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Posted on May 27, 2017
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2003 passat 1.8t, GL My left brake light wasn't getting brighter when I braked for a while, replaced the bulb and no luck. I replaced the bulb housing and it still wasnt working properly until I took the old bulb out and tested it using a bulb from the right tail light. I had a lot of bulbs next to me and wasnt paying attention when I put a turn signal bulb in the brake light socket and it instantly cut off my right tail lights. Tried resetting them and tried switching the fuse. Any idea?

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Bill Eager

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  • Posted on May 27, 2017
Bill Eager
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Start simple, owners manual, look up the bulb numbers, look through your bulbs find the ones with the right number, test the bulbs for continuity with meter, then put them back in try them, no light check sockets with meter, no power, check fuses with meter

tireguy

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  • Contributor 38 Answers
  • Posted on May 27, 2017
tireguy
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Check to make sure that you have the correct bulb in the correct socket in both left and right tail lights. dual filament bulbs have to contacts on the base of the bottom of the bulb. make sure the socket that you are inserting them into also has two contacts. if that doesn't work then you need to get a test light so you can find out if power is going to the bulb housing and all ground. check all fuses also with amp meter

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Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Feb 07, 2009

SOURCE: Tail Light in 2004 Beetle

If you need to replace your tail light bulb, first remove the cover (it's round) from the inside of your trunk. There will be a black knob that needs to be unscrewed totally to release the back light casing. The screw is spring loaded so it is not going to fall. Be sure to hold on to the black knob. If you drop it you can retrieve it, but it's best to not drop it. Next pry the light casing from the fender with a knife or some other sturdy object. It is best to pry the light out from the line that runs from the light to the hatchback door. Don't be afraid, it takes a little force to pull out. After you pull out casing, you'll find two light switches. The one with one filament is for the turn signals and the one with two filaments is for the break light. Turn the light switch counter clockwise and remove. Switch out light bulb with new one (AutoZone has them for about $5.00 - package of 2). Replace every thing back as you uninstalled it. It is recommended that you replace all bulbs, that way it you don't have to do it again later when they go out. It'll save you the time and hassle of doing this again. Hope this will help anyone so print and save in your manual for later use.

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Anonymous

  • 48 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 30, 2009

SOURCE: brake lights

Yes, check the fuses. It should tell you which it is on the fuse box cover. Or you could just pull all the fuses out. Also you may have a loose earth connection.

Anonymous

  • 119 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 18, 2009

SOURCE: glow plugs warning light + brake lights on

I had EXACTLY the same problem with a friends car i was doing work on.
Your problem is almost certainly a faulty brake light switch. This is a common fault and brings on the dash lights you describe. The switch is located just above the brake pedal and is easy to fit. If you can get the OBD codes read...My guess is it will show up this switch as faulty.
Good luck
John

Kiri Amarakoon

  • 290 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 02, 2010

SOURCE: Rear tail and brake lights out 97 Jetta

I believe this car has a bulb with two fillaments for side and brake lights, it is unlikely that they are both burnt out at the same time but possible. It is more likely that the bulb holder or a ground connection is rusted or loose. The fuse generally covers all rear lights.

jamie

  • 1810 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 06, 2010

SOURCE: I have a 2001 VW Passat sedan, and my tail lights

check the bulbs ofcourse but also check the wiring harness at the conectors

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Good day;
In your trunk area there should be a piece of carpet by your tail light just move that to the side and then you can access your bulb. Any problems please let me know.

Cheers
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