# stuck bulb in '98  VW new beetle

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stuck-bulb-in-98-vw-new-beetle/160960>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [March 12, 2003, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stuck-bulb-in-98-vw-new-beetle/160960 "2003-03-12T22:59:17Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![livelykid1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/73ab20/32.png) [@livelykid1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/livelykid1)\
**Post date:** [March 12, 2003, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stuck-bulb-in-98-vw-new-beetle/160960/1 "2003-03-12T22:59:17Z")

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Help! I’m trying to replace my failed low-beam headlamp in my 1998 VWNew Beetle and the bulb is stuck in the assebbly, meaning the silver tab on the back of the bulb will not slide out of the plastic part of the assembly that the wires run to (I’ve got that part away from the bulb housing already). Does anyone have any suggestions?

It would also be feasible to replace the plastic piece where the bulb inserts into, but the VW dealership near me only sells the entire assembly for over $300. Too much to pay for a simple 5 buck bulb. How might I find a used assembly or a broken one with the piece I need?

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**Author:** ![Enola\_Straight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dec6dc/32.png) [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\
**Post date:** [March 12, 2003, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stuck-bulb-in-98-vw-new-beetle/160960/2 "2003-03-12T23:31:54Z")

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Try a little WD40, or perhaps some silicone spray.  
Let the stuff penetrate the part for a few minuites, and give it a few taps.

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**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\
**Post date:** [March 13, 2003, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stuck-bulb-in-98-vw-new-beetle/160960/3 "2003-03-13T00:16:34Z")

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Failing that, you might be able to pick up the part you need cheaply from a junk yard. Often, they’ll let you pull the parts you need from the vehicle yourself.

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**Author:** ![livelykid1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/73ab20/32.png) [@livelykid1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/livelykid1)\
**Post date:** [March 13, 2003, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stuck-bulb-in-98-vw-new-beetle/160960/4 "2003-03-13T05:35:20Z")

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Thanks y’all. I forced the piece out and refashioned the assembly and it’s working…