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VW Tiguan License Plate Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out license plate light bulb in the tailgate of a 1st generation 2009-2017 Volkswagen Tiguan.

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2016 Tiguan License Plate
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Open Tailgate Door
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Two Light Housings
This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the first generation (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017) Volkswagen Tiguan SUV in changing a burnt out license plate light bulbs in the underside of the tailgate door for the cargo area.

Owners of other VW or Audi vehicles such as the Jetta, Passat, CC, Atlas, Touareg, Golf, Beetle, A3, S3, RS 3, A4, S4, A5, A6, S6, A7, S7, RS 7, A8, Q3, Q5, TT and Q7 may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.'

The compatible replacement miniature wedge base light bulb part number is 2825 (also known as part # W5W).

If you would like to have brighter lights, install some 2825 LED bulbs.

The only tool needed to access and replace the light bulbs is a small plastic pry bar tool or a flathead screwdriver.



 
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Gently Pry Out Housing
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Loosen Right Side
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2nd Light Housing
The first step is to open the tailgate door.

The two license plate light bulb housings are attached to the underside of the tailgate on either side of the release button and the backup camera.

Use a small plastic pry bar tool to gently loosen the two sides of the light housings.

There is a small notch on the left side of both light housings.

I found it very difficult to entirely remove the light housing by just prying on the left edge.

Loosening the right side and then moving to the left side seemed to work the best.

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Pry - Notch Left Side
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Light Housing Removed
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Slide the pry bar tool into the notch on the left side of the housing and gently pull it out of the tailgate door.

Carefully remove the entire light housing.

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Both Housings Removed
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Metal Clip - Left Side
Repeat the process to remove the second light housing if you are upgrading both of them to brighter LED units.



 

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Press Release Button
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Power Plug Disconnected
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Push Out Old Light Bulb
Squeeze together the two tabs on the black plastic electrical connector to release the retaining clips.

Slide the power plug straight out of its socket.

Use a small screwdriver to carefully push the old light bulb out from the base of the socket.

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Push In New Light Bulb
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Push In Electrical Connector
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Re-Insert Wires First
Push a new number 2825 light bulb straight into the socket.

If you would like to have brighter license plate lights, install some compatible 2825 LED bulbs.

Push the power plug straight into the socket on the light housing.

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Right Side First
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Second Light Housing
Then re-insert the wires on the right side of the light housing back into the opening in the tailgate.
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Snap In Metal Clip
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Light Housings Replaced
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Light Bulbs Replaced
Gently pop in the metal retaining clip on the left side of the housing.

Double check that the light housing is securely attached to the tailgate door.

To test the new lights bulbs, turn on the headlights or press the "Unlock" button on the key fob to re-activate the exterior lights.

For more, please check out my other 2009-2017 VW Tiguan DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.
 

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