Jetta E-code Installation Instructions
by Toby Erkson

It is recommended that you have a Bentley shop manual to reference during this procedure as it has instructions on removing the front grill.

Remember, the compass directions of the car are always in relation to the centerline of the car with someone sitting in it. Thus, FRONT is where the headlights are, REAR is where the exhaust tips are, LEFT is the driver side of a USA car, and RIGHT would be the passenger side of a USA car. For those who know boats, LEFT is still PORT and RIGHT is still STARBOARD. This is important to understand not only as a standard but also in helping you to understand these instructions because most of the time you will be facing the rear of the car, thus your left & right will not be the same as the car's left & right :-)

These instructions are based upon the installation of the smoked (tinted) European-spec headlights in my 1995 Jetta III GL OBD I car. This document is meant as a guide to help install the e-codes for someone who is comfortable and skilled to work on their own car. As always, it is best to test fit and 'eye-ball' everything so there will not be any surprises during the installation.

Though this documentation focuses on the left side of the installation it should be noted that the right side is the same procedure except where noted, mainly, the partial removal of the radiator support. It is recommended that the left side be done first since it is the easier of the two (relatively speaking).

Jump to...
-- Lower, outer mount bracket: u-way or n-way
-- S-bracket close-up
-- Special notes for the right side
-- E-code city lights wiring
-- Headlight aiming/adjusting
-- Back to home site



Here we go!
Start by removing the front grill. I recommend reading section 66-1 in the Bentley shop manual. Below are some helpful pictures for those with a grill like mine.

Use a small screwdriver in the screw hole to gently push the upper retaining hooks down as you pull on the upper grill.
remove front grill

Bottom view of the lower hooks. When the Bentley tells you to lift the grill, you are separating these hooks from their bumper lip.
bottom of grill

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