What Size Bulbs Does a 1973 Volkswagen 411 Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Hard (Tight clearances)
Est. Replacement Cost
$15 - $40 (Halogen) / $30+ (LED)
What Lighting System Does the 1973 Volkswagen 411 Have?
The 1973 Volkswagen 411 features an extensive lighting system with 11 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with 4000 LED low beams and H5001 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The 411 has been available from 1971 to 1973, and the 1973 model falls in the late-generation years. As a Volkswagen vehicle, it uses a CANbus electrical system that monitors bulb status.
LED Flicker Warning
This vehicle (Volkswagen) is known to use a CANbus system that checks for burnt-out bulbs. Installing standard LEDs may cause them to flicker or trigger a dashboard error.
We highly recommend using a CANbus decoder or "Anti-Flicker" resistors.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1973 Volkswagen 411?
To upgrade the 1973 Volkswagen 411 headlights to LED, you will need a 4000 LED LED kit for the low beams and a H5001 LED LED kit for the high beams. Start with the low beams since they are used most often and have the biggest impact on nighttime visibility. Important: Volkswagen vehicles use a CANbus system that detects bulb wattage. Standard LED bulbs may trigger dashboard warnings or flicker. Choose LED kits labeled "CANbus-compatible" or add inline decoder resistors to prevent these issues. For the fog lights, a LED Fog Light LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 1973 Volkswagen 411
To remove the headlight bulb, disconnect the wiring harness, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it straight out of the housing. Volkswagen vehicles are known for tight engine bay clearances around the headlight assembly. You may need to remove the air intake duct, battery cover, or wheel well liner to access the bulbs. Budget 30 to 45 minutes per side for your first replacement. When installing the new bulb, avoid touching the glass with bare fingers. Skin oils create hot spots that shorten bulb life. Wear clean gloves or handle the bulb by its plastic base only. The fog lights are accessed from underneath the front bumper. You may need to remove a few plastic clips or screws from the fender liner to reach the LED Fog Light fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 11 Positions at Once
1973 Volkswagen 411 Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | 4000 LED | Buy 4000 LED |
High Beam | H5001 LED | Buy H5001 LED |
Fog Light | LED Fog Light | Buy LED Fog Light |
Brake Light | Brake Light Assembly | Buy Brake Light Assembly |
Side Marker | 97 LED | Buy 97 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 1157 LED | Buy 1157 LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 1156 LED | Buy 1156 LED |
License Plate | 97 | Buy 97 |
Parking Light | 1157 | Buy 1157 |
Reverse Light | 1157 | Buy 1157 |
Trunk Light | LED Light | Buy LED Light |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 1973 Volkswagen 411How Long Do 1973 Volkswagen 411 Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 1973 Volkswagen 411 have an expected lifespan of 500 to 1,000 hours, which works out to roughly 2 to 3 years of normal use. Signs of a failing halogen bulb include noticeably dimmer output, a yellowish tint compared to the other headlight, or intermittent flickering. At 53 years old, the original bulbs on your 411 are likely overdue for replacement. Even if they still illuminate, reduced brightness significantly impacts nighttime safety. When one headlight burns out, replace both sides at the same time. Bulbs from the same batch age at similar rates, and mismatched brightness is distracting to oncoming drivers.
What Bulbs Are Compatible with the 1973 Volkswagen 411?
The 4000 low beam bulb on the 1973 Volkswagen 411 is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact 4000 size. Using the wrong bulb size can cause improper beam patterns that reduce your visibility and blind other drivers. It can also cause overheating inside the headlight housing, potentially warping the plastic lens or reflector. Always verify the bulb number before purchasing.
1973 Volkswagen 411 Headlight FAQ
Did Volkswagen 411 Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
The Volkswagen 411 has maintained consistent bulb sizes across all model years from 1971 to 1973. The low beam has used a 4000 LED bulb throughout, which means replacement parts and LED upgrade kits are widely available and well-tested for this model. If you find a deal on bulbs for any 411 year in this range, they will fit your 1973 model.
Other 411 Years
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Other Vehicles That Use 4000 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a 4000 LED low beam bulb: