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VW Beetle Map Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out map light bulb in the overhead console of a 2nd generation 2012 to 2016 "New" Volkswagen Beetle.

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2015 Beetle Map Lights
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Insert Flathead Screwdriver
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Gently Pry Out Lens Cover
This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the second generation (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and most likely also the 2016 model year) "New" Volkswagen Beetle in changing a burnt out map light bulb located in the overhead console.

Owners of other VW Group vehicles such as the Passat, CC, Tiguan, Golf, Touareg, Jetta, GTI, SportWagen, Eos, Rabbit, Bora, Vento, Lavida, Coccinelle, Maggiolino, Fusca, Audi A3, A4, S4, A6, S6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7, A5, S5, and TT may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

The replacement bulb part number is 2825 which is available from various manufacturers such as Sylvania, GE, Eiko and PIAA.

You may also use # 168, W5W or a compatible LED.

The only tool needed to replace the bulbs is a small flathead screwdriver used to pry out the translucent plastic lens cover.



 
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Lens Cover Removed
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Silver Plastic Reflector Panel
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Gently Pry Out Reflector
To prevent from scratching the plastic surfaces, you may choose to cover the tip of your screwdriver with a thin micro fiber cloth or instead use a plastic automotive panel removal tool.

Insert the blade of the small flathead screwdriver in between the edge of the lens cover and the overhead console.

Gently pry out the lens cover.

You might need to re-insert the screwdriver in to the other side of the lens cover.

Try to avoid using excessive force, the lens cover should pop out relatively easily.

Set the lens cover aside in a safe place.

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Plastic Reflector Removed
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Old Map Bulbs Exposed
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Pull Out Old Map Light Bulb
You might be able to access the old bulbs at this point.

I found I couldn't get a grip on the bulbs with out removing the silver plastic reflector plate.

Use the small flathead screwdriver to gently pry out the reflector panel.

Set the reflector aside in a safe place.

Be careful. If the old bulb was recently illuminated, it might still be hot enough to burn your fingers.



 

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Old Bulb Removed
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Old # W5W Bulb
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Empty Bulb Socket
Grasp the old bulb with your thumb and forefinger before pulling it straight out of the socket.
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Push In New W5W or 168
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Line Up Reflector Panel
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Gently Pop In Reflector
Push a new # 2825 bulb straight in to the socket.

You may also be able to use any other miniature wedge base bulbs such as the # 168, W5W, 158, 194 or a compatible LED unit.

Line up the reflector panel and gently pop it back in to place.

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Re-Insert Plastic Tabs
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Gently Pop In Lens Cover
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Test New Map Light Bulbs
Re-insert the tabs on the rear edge of the lens cover in to the opening in the overhead console.

Then gently pop in the front edge of the lens cover.

Press the "On/Off" buttons to test the new map light bulbs.

For more, check out my other 2012-2016 VW Beetle DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.
 

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