Learning basic car-repair procedures such as oil changes, tire rotations and headlight replacements empowers you, the owner, to handle minor repair needs as they arise--and can save you money to boot. Replacing headlights on the 2003 Passat requires thoughtful navigation of the inner workings of your car's engine and headlight compartments, as well as careful handling of the replacement bulb. Successfully completing this process not only brings your car up to legal street standards, it also saves you the time, trouble and expense of taking your car to a mechanic or dealership.
Purchase H7 halogen bulbs for each headlight you wish to replace. The 2003 Passat's headlight lamp fixtures require H7 halogen bulbs.
Open the hood and locate the metal clip that holds the headlight compartment in place. Flip the metal clip in toward the engine block to unlock it and the compartment.
Pull the black, plastic covering that separates the headlight compartment from the engine compartment from its plastic attachments and set it aside.
Flip the metal clip holding the old bulb in place up toward the hood and detach the old bulb.
Install the new bulb such that the metal point on the back of the bulb is facing up towards the hood.
Replace the metal clip that holds the bulb in place.
Reattach the black, plastic covering separating the headlight compartment from the engine compartment.
Clip the headlight compartment in place using the metal clip you originally flipped in toward the engine block.
