I have replaced at least one brake light bulb in the main tail lights as well as replacing the Third Brake light strip. That is it for me though.

 

I have had lots of blown globes and headlights falling out. Haven't had a problem now for about 6 weeks which is a record. VW just say it is a common Treg problem. The only cars worse for globes are Ford Falcons.

 

We have now owned our car (since new) for a year and a half, over that time I have had the check rear brake light bulb warning come on for both the left and right bulbs at least 6 times - having to replace the bulb each time because it was blown.

Yes you do have a problem with a power surge if you have blown 6 bulbs.
If you are using the correct bulbs one to fail is likely or two is starting to push it, but 6 sounds like too much wattage is being feed to your lights.

Can you tell us more on the location of this fault? Is it the inside or outside lights (tailgate or vehicle body’s) and have you been replacing the bulbs with VW sourced bulbs or getting replacements from a general auto parts place? Is it just the stop light failing or both the stop and driving light?

Of cause there is no documentation in the owners manual to assist with what type of bulbs you need but I just had a look at mine and the dual bulbs are 12v 21w (brake light) 4w (driving light) made by Phillips in France. Sometimes you can just up the wattage rating of bulbs but the best you could go there is 12v 23/8w but you would have a problem with pin off sets.

Of interest the wife’s GTI went through two bulbs within two weeks of each other (that was each side) at about the 18 month period, so I replaced them with aftermarket ones from the local auto parts shop and no problems since….touch wood.

 

I done 1 break bulb on the treg one on the golf in 12 months. Golf is a nuisance to change.

 

six globes is a bit tooo much hoodie. perhaps get vw to replace and see how long it lasts.

i discovered the front left high beam HID is blown....now be ready for this....VW dealership has quoted $580 for replacement!.... $580!
I have adaptive bi-xenons which take the D1S, surely they can be sourced at less than half the price elsewhere.....only blown bulb so far though...touch wood!

 

My Treg is 5 years old and still has it's original taillights. I had to replace a low beam headlight bulb a couple of weeks ago, though.

My TDi Jetta is almost 9 years old and I replaced one brake light about 6 months ago, The rest are all still original.

One funny thing I've noticed: Both the inner (tailgate) and outer (body) brake lights are the twin element type, but when I apply the brakes, only the outer lights (and the third LED light, of course) come on.

The inner lights' second element never works. I've driven behind at least one other Treg and specifically noted the same thing. Seems like a bit of a waste to me... :confused2:

 

I had to replace a low beam headlight bulb a couple of weeks ago, though.

From my experience over the last couple of months, you'll be replacing the other one in about 4 weeks time. You may as well go and buy it now!

 

All you guy's are to clever. Haven't figured out how to change the globes myself so still go to the dealer. Even the ones in WA struggle with this from my experience. Same goes with the 4 caddy's I've got.The jetta hasn't required any globes & has LED tail lights so shouldn't require them. Even the owners manual on all VW's I've seen say go to the dealer.

 

i'd rather not go to the dealer, especially for changing globes. I got quoted $580 for replacement of the xenon bulb(D1S) when I complained about the high beam not working on one side!!
I came home, removed the headlight and had a look myself to find nothing wrong with the globe, one of the wires to the shutter mechanism, which opens up to throw high beam, had broken off from the connector. After snapping it back in place it works perfectly!

 

i'd rather not go to the dealer, especially for changing globes.

+1

Three reasons why I try to stay away from a dealer as much as possible:
1. They're only in it to rip you off.
2. They don't know what they're doing on a Treg.
3. (I think you guys down under can relate to this one...) Sometimes me and my Treg go where the nearest dealer is over 500km away. If something goes wrong, I'd like to know how to fix it myself, or at least get it back to civilization.

 

But it does mean if you have an outer brake light bulb go, you can swap the inner one over and still have a functioning brake light AND both tail lights!

 

Just replaced my rear brake light globe, $5 for two at the local repco store and five minutes with a torx driver and all done
Got some sand out from under the light too... Must be there from simpson desert

 

Hey Singh, I have my first blown brake light globe. Reached into the boot, and didn't have the torx tool, do you know what size it is? I was wondering why the car doesn't have one in the boot being a safety item.

Thanks Andrew

 

Thanks heaps. Used a 7/16 socket, worked a treat. Plastic cap LHS and $3.50 for a pair 21W globe too easy!

Appreciate the feedback, great stuff. Happy wife!

 

I had my brake light blow twice already hopefully this is the last time

 

Most likely not.