Replacing D1S globe

[seanmau5]

Has anyone had any luck (CC or B6, I'm assuming they're very similar) replacing their D1S headlight globes without removing the whole headlight assembly?

I feel like you need to have tiny contortionist hands to remove the globes without doing so...


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[kamold]

I've not tried...I removed the bumper when I installed my LED DRL/indicators so swapped the D1S globes at the same time....seems like a tough job to do...shouldn't be that hard.
In the Octy, the whole headlamp assembly unlocks and slides all the way out. A much better design.

[seanmau5]

I've had the bumper off before when repairing a leak in the windscreen washer hose so it's easy enough to do.. I just don't want to go to all of that trouble just to replace the globes.

Considering the process required, I would say it's a bit of a design fail.

[Vexed]

I couldn't do it myself, but my mechanic did. I think his hands were a bit smaller than mine.

[DeepBlue]

Yeah, had a go - just couldn't get it out without feeling I was going to force it! Very tricky, but have seen a mechanic do it fairly quickly - didn't remove the headlight. Will try again soon, must be missing some little trick?!

[DeepBlue]

Still an outstanding job for me!!! Shredded a knuckle - still can't extricate the bugger! May have to remove headlight assembly/bumper - does anyone have a procedure for this?

[Vexed]

Still an outstanding job for me!!! Shredded a knuckle - still can't extricate the bugger! May have to remove headlight assembly/bumper - does anyone have a procedure for this?

I have to say you are persistent I gave up about an hour later... Why don't you save yourself the hassle and get someone to do it for you? I'm sure that would be much easier than removing the bumper and the headlight... Won't cost much either, if you know a decent mechanic...

[DeepBlue]

I have to say you are persistent I gave up about an hour later... Why don't you save yourself the hassle and get someone to do it for you? I'm sure that would be much easier than removing the bumper and the headlight... Won't cost much either, if you know a decent mechanic...

Yeah, all good in the end! Auto electrician (European car specialist mind you!) said he'd have to take off the bumper and grille and undo screws in wheel arch and on and on - said it would probably take an hour so best price was $100! Any way, I started taking off the grille and then the bumper but "chickened out" - bad experience in the past with "pop-in / pop-out" panels. Thought, I'm getting a wheel alignment at KMart - might just pop the question then re D1S. Anyway, mechanic at KMart did it for free - took him 5 minutes and therefore no charge. Said it is tricky, small hands help, did it by feel, wiggled off the bottom connector (hardest bit), undid the wire clip and removed it! It's clear now that people with small hands will inherit the Earth!

[DeepBlue]

Tiny hands help, but 5 minute job - see later post. I just couldn't wiggle the electrical connector off!

[DeepBlue]

Has anyone had any luck (CC or B6, I'm assuming they're very similar) replacing their D1S headlight globes without removing the whole headlight assembly?

I feel like you need to have tiny contortionist hands to remove the globes without doing so...


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Tiny hands help, but 5 minute job - see later post. I just couldn't wiggle the electrical connector off!

[seanmau5]

I changed my globes over today. Was doing a brake inspection and thought it might be worth removing the wheel liner to get in there. Worked a treat and I was able to remove the globe that way. After doing it I now realize it is possible to change the globe without removing any other parts. The braided wire that connects to the ballast of the globe is secured to the side of the projector housing by weaving through 3 plastic tabs sticking off the housing. Remove the braided wire from that weave and it instantly gives you the key centimetres you need to remove the globe. FYI good luck getting your hands back in there to put the braided wire back in place.


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[DeepBlue]

I also have a 2010 Passat CC and had to get a HID front low beam globe replaced. I bought the globe, unscrewed the large cover (battery disconnected just in case), but for the life of me was unable to remove the braided connector and then extract the globe (globe is integral with ballast). I was getting new tyres at KMart and mentioned the globe to the manager (bloke from UK who knew VWs well) - he took the globe from me and replaced it - the whole action took 3 minutes max and he only used his hands - albeit fairly small hands! No charge at all! One workshop said he'd have to remove the front wheel arch liner and it would take over an hour and cost $160 (he would use my already purchased globe)!!! Another workshop similar thing! Bollocks! When you think about it, why provide a screw cap cover if you can't remove it by hand? As I said, 3 minute job, but I just didn't have the knack!

[DeepBlue]

Can now remove and replace D1S globes on CC with small flat blade screwdriver to assist with removing braided wire plug on underside. Took several minutes per globe. Easy once you have the knack! Car mechanic had previously quoted $160 to change a globe (I supplied the globe) - said front-end had to come off to get access! Anyway, complete rubbish, why have access caps if you don't use them? I just wish VW had allowed more hand access to change these D1S globes - fortunately first change in 8 years!