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Jetta · Cosmetic

Jetta Aftermarket headlights Install Guide

Your Jetta

Pick your year to see what fits.

Sharper front end
Medium$150–$4501–3 hrs
All Jetta mods

Why do it

Black housings change the look of the whole front of the car.

Tools you'll need

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

Double-check fitment before buying. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Before you start

  • Have a helper hold the bumper when it comes off. Lay it on a blanket.
  • Have a helper hold the bumper when it comes off. Lay it on a blanket.
  • Have a helper hold the bumper when it comes off. Lay it on a blanket.

Steps

  1. Remove the grille

    • Take off the grille.
    Watch this step (TRQ, on a 1999-2005 Jetta) (0:00–1:17)

  2. Remove the bumper

    • Take off the bumper cover.
    Watch this step (1:17–3:19)

  3. Swap the headlight

    • Unbolt the old light and fit the new one.
    Watch this step (3:19–4:44)

  4. Move the bulbs

    • Move the signal bulbs.
    Watch this step (4:44–6:18)

  5. Refit the bumper

    • Refit the bumper.
    Watch this step (6:18–7:24)

  6. Refit the grille

    • Refit the grille.
    Watch this step (7:24–8:33)

  7. Secure the handles

    • Secure the release handles.
    Watch this step (8:33–10:18)

  8. Aim the headlights

    • Aim the beams against a wall.
    Watch this step (10:18–11:55)

  9. Remove the front grille

    • Take off the grille.
    Watch this step (TRQ, on a 2006-2010 Jetta) (0:00–0:52)

  10. Detach the bumper

    • Pull the bumper cover back.
    Watch this step (0:52–2:22)

  11. Remove the bumper

    • Take off the bumper cover.
    Watch this step (2:22–3:01)

  12. Remove the headlight

    • Unbolt the old light and unplug it.
    Watch this step (3:01–3:55)

  13. Move the bulbs

    • Move the bulbs.
    Watch this step (3:55–7:19)

  14. Fit the new headlight

    • Plug in the new light and bolt it in.
    Watch this step (7:19–9:31)

  15. Refit the bumper

    • Refit the bumper.
    Watch this step (9:31–10:43)

  16. Refit the grille

    • Refit the grille.
    Watch this step (10:43–11:29)

  17. Aim the headlights

    • Aim the beams against a wall.
    Watch this step (11:29–14:17)

  18. Remove the bumper

    • Take off the bumper cover.
    Watch this step (TRQ, on a 2011-2018 Jetta) (0:00–2:34)

  19. Remove the headlight

    • Unbolt the old light and unplug it.
    Watch this step (2:34–3:28)

  20. Move the bulbs

    • Move the bulbs.
    Watch this step (3:28–5:48)

  21. Fit the new headlight

    • Plug in the new light and bolt it in.
    Watch this step (5:48–6:56)

  22. Refit the bumper

    • Refit the bumper.
    Watch this step (6:56–9:07)

  23. Aim the headlights

    • Aim the beams against a wall.
    Watch this step (9:07–10:44)

How to know it worked

Did this guide work for you?

Safety first

  • Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
  • Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.

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