Removing and installing tail light in side panel — VW

🧭 Before you start

Fits: platform code 1F7

Don't miss

• Do not depress brake pedal! — Press on outer corner (arrow A) of cover (1).
• There are adjusting elements in both studs for the flange nuts (A) with which the tail light can be aligned to the rear lid and to the side panel.

🔩 Torque settings

Values can differ between engine variants — check the code stamped on your block.

ℹ️ Always cross-check the exact figure against your vehicle's factory manual before final tightening — a wrong torque can damage the engine. These values are extracted from workshop data and may not cover every variant or revision.

📋 Procedure

1. Switch off ignition and all electrical consumers and remove ignition key.
2. ⚠ Do not depress brake pedal! — Press on outer corner (arrow A) of cover (1).
3. Reach behind cover of cover at seal (arrow B) and carefully pull off cover upwards.
4. Insure that the cover (A) is pulled out of the individual fasteners in the order (1) through (4).
5. Remove bolt (arrow A).

6. Pull luggage compartment trim (2) out from under seal (3) and carefully press trim away from seal.
7. Release retaining clip as follows:
8. Press locking lug (1) in direction of (arrow A).
9. Push connector (2) upwards (arrow B).
10. Separate connector by pressing locking button towards wire while pulling connector apart.
11. Remove securing nuts (arrows A) and remove tail light from side panel towards rear.
12. Secure tail light by first tightening upper flange nut (A) and then the lower to 3 Nm. [Note: There are adjusting elements in both studs for the flange nuts (A) with which the tail light can be aligned to the rear lid and to the side panel.] — 3 Nm (2.2 lb-ft)
13. Turn the appropriate adjusting element (1) clockwise or anti-clockwise until the outer edge of the tail light (arrow A) is flush with the edges of the body.
14. Install bolt (A) and tighten to 2 Nm. — 2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
15. Push cover (A) onto tail light (B) from top to bottom, (arrow 4 to arrow 1).
16. Join connector (1).
17. Engage connector in retaining clip (arrow B).

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