When the taillight assembly in a Passat wagon is damaged or cracked, you can replace it quickly to avoid water leaking into the electrical system. You can buy replacement assemblies from a Volkswagen dealership or auto parts store and replace it at home to save time at a service center. You can change the assembly yourself for a fraction of the cost of a technician's labor rate.
Raise the rear hatch of the Passat. Pull the rear trim panel away from the back of the taillight assembly.
Remove the two screws on the inside edge of the taillight assembly with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the taillight assembly out of the rear of the car.
Grasp the bulb and turn it slightly counterclockwise. Pull it back out of the taillight assembly. Insert the bulb into the new taillight assembly then turn it clockwise. Align the assembly in the rear of the car and secure it with the two screws. Tighten the screws with a Phillips screwdriver.
Push the rear trim panel back into position, and press the tabs into place to secure it. Repeat the process on the opposite assembly if needed. Close the rear hatch.
