Mark R.

I was reading some recent threads, and saw this:

I couldn't agree more about this assessment of our interior light fixtures.

I spent a few hours fiddling with mine last weekend, and was finally able to get all ten (five per car) working properly again (on and off with the doors and hatch as originally intended).

The design is incredibly delicate, and seems overly vulnerable to: electrical contact with other items (shorting), melting other items (due to the exposed bulb), and general inoperation (due to the overall flimsy design).

Does anyone have a picture of the alternative Passat light fixtures mentioned above? Are they plug and play electrically? Do they fit into the same rectangular cutouts? Are there any modifications required to make them work?

I did some searching about this topic but couldn't really find anything...

Thanks!

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Mark in Atlanta

87 S4 Grandprixweiss Auto w/LSD (Daily Driver Since 2004).
88 S4 Silbermetallic 5 speed w/LSD (Weekend Driver Since 2003).
84 S Schwarz Auto w/LSD (Sold in 2007 - Daily Driver 1997-2004).
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syoo8

Hi Mark,

I think (IIRC) that I am the author of that quote.

You are correct. The original design is prone to electrical contact, melting, and general in operation.

The Passat fixtures fit perfectly. You buy them from Roger, who includes a pigtail harness with each fixture. You crimp/solder the pigtails to the existing electrical connections of the light fixtures.

DZGunner

bump

Mark R.

Okay. Thanks. That sounds like what I'm looking for.

Do you (or anyone else) have any pictures of what they look like?

I would especially like to see how they look installed in the panels.

Thanks very much!

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Mark in Atlanta

87 S4 Grandprixweiss Auto w/LSD (Daily Driver Since 2004).
88 S4 Silbermetallic 5 speed w/LSD (Weekend Driver Since 2003).
84 S Schwarz Auto w/LSD (Sold in 2007 - Daily Driver 1997-2004).
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ROG100

The original lights are now more expensive than the VW alternatives.
I do not have pics but I have sold hundreds of them so I am sure someone will chime in with a pic

sweet928

All my lights work perfectly with the doors, etc but the main one over the rear view mirror is finicky. I'd like to see pictures of the VW option - I am inclined to replace mine so it works with the door. FWIW, my Ferrari Mondial appears to have the same exact unit and the same issue. Works with the switch but not with the door. I'm wondering if I can solve the problem twice in one stop shopping.

Alan

Grey & Black

Alan

MjRocket

Alan

Sorry to jump off topic, but where did you get that windshield shade thats over your rearview mirror area?

Thx

Mark R.

Alan,

Thanks for those excellent pictures. That's exactly what I was looking for.

I really like the way those look and function, so I'll pursue sourcing those same lights.

What about the ones in the doors? I noticed you didn't include any shots of those. I know they're a slightly different size and style. Is there not a similar replacement for those?

Thanks very much!

___________________________________________

Mark in Atlanta

87 S4 Grandprixweiss Auto w/LSD (Daily Driver Since 2004).
88 S4 Silbermetallic 5 speed w/LSD (Weekend Driver Since 2003).
84 S Schwarz Auto w/LSD (Sold in 2007 - Daily Driver 1997-2004).
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syoo8

Mark, I use the same Passat fixtures for all five in both cars: left door, right door, next to rear view mirror, on hatch, in the very back.

Alan

I did not change the door ones because they are a different design, do not suffer from the same deterioration over time and are perhaps better than the VW ones in that location (IMO). Less liklihood of accidental operation by your feet on the stock models due to the location & orientaion of the switch. The same VW ones would work there if you wanted...

Alan

Alan

I cut it out of stock vinyl material - its too bright in Phoenix to have sun glare between the visors - its now darker still...

danglerb

Window shade / radar detector hider.

Tony

Go LED whatever the case...unbelievable difference when you open the doors at night!

ROG100

My price is $73.30 - includes the light, connector and pigtail harness - all VW parts.
Light is available in Black, Gray and Tan.