Quality time with my Jetta….

So normally quality time with my Jetta would include a Saturday morning drive with the windows down, heater (and heated seats) turned up, my 80’s music blasting and Sierra in the passenger seat smiling and sticking her muppet head out the window as we head down the backroads of Livermore…. sweet… =)

Unfortunately, that was not the manner of quality time to be had this evening. =( Instead, I had to figure out how to replace a blown headlamp bulb which was not nearly as easy to replace as the tail light that had to be replaced about two weeks ago. Fortunately, I bought the $90 manual way back in 2000 when my parents bought me the Jetta so at least I had pictures to walk me through the process minimizing the chances of me breaking something or throwing a screwdriver through the windshield in frustration.

Ok, so let’s get to it. First of all, the manual. Here are the steps (more than I would have imagined) in all their black and white glory.

Ok, not too bad. I did run into a couple of problems including the fact that in order to take off the bumper, I had to unscrew two screws located under the wheel well and with the car lowered, there is very little clearance to work a hex head. The other problem was that in order to remove the hood latch assembly, I needed to try and pry this forky thing apart with two screwdrivers since for some reason, the pull tab that would have made that a lot easier was already missing.

So here are the steps. First of all I had to detach the hood latch assembly (challenging but did it). Then I removed the radiator grill. This was also pretty easy. No screws, just a couple of attachment clips that were easily removed with a small flathead screwdriver. After removing a bunch of screws that held the bumper in place I was able to gently lower it to the ground (ok so really it popped off after I pulled on it and kind of slumped to the floor).

Now the Jetta is looking pretty broken down. Actually it still looks hot. There must be something wrong with me. 😉

So now there was just one thing left to do and that was to remove the 4 screws securing the headlamp in place and then replace the bulb. Finally, something easy! =)

Half-way done so it’s time for a “half-way done” celebratory drink.

Ok back to work. Let’s see, where was I? Oh yeah, back to replacing the bulb. So replacing the bulb was pretty easy. Well it was easy after I got past the hard stuff. 😉 Once I replaced the bulb and verified that it worked (learned the hard way), it took me considerably less time to put things back together. Before I knew it I was replacing the radiator grill and then it was time for a buddy picture with me and my newly repaired Jetta. =)

Oh and to prove I actually performed all the dirty work, here’s me greasy paws.

Ok, that was fun but let’s hope I don’t have to do that again any time soon. =) Ok, it’s nearly 10pm, I took Sierra for a long walk/run tonight so I’m going to head to bed now. Goodnight all….