Log #1 - Lighting and Wiper System Diagnosis

Restoration Decision

My family bought this car in April 2025. After about a year of use, age-related wear, missing parts, and neglected maintenance items became easier to see. On 13 June 2026, I decided to start a systematic OEM+ restoration process for the Golf IV 1.6 BFQ.

The first inspection showed paint transfer and superficial damage around the front bumper. The damage had not reached the bumper reinforcement, so there was no structural issue. Local paintwork will be needed later, but the first stage focuses on safety, visibility, and completing missing parts within the current budget.

Wiper System

I started with the wiper system. The front wipers were scratching the windshield and skipping across the glass.

Checks:

• The installed wiper blades were unbranded and low quality.
• The wiper arms were intact.
• The spring mechanisms did not show any obvious problem.
• The car uses hook-type wiper arms.
• The rubber blades had hardened and reached the end of their service life.
• After checking the options, I decided that an Aerotwin arm conversion was not necessary.

Ordered parts:

• Bosch Aerotwin Retrofit Front Wiper Set
• Bosch Rear H341 Rear Wiper

Interior Lighting System

I removed the roof light and checked the bulb type.

Measurements:

• The unit used a 41 mm C10W halogen bulb.
• The bulb was faulty.
• I selected a Photon C10W 41 mm LED bulb for better output and longer service life.

I also checked the bulbs in the rear reading lights.

Check result:

• The rear reading lights used T10/W5W halogen bulbs.
• The bulbs had lost a noticeable amount of light output.

Ordered parts:

• Photon T10 Aspiring LED bulbs

Trunk and Glove Box Lighting

When I removed the trunk lamp, the socket area showed heavy oxidation and corrosion.

Evaluation:

• The existing part was too corroded to reuse safely.
• I decided to replace the complete lamp unit.

Ordered part:

• New trunk lamp unit with code 4B0947415

The trunk and glove box lights also used T10/W5W bulbs.

I chose new LED bulbs for both areas.

License Plate Lighting

One of the license plate lights was not working.

I swapped the bulbs to check whether the fault came from the bulb or the socket.

Test result:

• The sockets were intact.
• The fault was caused by the bulb.

Ordered parts:

• Photon C5W 36 mm LED bulbs

Fender Signals

Both fender signals were not working.

Inspection notes:

• The sockets were intact.
• The housings were heavily faded and worn.
• The faded housings were blocking too much light.

Ordered parts:

• New fender signal housings
• Amber color W5W halogen bulbs

I did not choose LED bulbs here. The goal was to keep a near-factory appearance and proper light distribution.

Headlight and Taillight Control

The rear taillight assembly did not show any fault.

Front lighting checks:

• One parking light was faulty.
• For preventive maintenance, I decided to replace both front parking light bulbs.

Ordered parts:

• 2 W5W halogen parking bulbs

Conclusion

By the end of the first day, I had checked the lighting systems and the wiper system in detail. I identified the bulb types, listed the missing and faulty parts, and created the first parts list for the restoration.

At this stage, safety, visibility, and functionality came before appearance.