Volkswagen Repair: 2001 NEW PASSAT HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENT, halogen bulbs, new passat

Question
HOW DO I REMOVE THE HEADLIGHT HOUSINGS ON MY 2001 GLS 4DR/SEDAN NEW PASSAT?  I AM TRYING TO REPLACE THE BULBS BUT I CAN'T REMOVE THE HOUSINGS.

Answer
Hi John;
DON'T!!!!!!!!!!!!  The bulbs are replaced by removing the little rubber covers over the headlight bulb positions from the back of the housing.  Leave the housing in the car.  On the passenger side, you might find it easier if you remove the airway for the air filter box...just lift up, and then pull hard toward the back of the car, and half of the tubing will just pull out.  There are 3 screws on the top of the radiator trim, between the headlights that hold the rest of the airway.  On the driver's side, there are 2 tabs that snap onto the power steering fluid reservoir.  Pull the front one forward, and the rear one back, and the cover will lift right off.  That should give you plenty of room on both sides to get the little rubber caps/cups off the back of the housings, and replace your bulbs.  Be careful NOT to touch the bulbs with you uncovered fingers, though.  Use some rubber gloves to keep your body oils off the halogen bulbs, and when you get in the housings take a close look, and remember which way the hot side of the circuit runs around the inside of the bulb opening.  Run it back in the same way it came out, or there's a chance you could burn through the single wire.  It does have some fiberglass insulation to reduce that hazard, but if it get's hot, brittle, and frayed anything can happen.  Hope you get the job done without anymore trying to remove the housing trouble.  Good luck, John.  Hope this helps.