How do you replace a bulb in the tail light of a 2002 VW Beetle?

Answer 1

This site had the steps for doing so and saving yourself a service charge. myvwlemon.com

The process for changing the tail light bulbs for a 2002 New Beetle in my case a TDI is relatively simple. To remove the lense and gain access to the bulbs you first need to release the lense holder from inside the trunk by completely unscrewing the large plastic wing nut that is under a round plastic panel that's located almost directly behind the rear brake light lense. To gain access to the plastic wing nut remove the round panel by gently prying it off. After this is done you release the lense by using something flat like a dinner table knife to pry and release the clip that holds the lense in place. Locating the clip: The rear fender has two seams that end at the light lense, the inboard seam (the one closest to the hatch)is where you want to insert the table knife to pry the metal clip that holds the lens in place. Gently and carefully insert the knife blade directly at the seam and pry upward to release the lense. Once the clip releases pull the lens the rest of the way and remove the bulbs by turning the bulb holder sockets couter-clockwise. After this is done remove bulbs by slightly pushing down on the bulb and turning it counter-clockwise. The reinstall is reverse of the removal the procedure.When re-installing take care to clock the lense where the metal clip and the lense protrusions end up in the same position as before. Note: you may need to assist sliding the lens retaining clip in with the knife when reinstalling! Good luck