Both full head light bulbs gone at the same time - what could cause this?

[matth76 1]

Hi

Just noticed when I put my head lights on I only have side/dip lights and full beam, but I don't have the normal full head lights. Both the bulbs are not on. Anyone else have this happen? What caused it? Could it be a fuse? Wheres the best place to get a new fuse..halfords? Or is it a vw part that I need?

Thanks for any help,

Matt

[Eat this 2]

my first port of call would be the fuse box

[matth76 1]

Thanks if that and changing the bulbs doesn't work what could it be? I haven't changed the fuses before since I got my VR ...where is the fuse box...is it under or near the driver side?

Thanks again.

[Eat this 2]

the fuse box is above the pedals i cant see it being anything but a fuse or maybe the lights but its unlikely that both have gone together

[dellert 0]

However it is possible that both could go! Had both my brake lights out on my van once, two blown fuses.

[matth76 1]

Cheers guys. I'll have a look tomorrow when its light (as it were)..

Am I right in assuming one fuse controls both the main head light bulbs? Is there a pic or guide as to which fuse controls what?

[matth76 1]

Ok I've had a check and the fuses seem ok so can only assume both bulbs have gone...one probably went recently and then the other. I have bought the bulbs from Halfords...they are halogen ones as per the chart they had in there.

Ok my question is what is the procedure for changing the main head light bulbs (they are the outer bulbs). The inner bulbs, which are the side light/dip lights and full beam are fine.

Do I have to take the whole unit out or is it much simpler than that?

Cheers

[Eat this 2]

i think its a single unit for main and dipped beam DONT TOUCH them with ur hands use a clean cloth i think the grease on your hands can cook them when theyr on but im not 100% about that

[dellert 0]

Yes all halogen bulbs are the same, like security lights etc., the grease increases the glass temp and nackeres it I think.

Bonnet up, release the clips holding the black cover on and pop it off and have a feel around, its quite easy, but it can be aquward to remove the covers due to lack of space!

[matth76 1]

Ok I have had a look and there is one large black cover (obviously holding a cluster of bulbs - can't tell which ones). There seem to be two clips at the top but can't see/feel any clips underneath so can't see how to release the cover. There is also what looks like a group of wires going to just one single bulb holder underneath this large black cover. What bulb is this? Is this the main head light bulb, or will the main head light bulb be in the large cluster above, accessed via the black cover? I have tried unclipping the single bulb underneath the black cover but even though I can press the clips inwards the bulb holder does not release... even with some force. I am not sure if just pushing the clips inwards would release it or do I have to twist at same time? (I have tried this too but doesn't seem to work.) However I need to know whether this single bulb is going to be the main head light bulb or whether it is in the large black holder/cluster. Thanks for any help locating it and how to release it. My car's a golf vr by the way - 1997 P reg.

[mk3anni 0]

Undo the clips, tip the cover back and slide the cover towads the middle of the car (i think).

There will be 3 bulb holders, large one closest the grill is full beam, large outer is dipped, small inner is side light.

Maybe you should book it in to tim!!!!

[matth76 1]

No need mate! Did it the other day...was far simpler than I thought... although it was fiddly getting the bulb out from behind the spring clip.