HID bulb replacement

[steve99sjw]

My drivers side dipped beam isn't working on my x-reg (2000) 6n2 Polo GTi. Took it to VW who said it could be either the HID bulb or the ballast (but would cost £70 just for the diagnosis!). I have switched the ballasts and the drivers side one works fine in the passenger side so nothing wrong with that. Have also checked there is a live feed to the ballast on the drivers side and all is ok there so I presume it is the bulb that has gone. Does anyone know how you get the damn thing out though?! I have removed the headlight so have easy access to the back of it but can't see anything obvious to pull, push or twist!

Many thanks,

Steve

[ALI6n2]

remove the rubber thing and you twist the plastic bit, it can be tough if its the first time, whatever you do dont pull like i did the first time as it can mess up the adjusters

[steve99sjw]

Hi, thanks for the reply. I have actually already removed the rubber piece and the plastic electrical connector - I can literally see the back of the bulb! very frustrating!! There appears to be a piece of black metal housing now securing the bulb in place. Any idea how this comes off? I have tried a few things but didn't want to be too forceful without being 100% sure what I was doing was correct in case I broke something. Thanks.

[dantheram]

it is exactly the same as your household lights i.e. bayonet. twist and release.

[steve99sjw]

ok, thanks I'll have another go at the weekend.

[ALI6n2]

yep, theres a circle sort of cap around the bulb, that twists and releases and then bulb is underneath it and just pops out... its reaallly tough tho, on mine one was easy and the other was a nightmare

[steve99sjw]

Ok, thanks. I asume the cap twists anti-clockwise? Don't want to potentially make it even tougher to get off!!

Once off, will any bulb with the same specs be ok? I see a lot of people recommend HIDs4u but there are bulbs available off ebay with exactly the same specifications as mine for quite a bit cheaper.... they are even the same make - Philips.

[steve99sjw]

Thanks guys, all sorted. Have the bulb out (it was shattered) and a new one on the way - 30 quid off ebay so hope it's ok.

[steve99sjw]

It works perfectly . The new one is perhaps slightly brighter but not a lot. Just the central locking, radiator and horn to fix now!!