LED unit of
approximately the same length. If necessary, you may be able to use the slightly longer 41mm # 6411 festoon bulb by slightly bending back the metal electrical contact tabs. Turn the switch to test the new bulb. (Tip - If you are replacing the standard incandescent bulbs with LED units and they do not work at first, try flipping the bulbs around in their sockets to the opposite direction.) |
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 Line Up Lens Cover |
 Gently Pop In Lens Cover |
 Testing New Light Bulbs |
| Line up the lens
cover and gently snap it back in to place over the light housing. Rotate the switch to the "Door" position so that the rear passenger courtesy/reading lights will illuminate whenever a door is open. For more, check out my other
VW Jetta DIY Repair Guides. |
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