Passat CC (2009) - Can't change dipped beam HID (D1S) globe

[rjt86]

Passat CC (2009) - Can't change dipped beam HID (D1S) globe

There is a small wire restraint and needs to be pushed to the side and then lifted out of the way, the globe should then be free.

I'll get a pic for you soon I have some cc lights off the car which will make it easier to see

[rjt86]

Passat CC (2009) - Can't change dipped beam HID (D1S) globe

This is the passenger side assembly.

Don't have any d1s globes lying around to show you with a globe in there unfortunately. Release the 2 shown sping clips by pushing back on them and either to the left or right to release them.

The globe connector just pulls off, use a small flat head screwdriver and I think from what I remember the globe it self needs to be twisted to release from the housing.

[DeepBlue]

Fantastic rjt86!!!

This is exactly the set-up I was talking about - couldn't find any YouTube videos or photo posts showing what you have shown here! Most times it's a video showing someone changing halogen globes - straightforward! But with the 2009 Passat CC and the HID Xenon globes (with integral igniter) I've seen nothing exactly like this set-up until now.

Someone said I would probably need to take the grille off, then the bumper off, and then remove the headlight so I could access the D1S globe (igniter is integral with the globe of course and is held in place by the two metal wire clips as shown)!!! Now, I don't like the sound of all that just to change a globe and of course I don't have any Torx tools - my dad does, but he's miles away and on holiday at the moment.

Question is, can I change the globe over in-situ (I thought the VW mechanics were able to do this fairly quickly)? Or, do I have to remove the headlight assembly completely? Because of the limited access (it's on the driver's side) I can release the metal wire clips that hold the back of the igniter but I just can't seem to remove the connector plug from the base of the igniter, it's because of this that I can't fully extract the integrated igniter and globe from the housing! Because the connector plug is on a shortish braided wire connection it stops the igniter/globe from being pulled out; obviously the connector needs to be removed first?

Any thoughts?

If I do have to remove the headlight assembly I would have thought they could be removed fairly easily (haven't found any guide around) rather than having to remove the grille and bumper first!

Cheers.

[DeepBlue]

Was thinking (due to limited access) that the only way would be to remove the headlight assembly. Is there an easy way of doing this without removing half of the front-end? Did you remove the headlights to change the D1S globes? You would think headlight assemblies could be removed easily and quickly - remove wiring harness connection, maybe a couple of screws and/or a few press tabs?

[Vexed]

Was thinking (due to limited access) that the only way would be to remove the headlight assembly. Is there an easy way of doing this without removing half of the front-end? Did you remove the headlights to change the D1S globes? You would think headlight assemblies could be removed easily and quickly - remove wiring harness connection, maybe a couple of screws and/or a few press tabs?

I'm 100% sure you don't need to remove anything from the front-end. My mechanic did it while I was watching in a couple of minutes. He just went from the back of the headlight, removed the bulb and placed in the new one in.

[DeepBlue]

That's what I thought! I also recall seeing a mechanic change it without removing the headlight assembly. There has to be a way! Small dextrous hands maybe? Special tool??? Special technique? I'm almost there, so, so close, just can't get that bloody connector off the bottom! I'll try a watchmaker's screwdriver to try and lever off the connector. Hardly any room in there though - modern cars just not made for DIY maintenance!

Does anyone know if there is a knack to doing this or a little "trick" I'm not aware of?

[Vexed]

His hands were definitely smaller than mine, I have tried so many times without success... He charged me $30 for replacing the bulb

[DeepBlue]

Might have to end up taking the globe to a mechanic and asking him/her to change it for me (really just need to get old one out, putting the new one in should be a cinch). Prefer to do myself seeing I'm so close! Expect the mechanic will do it behind a curtain - don't want the ordinary folk learning their secrets!

[DeepBlue]

Infuriating! Still no good... Doing a transmission service and will come back to this later. Can't believe how this is so tricky!

[DeepBlue]

Done! Went to KMart Tyre & Auto for a wheel alignment. D1S HID globe was in its box in the glovebox so I just happened to ask the workshop manager if he could have a go. He did it in 5 minutes - no charge! His hands were definitely small and he said he wiggled off the connector at the bottom, then undid the restraining clip and removed the globe!

So obviously, no need to remove grille and bumper to pull out headlight assembly. Auto electrician had told me he would have to remove the bumper and grille and it would cost $100!

Thanks KMart Tyre & Auto!

[Vexed]

Well done

[DeepBlue]

Changed passenger side D1S globe yesterday - "simples"! Car in driveway for several hours + light switch in Off position and obviously ignition off and keys safely put out of harm's way; didn't disconnect battery as I didn't want the airbag warning light to come on! Anyway, safety glasses and latex gloves for safety's sake. Unscrewed large black plastic cap; used small flat blade screwdriver to just gently lever the plug off underneath the igniter part of the globe - did this by feel and felt the plug just slip off as I levered lightly around one end of the plug; then undid the wire clips at each side (just push in and towards the middle); then turned the igniter base to the fender side 1/8 of a turn and gently pulled it out! Easy! Then put new globe gently in; secured both wire clips and re-attached the plug at the bottom. All good - no noticeable difference in light intensity even though installed c.8 months apart. Purchased Narva globes (Part No. 49304) from Bursons and Ashdown Ingram respectively - the Narva packaged globes are Osram; main thing is to use the same Kelvin rating globe (35W of course) if you can.

[DeepBlue]

Have changed most globes now on Passat CC - just hoping another D1S globe blows so I can change it - a piece of cake when you have "the knack"!