The Volkswagen Jetta has been in production since 1979. It is a small family car known for its safety features and value. While safety accessories such as air bags and seat belts get the most attention, a much more important safety feature is one that requires periodic maintenance: replacing a burned-out headlight bulb. The headlights on your Jetta are the primary defense against nighttime accidents and should be checked annually to ensure they are in working order. If you notice that one of your headlights has burned out, it should be fixed immediately.
Pull your Jetta into the garage or park on any level area. Turn the car off and engage the parking brake before working on the headlight.
Determine which headlight bulb is burned out. Then, pop the hood and locate the back of the headlight well. Look for an electrical cable connected to the back of the headlight and unplug it by squeezing the plastic tabs on the base. Pull the plug free. Push the cable out of the way to give yourself room to work.
Twist the headlight bulb to the left and pull it free from the headlight socket. Dispose of the old bulb.
Insert the replacement bulb and secure it in place by twisting the bulb to the right. Once the headlight bulb is secure, reconnect the electrical cable and close the hood.
