Tiguan reverse bulb upgrade

[team_v]

Saw this on vortex, very useful since our manual doesn't have any details other than "they are long life, if it fails take to dealer to get replaced"

Alright I got my new Cree LED bulbs today. So I took some pictures today to show people what you have to do on the reverse light.

Six torx screws hold on the rear valance to the rear bumper. Three per side.





Here is the reverse light itself. It had a plastic tab that needs to be spread open with a flat head.






Here is a picture of my old LED reverse light, stock light and the new CREE LED bulbs.






Here they are on.





The new Cree LEDs do not throw a light out on the dash. The old ones did.

Well Vw says you have to removed the bumper. Clearly you dont have to. Im not sure on the R line. But it should be the same six torx screws that hold the valance on. Two in the middle on the bottom. Two behind each wheel.


Here is the link

2X 5W High Power HID Style White LED Bulbs Reverse Backup Light T10 w CREE 13S | eBay

[Naresh]

You try first and let us know how you get on.

[tigger73]

Looks like a fairly simple upgrade. Undo 6 torx screws, replace 2 x bulbs, put back on.

I don't have that big an issue with reversing in the dark as I have a street light outside my house but I'm sure it would come in handy.

I definitely put it on my "to do" list. That along with a LED rear lights upgrade.

[aussietig]

I don't have that big an issue with reversing in the dark as I have a street light outside my house but I'm sure it would come in handy.

Also an unnecessary upgrade, if you have an original RVC fitted.

Camera completely lights up the back on the display, even though it's pitch black outside.

[tigger73]

Also an unnecessary upgrade, if you have an original RVC fitted.

Camera completely lights up the back on the display, even though it's pitch black outside.

Yeah perhaps you're right. RVC and rear park sensor fitted so extra bright reversing lights may be a bit of an overkill.... but always better to be safe than sorry.

[Transporter]

The original globe doesn't look much like the longlife globe to me, so replacing it with the good brand LED one makes sense, especially if the bumper is off for what ever reason, or if you're board.
From the picture it looks like T15 globe.

[Abuthen]

Looks like a fairly simple upgrade. Undo 6 torx screws,

Sorry for being a nub here.. where are these 6 torx screws. I have ordered and received these new cree LEDs, but haven't figured how to put them on yet - short of taking it to a VW mechanic.

Cheers

[tigger73]

Sorry for being a nub here.. where are these 6 torx screws. I have ordered and received these new cree LEDs, but haven't figured how to put them on yet - short of taking it to a VW mechanic.

Cheers

I'll have to take a look later but I'd be getting under the car and looking up.

[team_v]

Basically, if you lie on the ground under the rear bumper you should be able to see 6 x wide headed torx scrw's holding the plastic in.
You should also be able to see up into the lower bumper to find the clips that hold it all in place.

I haven't done it yet and am not sure if i will get the chance soon.

[tigger73]

Had a quick look under - you'll have to get down on the ground to get these ones out. Either that or up on a hoist but unfortunately I don't have one of those in my carport/driveway.

[Abuthen]

Thanks for the guidance and pics Team_V and Tigger73. I'll have a look and check them out.
I agree a hoist will be most useful - and I don't have one of those either

[Naresh]

Sorry for being a nub here.. where are these 6 torx screws. I have ordered and received these new cree LEDs, but haven't figured how to put them on yet - short of taking it to a VW mechanic.

Cheers

Hi which ones did you order?

[Abuthen]

Hi which ones did you order?

These from eBay ..
eBay Australia: Buy new & used fashion, electronics & home d

I haven't had time to install it yet .. is the 7W going to be a problem? Well, it was 8 bucks including postage.

[tiguaner]

At the risk of sounding like a total newbie...but after you remove the torx screws, where/how do you pull to take off the valence?

Had a quick look under - you'll have to get down on the ground to get these ones out. Either that or up on a hoist but unfortunately I don't have one of those in my carport/driveway.

[tigger73]

At the risk of sounding like a total newbie...but after you remove the torx screws, where/how do you pull to take off the valence?

I have had my front bumper off before so imagine rear is similar. It will clip into the joining plastics.

Also there are probably a couple of more screws as the DIY instructions indicated 6 torx screws and I only found 4 when I stuck my head under to take a look.

When you locate them perhaps take a photo so others can find them easily.