VW Passat
License Plate Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change the license plate light
bulbs in the trunk lid of a 2012-2015 Volkswagen Passat with photo illustrated
steps.
 2015 Passat License Plate |
 Left License Plate Light |
| This
automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist
owners of the NMS (new midsize sedan) 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and the
revised 2016 Volkswagen Passat sedan in changing a burnt out license
plate light bulb or upgrading them both to brighter LED units. Owners of other VW Group vehicles such as the Beetle, 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. If your Passat is equipped with traditional incandescent light bulbs, the compatible replacement part number is 2825. If you would like to have brighter license plate lights, install some 2825 LED bulbs. This 2015 Passat TSI has the newer LED license plate light housings which are genuine VW part # 3AF943021A. |
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 Pry Out Light Housing |
 Light Housing Removed |
| Locate the small
notch on the side of the light housing.
For VW models with incandescent bulb housings, there is a black plastic release tab. Either gently pry out the light housing or push in the black plastic release tab. Pull the light housing straight out of the underside of the trunk lid. (For older Passat models, you may find it helpful to view my guides for the VW Beetle and VW Jetta.) |
|
 Disconnect Power Plug |
 LED Light Assembly |
| If your Passat is
equipped with traditional incandescent light bulbs, there are two types of
housings. One housing has a round bulb socket. Rotate the black plastic bulb socket 1/4 turn counterclockwise before pulling it straight out of the housing. Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket and push in a new # 2825 bulb. The other type of housing is an exposed metal socket on the back side of the housing with the bulb visible. Use a small flathead screwdriver to gently push the base of the old light bulb straight out of the socket. Push in a new 2825 bulb. The LED license plate lights on newer Passat models are supposed to last the life time of the vehicle. If one of the LED housings does burn out, the genuine Volkswagen / Audi part number is 3AF943021A. |
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 Plug In Electrical Connector |
 Gently Pop In Housing |
| Push the power plug
straight in to the socket on the LED light housing. Re-insert the housing and gently snap it back in to place. |
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 Light Housing Replaced |
 Testing License Plate Lights |
| Test the new
license plate lights by turning on the headlights or by pressing the
"Unlock" button on the key fob to activate the exterior lights. For more, check out all of my
Volkswagen Passat DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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