Replacing the tail light on a Volkswagen Beetle is a maintenance task you can perform yourself with only a few basic tools and a little patience. You will save time and money by not having to take the car to a mechanic, and you may avoid a ticket, or worse still, an accident.
Open the trunk and look behind where the rear light is housed, you'll see a round plastic cover. Locate the notch on the side of the cover and insert a flat-head screwdriver to pop the cover off.
Under the cover, you'll see a black plastic knob. Turn the knob counterclockwise until it is removed completely.
Locate a small gap in the light lens where it's attached to the outside of the car (the side nearest to the trunk). Carefully insert a flat-head screwdriver, and gently lever the holding clip to release the light. A small amount of force may be required.
Turn the light over. You will see two bulb holders on the back of the light housing. Turn the bulb holder counterclockwise to remove it.
Remove the old bulb from the bulb holder. Insert the new bulb. It will lock into place when you push down and turn it clockwise. Insert the bulb holder back into the lens and turn it clockwise until it locks into place.
Return the light to its housing. Replace the black plastic knob and plastic cover. Turn the lights on to test the bulb.
