The stock Jetta headlights do a decent job of letting you see at night, but better aftermarket options are available. The results can be incredible when you want to get rid of those non-fog lights for a set of projectors.
Before you go in that direction, you’ll need to upgrade to the Euro switch or get an HID kit to run the projectors.
What are the best options to consider if you want a better illumination profile?
VW MKIV Jetta Headlight Options
E-code headlights are the best option for the VW MKIV Jetta. They offer additional modes that you cannot find on North American models, but they’re not approved by the Department of Transportation. That means they’re for off-road use only.
The Euro switch upgrade offers the e-code headlights that the Jetta needs to really shine. Since you have several benefits that come with the change, it’s important to care how American and European specifications differ in static roadway illumination scenarios.
According to AAA, here is a summary of the findings that show what headlamp options work the best today.
- The average target illumination value for high beam headlights was over 12% higher for the Euro specifications compared to the U.S. standards.
- American headlight requirements provide about 2% more illumination when using the low beams.
- Driver perceptions of targeted illumination points are similar for both specs while driving a Jetta or any other vehicle.
- All vehicles during the testing comparison between the two standards used a premium LED headlamp.
When an oncoming vehicle approaches a driver at night, the European specifications consistently offer more roadway lighting. This advantage continues when a preceding vehicle is close.
Based on static target data gathered by AAA, the increase could be as much as 8% for some vehicles.
Adaptive driving beams maintained higher illumination levels in all areas with the Euro switch except for those with intentional shading to reduce glare.
The U.S. standards showed a forced reduction of headlight operations to minimize glare issues for other drivers.
What Are the Options That E-Code Headlights Offer?
The e-code headlights for the Jetta have additional modes that make them a better installation. When you look at the turning positions, you’ll have an off indicator, one for city lights, and a third for headlights.
This technology also provides a push and pull position that delivers settings for fog lights being on and off, including the front and the rear. You must have the fog lights enabled to have the switch work.
Installing a Euro switch doesn’t affect Volkswagen’s daytime running lamps.
When looking at the e-code headlights, you’ll see four different lamps. Each has a unique purpose.
- The largest lamp is for the daytime running lights and low beam option. It’s what you’d use most often when getting behind the wheel.
- Two lights are in the middle of the e-code headlight. The upper option is the turn signal, which must meet color and flashing standards to be considered legal on the road. Your bottom lamp is the front fog light.
- The final light is for your high beams. It’s also how the Jetta displays the city light function if enabled for the vehicle.
Once you’ve secured the headlights you want, you’ll need to remove the stock option for the e-code upgrade.
Some of the e-code lights for the Jetta place the dual lights to the far side of the assembly instead of being in the middle of the daytime running lights and the high beam.
Best E-Code Headlight to Install on a Jetta MK4
When looking for a headlight upgrade for a Jetta MK4, a few excellent e-code options are available to consider. Here’s a closer look at them.
The ACANII E-Code Headlight for VW MKIV Jetta
If you have a 1999-2005 Volkswagen Jetta, the ACANII e-code headlight is an excellent option to use for an upgrade.
It uses dual LEDs with a halo chrome or black housing to create a projector lamp that offers incredible illumination.
When choosing this option, the advantage you receive is that it meets North American regulations. It comes with stamps for SAE and DOT approval.
Some wiring might be required for the halo and SMD LEDs. It’s designed as a complete replacement for the stock assembly.
The manufacturer recommends professional installation.
The polycarbonate lens delivers excellent UV protection for the setup while providing high-impact resistance in mild collisions. The headlights use a butyl sealant to prevent anything from entering the housing.
The Auto Dynasty 9007 LED Conversion Kit
Another option for the same make and model year series is the Auto Dynasty 9007 LED conversion kit.
It combines the high and low beams together into a single lamp while offering two on the side.
You’ll receive a direct bolt-on OE fitment for the stock e-code lamp, but a separate harness for the fog light is necessary.
This secondary option comes with a LED headlight conversion kit, but you can also use a traditional halogen bulb for the initial installation.
It delivers a daytime white experience with the chrome backing, offering a color temperature of 6,000 kelvin.
AmeriLite Headlights for the Jetta MKIV
With the AmeriLite Headlights, you receive a reflector or a projector option, both of which come in black. This design currently meets or exceeds SAE and DOT standards for the 1999-2005 model years.
It comes with a 90-day limited warranty, which is better than similar designs from other manufacturers.
The installation is about half the weight as well, giving you a straightforward design process that almost anyone can complete.
The product is made by OEM-approved manufacturers. The set includes the driver and the passenger side.
Autozensation LED + Halo Projector Light
When you want your Jetta Mark 4 to have a clean look, the Autozensation LED and Halo Projector Light is an excellent option.
It places the dual lights to the side instead of in the center, but it still creates the e-code experience.
The manufacturing process uses vacuum form-molded plastic to ensure long-lasting benefits. You get a clean look that doesn’t yellow as it ages.
The installation takes minimal time to finish, with minimal modification needed for most Jettas to take advantage of this upgrade.
How to Replace the Headlight Bulb in Your Jetta
When the headlights start dimming, that means a low beam bulb is likely failing. This issue happens more often with halogen products than LEDs, but it is possible with both.
If you need to replace the bulb in your car, here are the steps to take.
- Place the car in park, turn the ignition off, and set the parking brakes.
- Open the hood to the Jetta by pulling the release underneath the dashboard.
- You can remove the affected headlight dust cover by twisting it before pulling it out.
- Hold the bulb socket firmly, but carefully, and turn it counterclockwise. Pull to detach the product from the headlight. You should get the bulb and the socket.
- Take a picture of the bulb’s position in the socket. You’ll need to replicate it with your replacement product.
- Gently separate the light bulb from the socket. It helps to wear clean gloves for this step to avoid contaminating the glass. Once it is removed, you can set it aside for recycling or disposal.
- Start preparing the new H7 bulb for placement. You don’t want to touch the glass part of the new lamp with bare hands.
- Insert the bulb into the socket gently, being careful to avoid putting pressure on the connection.
- Line up the tabs for the assembly and place into the headlight cover. Push it gently while turning it clockwise to lock everything in place.
- Reinstall the dust cover to complete the installation.
These steps also work for LED and HID bulbs if you want to use a long-lasting option. Some e-code lights directly wire to the system, which means the entire assembly must be removed and replaced if it burns out.
If you choose halogen headlights, they will last from about 500 to 1,000 hours once installed. HID products work for about twice as long, whereas a high-quality LED bulb will keep working in a Jetta MKIV for up to 40,000 hours.
Should I Upgrade to E-Code Headlights?
Many automakers, including Volkswagen, use hybrid DOT and e-code headlights in the United States to improve nighttime driving conditions. Some states, such as Washington, permit the e-code design.
The decision to use e-codes depends on your driving needs. I’m in my car a lot at night, which means the extra illumination profile for driving backroads is helpful. I also appreciate how the city lights make me more noticeable.
If you primarily drive with low beams, it might be better to look at LED replacements for halogen bulbs instead of a complete assembly upgrade.
This job can be a little tricky, so I highly recommend consulting with a mechanic before starting to ensure the results are what you want.
