Replace bulb in DRL

[bertj]

Bulb died in daylight running light. Handbook says remove screw and pull trim off to get at light unit. I've removed the screw but can't shift the trim. Either it's extremely tight or I'm missing something. I'd be grateful for suggestions rather than pay a dealer to replace a simple light bulb. Thanks.

[SBJ]

I haven't removed the trim you speak of so can't offer any advice sorry, but if you do manage it, can you take a note of the bulb model (any numbers/letters on it) as I'm looking to replace my DRL bulbs with some CANBUS friendly LEDs.

I've noticed some Mercs DRLs (not LED strips) are a single circular LED bulb and quite like the look over the standard yellow VW versions.

EDIT: At the weekend if I get time I will attempt to remove the trim to access the DRL bulb and share any tips, or get stuck like you

Thanks
Simon

[bertj]

Now spoken to a VW technician and have replaced bulb. No way should you try and remove the trim - this will result in broken clips and severe damage to plastic trim. Believe it or not this is the way you replace a DRL bulb:

Drive the front of the car on to a set of ramps and remove the plastic engine undertray (lots of torx screws)
It's then, just possible, to reach the back of the DRL unit to turn and pull out the bulb holder. On the offside you have to remove the connector before the bulb holder can be rotated enough to remove it.
The bulb is a standard 21w, single filament, two pin type - nothing special. They could easily be replaced with similar fitting LED's. The problem with LED replacements (even the CANBUS 'friendly' ones) is that they give off a distinct blue tinge light. Two friends of mine were stopped by the police for having illegal blue lights with similar bulbs fitted. Also LED DRL replacement bulbs are not type approved and could, perhaps, lead to warranty problems.

Mercedes, Audis etc. fit special Philips DRL LED's that give off a white light and are, of course, type approved. I've no idea whether such LED's could be fitted to the Passat.

[SBJ]

Thanks for the information, think I might leave well alone!

I don't want to look like a boy racer with illegal blue lights but do like the appearance of the whiter LEDs. My previous car (Audi A5) had LED arrays and don't want to emulate them by adding Halford specials, but might see if Philips do approved LED bulbs as replacements for our DRLs.

Thanks again for the trim advice.
Simon

[Fr51zzz]

Old thread revival. Has anyone replaced these lamps with a led type?
Many links or advice welcome.
Im looking at swapping most bulbs for led types if possible.
Cheers frizz.

[dieselal]

just had mine changed ..forget what the handbook says its n/a .. drip tray needs to be removed then its rear access of the light for bulb removal. Cheap simple bulb , not so easy to replace.

[Fr51zzz]

What type of bulb did you fit?
What type are they for the drl?

[shudman]

Replaced my DRLs with these about 12 months ago... BA15S - 1156 - 382 - P21W 21 SMD 1156 Canbus LED White 2 Pack | eBay and still going strong. Very unique...have not seen another Passat with these bright whites.
Undo the Torx screw, and pull from the opposite end (closer to the number plate). You do have to pull pretty hard, and yes, you do think you are going to snap it....but it is darn strong plastic. If you can get something in between the body work and the DRL surround trim (plastic knife), it will give you something to hold on to when pulling hard.
drl.jpg

[volks_darren_]

Anyone now about the same thing on a 2014 polo? I want to change the DRL for LED ones not sure how to get the bulbs.

[brianflower]

Have just changed original DRLs for leds in my 2014 passat estate, though a bit fiddly it was surprisingly easy . Used the supplied Hook and flat head screwdriver and followed the book . Job done and there brilliant ( no pun intended).