What Size Bulbs Does a 1990 Volkswagen Fox 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 1990 Volkswagen Fox Have?
The 1990 Volkswagen Fox features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with a single H6054 LED dual-filament bulb handling both low and high beams. The Fox has been available from 1990 to 1993, and the 1990 model falls in the early-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 1990 Volkswagen Fox?
Upgrading the 1990 Volkswagen Fox to LED headlights is straightforward since it uses a single H6054 LED dual-filament bulb for both low and high beams. You only need one pair of LED bulbs to upgrade both functions. Look for a H6054 LED LED kit that specifically supports dual-filament operation to ensure both beams work correctly. 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 1990 Volkswagen Fox
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 13 Positions at Once
1990 Volkswagen Fox Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H6054 LED | Buy H6054 LED |
High Beam | H6054 LED | Buy H6054 LED |
Fog Light | LED Fog Light | Buy LED Fog Light |
Brake Light | 2825 LED | Buy 2825 LED |
Side Marker | 2821 LED | Buy 2821 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 7528 LED | Buy 7528 LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 7506 LED | Buy 7506 LED |
Dome Light | 6411 | Buy 6411 |
License Plate | 3893 | Buy 3893 |
Map Light | 6418 | Buy 6418 |
Parking Light | 7528 | Buy 7528 |
Reverse Light | 7506 | Buy 7506 |
Trunk Light | LED Light | Buy LED Light |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 1990 Volkswagen FoxHow Long Do 1990 Volkswagen Fox Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 1990 Volkswagen Fox 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 36 years old, the original bulbs on your Fox 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 1990 Volkswagen Fox?
The H6054 low beam bulb on the 1990 Volkswagen Fox is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact H6054 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.
1990 Volkswagen Fox Headlight FAQ
Did Volkswagen Fox Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1990 to 1993, the Volkswagen Fox has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Turn Signal Front positions. The 1990 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 1992. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 1990 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Fox Years
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Other Vehicles That Use H6054 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a H6054 LED low beam bulb: