Suppose you’re looking to spruce up the look of your Mk6 GTI with some new taillights. In that case, you’ll need to know how to remove the old ones first. While it may appear daunting at first, removing the Mk6 GTI taillights is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. With just a few basic tools and a bit of patience, you’ll have your new taillights installed in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
The first step is to remove the two trunk lid bolts. These bolts are located on either side of the trunk lid, just below the taillights. Once the bolts are removed, you can carefully lift the trunk lid and set it aside. Next, you’ll need to remove the two taillight bolts. These bolts are located on the inside of the trunk, just below the taillights. Once the bolts are removed, you can carefully pull the taillights straight out of the trunk. Be careful not to damage the taillights or the wiring harness when removing them.
With the taillights removed, you can now install your new taillights. Start by plugging the wiring harness into the new taillight. Then, carefully insert the taillight into the trunk and secure it with the two bolts. Repeat this process for the other taillight. Finally, close the trunk lid and tighten the two trunk lid bolts. And that’s it! You’ve successfully removed and installed the Mk6 GTI taillights. Enjoy the new look of your car!
Materials and Tools Required
To open the taillights of a Mk6 GTI, you will need the following materials and tools:
Materials
- T10 Torx screwdriver
- T15 Torx screwdriver
- Trim removal tool (optional)
Tools
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| T10 Torx screwdriver | A small screwdriver with a T10 Torx bit. This is used to remove the screws that hold the taillight housing in place. |
| T15 Torx screwdriver | A larger screwdriver with a T15 Torx bit. This is used to remove the screws that hold the taillight lens in place. |
| Trim removal tool (optional) | A plastic tool that is used to pry the taillight housing away from the body of the car. This is optional, but it can make the job easier. |
Removing the Taillight Assemblies
Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle
* Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
* Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical accidents.
Step 2: Access the Taillight Assemblies
* Using a T30 Torx bit, remove the two screws securing the rear bumper to the taillight assembly.
* Gently pry the bumper away from the taillight assembly using a trim tool or plastic spudger.
* Disconnect the electrical connector from the taillight assembly by pressing down on the release tab and pulling it free.
Tip: Use caution when prying the bumper, as excessive force can damage the clips or the bumper itself.
| Tools Required |
|---|
| T30 Torx bit |
| Trim tool or plastic spudger |
Opening the Taillight Lenses
Here is a detailed instruction on how to open the taillight lenses on a Mk6 Volkswagen GTI.
Removing the Taillight Lenses
Materials Needed:
- T20 Torx bit or socket
- Trim panel removal tool (optional)
Steps:
- Open the trunk of your Mk6 GTI.
- Locate the two T20 Torx screws on the back of the taillight assembly.
- Remove the screws and gently pull the taillight assembly out of the trunk. Do not disconnect the electrical wiring.
- Locate the two tabs on the back of the taillight assembly that hold the lenses in place.
- Use a trim panel removal tool or a thin, flat-head screwdriver to gently pry the tabs and release the lenses.
- Once the lenses are released, lift them off the taillight assembly.
Additional Notes:
- Take care not to damage the taillight lenses or the wiring when removing them.
- If you are having difficulty removing the lenses, you may need to use a little more force, but do so cautiously.
- It is recommended to replace the taillight lenses in the correct order as they are removed.
Accessing the Bulbs
To access the bulbs in the MK6 GTI taillights, you will need to remove the taillight assembly from the vehicle. This is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few minutes. Here are the steps:
- Open the trunk and locate the two nuts that hold the taillight assembly in place. These nuts are located on the inside of the trunk, near the edge of the taillight.
- Remove the nuts using a socket wrench or pliers.
- Carefully pull the taillight assembly straight out of the vehicle. It may be necessary to wiggle the assembly slightly to free it from the clips that hold it in place.
Accessing the Bulbs in the Taillight Assembly
Once the taillight assembly has been removed from the vehicle, you can access the bulbs by removing the bulb holders. The bulb holders are held in place by small screws. Remove the screws and carefully pull the bulb holders out of the taillight assembly.
Replace the old bulbs with new ones of the same type. Be sure to insert the new bulbs correctly, as they are polarized. Once the new bulbs have been installed, reinsert the bulb holders into the taillight assembly and tighten the screws.
Reinstall the taillight assembly into the vehicle by aligning the assembly with the clips that hold it in place. Push the assembly into place and tighten the nuts that hold it in place.
Replacing the Bulbs
To replace the bulbs in your Mk6 GTI taillights, you will need to first remove the taillight assembly from the car. This can be done by removing the two screws that hold the taillight in place. Once the screws are removed, you can pull the taillight straight out of the car.
With the taillight assembly removed, you can now access the bulbs. The bulbs are held in place by a rubber grommet. To remove the bulb, simply pull the grommet straight out of the taillight assembly. Once the grommet is removed, you can pull the bulb straight out of the socket.
When replacing the bulbs, be sure to use the correct type of bulb. The Mk6 GTI taillights use a variety of different bulbs, so be sure to check your owner’s manual for the correct type of bulb for your taillight.
Once you have replaced the bulbs, you can reassemble the taillight assembly and reinstall it in the car.
Tools Needed:
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Phillips head screwdriver | For removing the screws that hold the taillight in place |
| Rubber grommet removal tool | For removing the rubber grommets that hold the bulbs in place |
Reassembling the Taillights
Once the bulbs and lenses have been cleaned or replaced, it’s time to reassemble the taillights. Here are the steps involved:
- Align the taillight lens with the taillight housing, making sure that the clips line up.
- Apply a thin bead of silicone sealant around the edge of the taillight lens to prevent water leakage.
- Carefully place the taillight lens over the housing and press firmly to secure it.
- Repeat steps 1-3 for the other taillight.
- Reconnect the wiring harness to the taillights.
- Secure the taillights to the vehicle:
- Open the trunk and locate the taillight mounting bolts.
- Insert the bolts into the holes on the taillight housing and tighten them until they are snug.
- Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Test the taillights to ensure that they are working properly.
Installation of the Taillight Assemblies
Once the old taillights have been removed, it’s time to install the new ones. This process is relatively straightforward but does require some care and attention to detail.
To begin, carefully align the new taillight assembly with the opening in the trunk. Make sure that the assembly is flush with the body of the car and that the mounting holes line up.
Once the assembly is aligned, insert the mounting bolts and hand-tighten them. Do not overtighten the bolts, as this could damage the taillight assembly.
Once the bolts are tightened, connect the electrical connector to the taillight assembly. Make sure that the connector is fully engaged and that the wires are not pinched.
Finally, test the taillight assembly to make sure that it is working properly. Turn on the headlights, brake lights, and turn signals to ensure that all of the lights are functioning.
If all of the lights are working properly, the installation is complete. Enjoy your new taillights!
Materials Needed:
– T25 Torx Screwdriver
– Small Phillips Screwdriver
– Pry Bar (optional)
Steps:
- Open the trunk.
- Locate the two T25 Torx screws on the lower edge of each taillight.
- Remove the screws.
- Gently pull the taillight assembly towards you to detach it from the body. Do not pull too hard, as there are electrical wires still attached. The tail light is attached by three clips; one on the top, one on the bottom, and one on the outer edge.
- Disconnect the electrical connector from the taillight.
- Locate the two small Phillips screws on the back of the taillight.
- Remove the screws.
- Carefully separate the lens from the housing.
- Replace the bulb(s) as needed.
- Reassemble the taillight in reverse order.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Taillight assembly is loose. | Ensure that all screws and clips are properly tightened. |
| One or more bulbs is not working. | Replace the faulty bulb(s). |
| Water or moisture inside the taillight. | Check for any cracks or leaks in the taillight lens or housing. If found, replace the damaged parts and apply a silicone sealant to prevent future leaks. |
| Taillight does not illuminate properly (e.g., dim light, intermittent flickering). | Inspect the electrical connections for corrosion, loose or damaged wires. Clean the contacts and re-establish secure connections. |
How To Open Mk6 Gti Taillights
Additional Tips and Safety Considerations
1. Use a soft cloth to protect the taillights.
2. Be careful not to overtighten the screws.
3. Make sure the taillights are securely in place before driving.
4. Do not use a power drill to open the taillights.
5. Park the car on a level surface.
6. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
7. Remove the taillights from the car.
8. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the taillights together.
9. Carefully separate the taillights.
10. Cleaning and Inspecting the Taillights
Once you have the taillights open, you can clean and inspect them for any damage. Use a soft cloth and a mild detergent to clean the lenses and reflectors. Inspect the bulbs for any signs of damage or wear. If any of the bulbs are burned out, replace them with new ones.
Here are some additional tips for cleaning and inspecting the taillights:
- Use a cotton swab to clean the contacts on the bulbs.
- Check the wiring for any signs of damage or corrosion.
- If you find any damage, repair it before reinstalling the taillights.
11. Reinstalling the Taillights
Once you have cleaned and inspected the taillights, you can reinstall them in the reverse order of removal. Make sure the taillights are securely in place before driving.
How to Open Mk6 Gti Taillights
To open the Mk6 Gti taillights, you will need to first remove the two screws that are located at the bottom of the taillight housing. Once the screws are removed, you will be able to gently pull the taillight housing away from the car. Be careful not to pull too hard, as you could damage the taillight housing. Once the taillight housing is removed, you will be able to access the bulbs and replace them as needed.
People Also Ask
How do I remove the Mk6 Gti taillights?
To remove the Mk6 Gti taillights, you will need to first remove the two screws that are located at the bottom of the taillight housing. Once the screws are removed, you will be able to gently pull the taillight housing away from the car. Be careful not to pull too hard, as you could damage the taillight housing. Once the taillight housing is removed, you will be able to access the bulbs and replace them as needed.
How do I replace the bulbs in the Mk6 Gti taillights?
To replace the bulbs in the Mk6 Gti taillights, you will need to first remove the taillight housing. Once the taillight housing is removed, you will be able to access the bulbs and replace them as needed. Be sure to use the correct type of bulb for your taillights.
How do I clean the Mk6 Gti taillights?
To clean the Mk6 Gti taillights, you can use a mild soap and water solution. Be sure to rinse the taillights thoroughly with clean water after cleaning.
