How do you change the brake lights on a 2004 jetta?

Answer 1

Rear: Brake, Back-up, Tail, Turn signal (3 bulbs, all # 3157)

To access the rear bulbs, open the liftgate and remove the two Phillips head screws from the side of the housing as shown in the center photo above. Slowly and firmly rotate the assembly away from the vehicle until it disengages from the ball pin socket that secures it in back.

Each of the three light sockets, all containing the same exact bulb type, can be removed by turning them counter-clockwise 1/4 turn.

The top is the brake lightThe middle is the directional lightThe bottom is the reverse light

Answer 2

Bulbs go in from the rear. Take the light assy off.

Open the rear tailgate. On the side of the tail light your will see two star/phillips head screws. Just remove these to screws and the taillight will come out. Then replace the necessary bulb.

Answer 3

The rear lens is secured with two screws and two plastic clips. The screws are located above and below the door hinge, look for 3/4 inch holes punched through the sheet metal to access the screws. To help prevent losing the screw into the body cavity use a magnetic tip phillips screw driver.

The fender side of the lens has two plastic clips that hook into the body. To release the lens after removing the 2 screws, roll the lens away away from the rear door about 45 degrees then wiggle and push the lens toward the door hinge.

Next detach the wire harness from the bulb circuit board socket. Cradle the lens, use one hand to release the wire plug retainer clip and the other hand to rock the plug out of the socket.

Next remove two screws securing the circuit board to the lens assembly and separate.

The Run light bulb is top, Brake/Turn Signal bulb in the middle (also contains 2nd Run element), Reverse bulb on the bottom.

The bulb sockets are known to cause 'dead bulb' symptoms. Each socket has a metal tang intended to contact the bulb case but the tangs get bent and no longer make contact. I used a straightened paper clip wire with a small hook bent onto the end to pick at the tang and raise so it can contact the bulb.

And the factory grease hardens to putty. Pick out the old grease from the sockets and bulbs, replace with a fresh dab of dielectric grease.

To test before reinstalling, reconnect the circuit board to the wire harness.

Reassemble the circuit board to lens assembly with two screws.

Reattach lens to body by starting the plastic lens tangs in the fender/body slots and rotating the lens toward the hinge to the fitted position, then gently start the retaining screws (above & below hinges) and tighten to just snug.

Answer 4

2000 GMC Sonoma brake light bulb replacement: Purchase the correct replacement brake light bulb(s) first, before disassembling the vehicle. See sources and related links below for replacement brake light bulb information. Then consult your owner's manual for the replacement procedure. As simple as it sounds, the owner's manual is the best place to start for brake light bulb replacement instructions and illustrations. You may want to consider replacing both left and right at the same time in order to keep brightness and color equal (optional).

Answer 5

Remove the light assy and screw it in from the rear.

Answer 6

Probably located on the upper area of the brake pedal toward dash

Answer 7

I had the same problem and found a website with detailed explanation, including pictures! have a look: http://www.volksbloggin.com/2006/03/11/how-to-replacing-a-tail-light-bulb/