Expert: Rocky Racoon - 10/9/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have a 99 Jetta the later model.  My front right turn signal isn't working/blew.  I tried to replace the bulb light but unable to get it out.  I've lost my manual, please help/show me how to take out the front right turn signal bulb and replace it.

ANSWER: Hi Trung;
Is this a Mark III, or a Mark IV Jetta?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My 99 Jetta is a mark IV

and the frontlight look like this
http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/tyc80565340.html

Thank you in advance

Answer
OK, Trung;

Good, this is far easier than in a Mk III...in my humble opinion.
There is a cover that goes over the back of the entire headlight, and turn signal assembly.  This cover is held in place by 2 wire(spring tension) holders.  One is(the bigger one) straight up, and down, and the other is at a slight angle.  Move both of the wire retainers away from each other, or outward from the center of the headlight "bucket."  The headlight bulb(do not remove, or touch it) is the obviously larger component.  The "blinker bulb" is on the left hand side(as you are looking at the front of the car, from in front of the car).  It swivels to loosen.  Just like loosening a bolt, or screw, only it stops after less than one-quarter turn(45 degrees, or so).  At this point you can pull the bulb, and the socket out by moving them straight back.  The bulb is probably OK, just burnt at the little wire conductors that connect it to the electrical conductor socket contacts.  The contacts are little pieces of bright, shiny, silver colored metal.  There are 4 places that make contact, 2 on each side of the black plastic light bulb base.  Definitely replace the bulb with a new one, but also, clean the bright, shiny, metal inside the socket.  Additionally, push the metal tabs IN, so they make stronger contact with the wires on the side of the bulb base.  Use a non-conducting material to push these contacts...like wood, or plastic...so you don't blow a fuse by causing a short.

I hope you able to understand my instructions for the removal.  The re-assembly is these steps in reverse order.

Good luck, Trung