Maxima Head Light Removal to change a bulb

[umelen]

Hi,

Any body knows how to safely remove a headlight assembly, I took the two bolts off, and still there was something holding it, some pins probably since I did not know where they were I did not pry, your help will b appreciated

Thanks

[NissanTech]

1. Remove the front fascia. (See First Figure)

1. Remove radiator grille. 2. Remove screws on each side of bottom of fascia that attach fascia to bottom of fender protector. Partially
remove fender protector.
3. Remove engine underside covers.
4. Remove engine front undercover.

2. Ensure lighting switch is OFF.
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
4. Remove the combination lamp mounting bolts. (See Second Figure)
5. Pull the combination lamp up and toward the front of the vehicle,
disconnect connector and remove from vehicle.

[umelen]

THank you very much, appreciate your help, I did not think it would be this service unfriendly

Again thanks

[surfsalterpath]

do you have to go to all this trouble to replace the headlight bulb?


I just replaced mine and all I did was

pinch the sides of the black plug together to release the
plug from the bulb. Pull the rubber boot back and unclip the bulb and replace.

Just make sure you do not touch the bulb itself.

[jligon1@mac.com]

I agree this is service unfriendly.

What is the fascia? Is it what cars have now that they no longer have bumpers?

[mpe235]

For the 2005 maxima you can remove a couple screws from the fender liner and gain access to the bulb by turning the steering wheel all the way depending on which side you are working on. Pull the fender liner back and you can get to the cap for the bulb. It is much easier this way.

The 1999 maxima is much easier. You can open the hood and gain access from the back of the headlight.

[mbednorzjr]

Thanks for the pics, i need to replace the complete headlight housing on both sides. This is very helpful

[oakwood79]

I took mpe235 advice and went through the fender well and it worked like a charm. I had the bulb replaced in no time. I would definitely suggest this way than rather remove the radiator grille or bumper as some told me to do. Thanks again.

[hwmason]

I gained access to my driver's side combination halogen bulb (L-shaped plastic / bulb unit) by removing the air cleaner housing (one bolt, then pull up out of rubber grommet mounts). I then removed the large plastic cover by turning counterclockwise to unlock. This exposed the bulb. I unplugged the electrical connector. At this point I couldn't figure out how to remove the bulb. Some on the web say rotate the bulb, but there is something preventing it from turning. Anyone know how to remove the bulb?

[joe carps]

I have read some information from your site in regards to changing a headlight bulb on a 2004 maxima[passenger side]. Which way is the easiest.

[xxcubanpapixx]

That was really helpful ! thank you for the pictures of how to take the bumper off and replace the headlights

[04 massacre]

I see how to replace the bulb, but is anybody else getting quotes for $130 for just the bulb itself? There has to be something less expensive

[shonnhunter]

I was getting quotes from the 125 - 170s for just one damn bulb.

[sergey85]

try ebay or maxima.org in the vendor section those projector bulbs and xeon bulbs can be expensive.

[mpe235]

Originally Posted by sergey85

try ebay or maxima.org in the vendor section those projector bulbs and xeon bulbs can be expensive.

I haven't tried it but I have been told a 9006 bulb will fit. Those are around $20.00.

[04 massacre]

Yup, just confirmed it. The 9006 bulb works like a charm, there is only a slight difference in the brightness of the bulb from the factory ones. If you purchase a 9006 bulb that burns at around 5000k or so then they will be pretty much the same but way less expensive than whats recommended

[coolswitch]

anyone have an idea how to remove the whole headlight assembly for a 87-89 maxima? I need to repaint the reflector.

thanks

[wlk239]

I had to replace both of my headlight assembly's on my 2004 Maxima thanks to a previous owners 'after market' wiring & bulb replacement so thanks for all of the info about removal of the headlight assembly. I have tried it both ways (taking the wheels off & taking the front fascia off) and I think taking off the front fascia is the easiest!
PROBLEM: After installing new headlight assembly's, the passenger side high beam light does not work, any suggesstions? I have checked all fuses and wiring and cannot find any obvious signs of problems. Also is there any way to adjust the beam direction/height on my new lights?
Thanks

[robo_geek]

Originally Posted by mpe235

For the 2005 maxima you can remove a couple screws from the fender liner and gain access to the bulb by turning the steering wheel all the way depending on which side you are working on. Pull the fender liner back and you can get to the cap for the bulb. It is much easier this way.

The 1999 maxima is much easier. You can open the hood and gain access from the back of the headlight.

the shop manual says to take off the front bumper (fascia) but you can change the driver side by just taking part of air intake off, and the passenger side can be done (with some difficulty) by unsnapping and flxing the inner fender liner on that side, and reaching in from there.

Not unlike unhooking a bra by reaching in up under the rear of a blouse

[kdog88]

I've owned 10 auto's in my life time and always been able to replace a headlamps, but never in my life seen a messed up design like the one on the 2005 maxima. its ridiculous to have to pay that amount or go to that much trouble just to change a bulb!