Sidelights DIY

Polo_Gio · Post by **Polo_Gio** » Sun Oct 09, 2005 8:33 pm

I have always hated my sidelights as they give off a yellow glow. So i decided to buy some zenon bulbs that give off a bright white with a blue tint. I read on here that its impossible to change the sidelights without removing the bumper. Well i managed to do it without removing the bumper and using a flathead screwdriver.

The main problem is that there isnt enough room to get a good purchase on the bulb socket. Some ppl advise you to tug on the wires but i would be more careful incase you break the wire.

I am i simply used a precision flathead screwdriver to get the socket out past it's retainer using a a lever action ( like opening a tin of paint ) This worked a treat. Fitted lights and tested before fitting them back!!!

Walaa!!! Done

It can be done!

Will post in DIY and i know i shoulda only posted it there but thought you's might wanna know. Can post pics if you's want

Cheers

PhilGTi · Post by **PhilGTi** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 12:11 pm

I assume your talking about the Polo GTi sidelights. All other mkV polo sidelights are a peice of cake...

inder · Post by **inder** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 1:10 pm

What bulb type is for the sidelights? cheers

Polo_Gio · Post by **Polo_Gio** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 1:13 pm

Well allot of the ppl on here were complaining about having to remove the bumper ( non gti ) so i was just saying its possible.

The bulb is a 501 wedge type or W5W as its written on it

PhilGTi · Post by **PhilGTi** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 3:16 pm

Its really easy to change side light on MK5's, just not the GTi...

ModifiedMadness · Post by **ModifiedMadness** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 4:48 pm

How come there's so much difference between the 2 of them then? I'd have though that both being the same shape etc would be the same to fit?

Polo_Gio · Post by **Polo_Gio** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 5:18 pm

So did i, obv engine sizes are different but i wouldnt not think its that much of a diff. Anyway was just trying to be helpful.

ModifiedMadness · Post by **ModifiedMadness** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 5:23 pm

I'm sure it'll be helpful to Non-GTi owners if it works on them ok, if it doesn't work on the GTi's then well I guess it just doesn't work, but as I say I'm sure some people will find it most helpful.

inder · Post by **inder** » Tue Oct 11, 2005 1:05 am

GTI's have all other crap in there, making it tigher, the xenon units, headlight washers etc... afaik

PhilGTi · Post by **PhilGTi** » Tue Oct 11, 2005 10:03 am

The back on the none-GTI headlights just pops off, once thats off you just twist the sidelight and it pops out. Then all you gotta do is the same in reverse. Jobs a good un...

With the gti you have to remove the bumper due to the xenon light. Something ill be doing very soon, if i can be arsed!

JWC · Post by **JWC** » Wed Nov 02, 2005 9:00 am

No, you are screwed with a GTi as the back is literally screwed on, so unless you have a screwdriver that is 1cm long, it cannot be done. But dropping the bumper is a 5 minute job. You don't even have to take the very bottom panel off, it will swing forward. Still its a bit of a pain having to take the bumper off at all!

polopowah · Post by **polopowah** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 9:57 am

the battery gets in the way of the left side light on the GTI
I know this from personal experience whilst trying to change a main headlight bulb with my mate

-Ben-