Page 1 of 1
Sidelights DIY
Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2005 8:33 pm
by Polo_Gio
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
Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 12:11 pm
by PhilGTi
I assume your talking about the Polo GTi sidelights. All other mkV polo sidelights are a peice of cake...
Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 1:10 pm
by inder
What bulb type is for the sidelights? cheers
Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 1:13 pm
by Polo_Gio
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
Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 3:16 pm
by PhilGTi
Its really easy to change side light on MK5's, just not the GTi...
Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 4:48 pm
by ModifiedMadness
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?
Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 5:18 pm
by Polo_Gio
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.
Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 5:23 pm
by ModifiedMadness
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.
Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2005 1:05 am
by inder
GTI's have all other crap in there, making it tigher, the xenon units, headlight washers etc... afaik
Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2005 10:03 am
by PhilGTi
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!
Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 9:00 am
by JWC
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!
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 9:57 am
by polopowah
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-