What Size Bulbs Does a 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle 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 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Have?
The 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with a single 6014 LED dual-filament bulb handling both low and high beams. The Super Beetle has been available from 1972 to 1980, and the 1979 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 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle?
Upgrading the 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle to LED headlights is straightforward since it uses a single 6014 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 6014 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 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle
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 12 Positions at Once
1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | 6014 LED | Buy 6014 LED |
High Beam | 6014 LED | Buy 6014 LED |
Fog Light | LED Fog Light | Buy LED Fog Light |
Brake Light | Brake Light Assembly | Buy Brake Light Assembly |
Side Marker | 1893 LED | Buy 1893 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 1157 LED | Buy 1157 LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 1156 LED | Buy 1156 LED |
Dome Light | 1893 | Buy 1893 |
License Plate | 89 | Buy 89 |
Parking Light | 1157 | Buy 1157 |
Reverse Light | 1156 | Buy 1156 |
Trunk Light | LED Light | Buy LED Light |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 1979 Volkswagen Super BeetleHow Long Do 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle 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 47 years old, the original bulbs on your Super Beetle 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 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle?
The 6014 low beam bulb on the 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact 6014 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.
1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Headlight FAQ
Did Volkswagen Super Beetle Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1972 to 1980, the Volkswagen Super Beetle has seen bulb size changes in the Side Marker position. The 1979 model uses the newer bulb specification introduced around 1978. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 1979 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Super Beetle Years
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Other Vehicles That Use 6014 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a 6014 LED low beam bulb: