How To: Change those pesky front indicator bulbs

[jaygemson]

This is a pain to do, and certainly not a road-side job, but for those who dislike that orange glow in the headlamps as much as I do it was a necessity!  I had to scour the forums before I was confident enough that I knew what was involved, so I thought I'd share my findings in the hope that it'll help others.

 

Let's get at this pesky bulb 

 

 

 

Tools

• Short scalpel blade holder (or other short-handled cutting device)
• 1/4" drive screwdriver handle and a few straight extensions
• 1/4" right angle extension (I used this one: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2pcs-Right-Angle-Drill-and-Flexible-Shaft-Bits-Extension-Screwdriver-Bit-Holder/163441824481)

 

Parts

• x2 Skoda indicator repair kit (part number 5L0998295)
• x2 replacement PW24W bulbs
  I used these as they're a similar length to the original bulbs and emit amber light in all directions: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Pair-Yellow-Amber-Automobiles-PW24W-PWY24W-LED-Bulb-DRL-License-Plate-Light-Canbus-12V-24V/32832137299.htm

 

 

 

Steps

I recommend starting on the driver's side as there's more space behind the headlamp there.  The photos below show the passenger side.

 

1. Locate the round service panel behind the indicator bulb on the headlamp unit.  Note that it has a recessed channel around the edge - this is your guide for cutting (the black plastic disc shown in the photo above, below the scalpel, is what you're aiming to remove).
    
2. Get your cutting tool in behind the headlamp and slowly work it around the recessed circular panel to cut it free - note the location of the scalpel below, and that I've removed some of the headlight retaining bolts to shift it forward as much as possible (you may not need to do this depending on the size of your hands).
   
    
3. Once you have the circular access panel removed, twist the bulb holder and pull it free to access to bulb
   
    
4. Fit your new bulb into the holder and insert it back into the headlamp with a twist to lock it (this is a bit fiddly but there's only one way it can go back in, so be patient and you'll get there)
    
5. Take a repair cap and place it into the hole behind the bulb, position your screwdriver with the right angle extension however you can and drive in both torx bolts
   
    
6. Repeat on the other side!

 

 

The end result:

 

[ahenners]

Good write up! They are the exact bulbs I got and they are the best I could find after hours of searching for something the same size as the originals with a light pattern that fills the reflective surface of the headlamp.

[Plantman]

Great write up!

 

Do you have to actually cut the plastic to get at the indicator bulb to change it? Madness!

[ahenners]

1 minute ago, Plantman said:

Great write up!

 

Do you have to actually cut the plastic to get at the indicator bulb to change it? Madness!

 

Yes, though the plastic you cut is thinner and indented from the surrounding bit. But yeah, absolutely silly idea.

[JohnnyType2]

I did this when i swapped out the grill as it was easy to get to with the bumper off. heres an image of the cut. Ive ordered that Right angled tool. nice write up!

[jaygemson]

2 hours ago, ahenners said:

Good write up! They are the exact bulbs I got and they are the best I could find after hours of searching for something the same size as the originals with a light pattern that fills the reflective surface of the headlamp.

 

Cheers!  One of your posts led me to those bulbs, thanks for the tip   They're not the most attractive but like you say they do the job perfectly.

[jaygemson]

And great photos @JohnnyType2 - thanks for sharing!  That really helps to show where to cut, and why

[Plantman]

Is that repair kit water proof then to prevent moisture getting in?

[JohnnyType2]

1 minute ago, Plantman said:

Is that repair kit water proof then to prevent moisture getting in?

 

yes it has a  rubber washer/grommet

[FluffyEyeball]

Is it at all possible to remove the headlight unit without removing the front bumper?

[silver1011]

Only by crashing 

[silver1011]

This thread will soon disappear off the first page and be lost forever, any chance we can move this to the guides section for future reference and for directing other members to?

[ajw1100]

Superb guide, or should that be octy guide? Well done and with great photos. I might well give it a go. Mine have been flashing now off and on for nearly  4 years and I hope they will last until the weather warms up!

 

Can you let me us know the distance from blade tip to rear of your knife? I have loads of modelling knifes like X-Acto but they are all solid handles so I would need to cut one down. Just toying if it would be possible with a 90degree and a cutting wheel the same size as the cover slot.....

Edited 6 January, 2019 by ajw1100

[jaygemson]

On 04/01/2019 at 19:08, silver1011 said:

This thread will soon disappear off the first page and be lost forever, any chance we can move this to the guides section for future reference and for directing other members to?

 

Looks like this has been done.  I think this might be my first ever sticky post!  

[jaygemson]

5 hours ago, ajw1100 said:

Superb guide, or should that be octy guide? Well done and with great photos. I might well give it a go. Mine have been flashing now off and on for nearly  4 years and I hope they will last until the weather warms up!

 

Can you let me us know the distance from blade tip to rear of your knife? I have loads of modelling knifes like X-Acto but they are all solid handles so I would need to cut one down. Just toying if it would be possible with a 90degree and a cutting wheel the same size as the cover slot.....

 

haha, very good 

 

I was very fortunate that my scalpel was designed to split in two, and grip the blade by tightening down on the main handle.  So I could use the small half (with great care) with the blade tightened down with two nuts locked together.  The overall length of this setup is 75mm.

[FluffyEyeball]

Does anyone know the VCDS coding to change the front indicators to LED please?

[jaygemson]

44 minutes ago, FluffyEyeball said:

Does anyone know the VCDS coding to change the front indicators to LED please?

No coding necessary 

 

Certainly not for the bulbs I linked to anyway.

[seanbrady49]

Cant get my hand in to twist the bulb  it wont even budge 

[FluffyEyeball]

4 minutes ago, seanbrady49 said:

Cant get my hand in to twist the bulb  it wont even budge 

 

I did mine only yesterday. Took many hours and bruised hands to get it done. 

[seanbrady49]

1 hour ago, FluffyEyeball said:

 

I did mine only yesterday. Took many hours and bruised hands to get it done. 

I Gave up, getting to dark so just put the plastic protector plates on , I'll go back to it tomorrow

[jaygemson]

Ah no, sorry to hear that.  It is a tricky job (hence the title of the thread!) but persevere and with fresh hands and more light I'm sure you'll succeed.

[wagonist]

On 04/01/2019 at 21:26, jaygemson said:

 

 

 

 

 

Where does this repair patch come from?

One of my lights has a crack along the edge (looks like someone may have started doing this job) and I need to reseal the light.

 

Thanks

[jaygemson]

@wagonist I bought mine from a Skoda dealer (part number 5L0998295) but you could also try Mike at Coverdale Car Parts 👍

[wagonist]

On 29/07/2020 at 21:43, jaygemson said:

@wagonist I bought mine from a Skoda dealer (part number 5L0998295) but you could also try Mike at Coverdale Car Parts 👍

Cheers. New to Euro cars. That place might be a bit far as I'm in Sydney, Australia

Worked out that it's a Skoda part number and picked up a pair today.

 

Mind you, I should find somewhere that can ship. One of the covers over the ISOfix in the back seat is missing and Skoda Australia don't sell that part...

[Spyne]

Bit of bump here, but is the process the same for the MK3 facelift, ie. near impossible?

I note that the indicator bulb is in a different position on mine compared to the pictures from OP - mine appears to be in its own housing underneath the headlight, in the inner section of the headlight.

To steal and modify another briskoda user's photo;