How to Replace Altima Headlight Bulbs

The headlights in your Nissan Altima are halogen headlights that use a filament and two electrodes to produce a bright light that reflects off of the back of the main headlight housing and then onto the road surface. When this filament breaks, your Altima's headlights will need to be replaced. It's generally a good idea to replace both headlights at the same time. Replacement headlights are available at most auto parts stores. The Altima uses 9004 headlights.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement headlights

Instructions

1. Open the hood and disconnect the power connector from the back of the headlight. Push down on the release tab and pull the headlight power connector off of the headlight.

2. Pull the dust cover off of the back of the headlight with your fingers.

3. Rotate the headlight collar counterclockwise and pull it out of the headlight housing assembly.

4. Insert the new headlight and rotate it clockwise to lock it into the housing assembly. Make sure that you have the tabs on the collar aligned properly with the notches in the housing. This will ensure that the headlight is secure in the housing.

5. Reconnect the headlight power connector.

References

• "Nissan Altima Repair Manual 1993-2006"; Jeff Kibler, Rob Maddox, John H. Haynes; 2008