A class action lawsuit alleges that the low-beam headlights on 20132018 Nissan Altima cars are too dim for owners to drive at night.
The halogen headlights installed in the Nissan Altimas use reflective assemblies that are allegedly defective. Headlights get dim when the reflective surface becomes dull. When this occurs, police may stop moving vehicles to check the headlights.
Nissan allegedly knew about the headlight problems since at least 2013 but did not warn customers. Rather than offer free replacement parts, Nissan charges owners to up $1,200 for expenses related to the headlight assemblies.
Consumers allege that replacing the headlight bulbs does not fix the problem; the reflector cup inside the assembly allegedly cannot withstand the heat generated by the halogen light bulbs and loses its ability to reflect.
As the reflective coating of the projector cup burns off, the burned material ends up covering the lens of the headlights and dims the beam.
The reflector cup cannot be changed or the haze removed because the headlight assembly is sealed. Additionally, the seals fail to protect against moisture, which can damage the cups.
In This Article...
Will AutoZone change my headlight?
AutoZone can assist you in replacing a burned-out headlight bulb, but only if you bought the replacement bulb from their store and only if the replacement doesn’t involve disassembling the car.
Experienced AutoZone employees can help you with a simple replacementbut AutoZone isnt a stand-in for a professional mechanic. They wont disassemble or remove any of your cars components to perform a service.
Not all AutoZones will change your headlight for you, to add to that. Different stores can vary in policy, so you shouldnt bank on your local AutoZone to help you service your car. Of course, you can always show up and askbut to be safe, youll probably want a mechanic appointment on stand-by.
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Can you replace a headlight yourself?
Fortunately, it’s often easy to change a headlight. Most of today’s halogen high-intensity-discharge (HID) or light-emitting-diode (LED) bulbs are simple to replace. They are held in place by thin wire clips or rotating bayonet-style retainers. They can be quickly popped out from behind the headlight housing, unplugged from wiring, and swapped for a working bulb. But in order to change a headlight, you must first identify the type of bulb you need. The first place to search is in your owner’s manual.
If the manual is missing but you know the make, model, and year of your car (you do know that, don’t you?) you can consult with a counter person at an auto-parts store or refer to the headlamp booklet that usually resides in the parts store’s headlamp aisle. And finally, you can always pull the bad bulb and bring it to the store for reference.
How do you fix dim headlights?
The most common problem that faces headlights is dim, dying, or burnt-out bulbs. Thankfully, this also comes with the most simple solution: bulb replacement. Much like the lightbulbs in your home, headlight bulbs need to be replaced every once in a while.
Headlight bulbs might need to be replaced more frequently if you tend to leave your headlights on throughout the day or if you regularly drive at night. For instance, if you drive at night for Uber, Lyft, or delivery jobs, your bulbs may need to be replaced more frequently. Older automobiles that have never undergone bulb replacements are also ticking time bombs for burnt-out headlights.
How can you tell when you need new headlight bulbs? In addition to noticing your headlights looking dimmer than usual, you can check for a burnt-out bulb with a few simple steps. Simply park your vehicle in a safe space and turn on your headlights. Then, step out of your car and check to ensure that both headlights are bright and functioning. When you notice one or both lights starting to dim, bring your car in for a bulb replacement service.
New clear bulb
If your car has a headlight that puts out about as much light as a flashlight with weak batteries, we’ve got two simple fixes for you.
Most DIYers think they’ve got a bad headlight switch or a bad connection in the power feed. But most dim headlights are caused by a corroded ground wire. Just trace the wiring harness from the back of each headlight assembly and see where it connects to the vehicle body. Clean it as described in the photo.
Another possibility is that as headlight filaments age, they deposit a gray/brown film on the inside of the bulb (See Photo) (See Photo). Over time, that coating can reduce visibility by almost 300 ft. Pull one of the bulbs out of your headlights to check the glass for any gray or brown residue if they aren’t as bright as they once were. If you find any, replace both bulbs now and get back to seeing more of the road.
Why are my projector headlights so dim?
Like all bulbs, projector headlights can dim over time. This is usually due to the build-up of grime and debris on the headlight lenses, reducing the amount of light they emit. Additionally, the bulbs themselves can burn out or become damaged, which will also cause them to dim.
If your projector headlights are starting to look dull, there are a few things that you can do to make them brighter. First, clean the lenses with a headlight restoration kit or a gentle glass cleaner. This will remove any build-up that is preventing the light from shining through.
If the bulbs are still dim, you may need to replace them. Headlight bulbs can be purchased at most auto parts stores or online. When replacing the bulbs, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure that they are installed correctly.
How much does it cost to change headlight bulb?
The cost of replacing your car’s headlight is not universal and greatly varies according to the make, mode of your car, whether you do the work yourself, or you take the car to a mechanic. If you take your car to a dealership, you are certain to pay more but for an equivalent quality product. The average cost for Halogen bulb for example is between $15 to $20 and an extra $50 for installation. Changing a single high-intensity discharge bulb costs $100 or more, while replacing an entire headlight assembly typically costs between $250 and $700, according to an aftermarket auto part retailer.
We recommend you replace both bulbs even if only one bulb is faulty. That’s the other bulb that seems fine might also be bad a little and could worsen if it wasn’t replaced with the bad bulb. Also, it’s to avoid having an uneven headlight display. So, know when your headlight bulbs need to be replaced so they don’t burn out completely and leave you stranded on the road.
Does O’Reilly change headlight bulbs?
Replacing headlight bulbs is a pretty easy fixjust stop by one of our stores and grab a pair of headlight bulbs. You can try changing them yourself, or we’ll be happy to do it for you. Not all services offered at every location.
How much does it cost to get a headlight replaced?
Labor costs depend on how you get the job done. Usually refers to the headline installation cost. If you replace the entire headlight unit yourself, the average cost might be $75 to $400. Take it to an auto repair shop, and you’ll have to pay at least $250-$1000 in headlight assembly replacement cost. According to most aftermarket auto parts stores, replacing a single high-intensity discharge bulb can cost $100 or more, while the entire headlight assembly replacement cost is between $250 and $700. The headlight unit replacement cost can range from $15 to $200, depending on the type of headlight bulb you choose for your car.
Can I drive my car with one headlight?
- When it is raining and the windshield wipers are activated
- when visibility of objects on the road is hampered by unfavorable weather
Getting Pulled Over for a Violation
It’s likely that an officer will stop you if you’re driving around in a car with only one functional headlight. This holds true even if you are driving your car while the road is illuminated by two functional parking lights. You can receive a citation for violating the law.
If it’s raining and your windshield wipers are on, the only time an officer couldn’t pull you over for a headlight violation is if it’s not safe to do so. This is what is known as a secondary offense. You could only be cited for this violation if you are stopped for some other traffic offense, such as failing to stop when a traffic signal is red.
Driving without two working headlights is a minor crime. There is no jail time for this level of offense; however, you may face a fine of up to $150.
Should you replace both headlight bulbs at the same time?
The road ahead will be properly illuminated and drivers will receive the full safety benefit of the vehicle’s headlights, exactly as the carmaker intended, when headlight bulbs are changed in pairs. Replacing parts in pairs can ensure vehicles are properly balanced and functioning safely.
Do I need to disconnect car battery to change headlight?
Always disconnect the battery when changing a blown headlight bulb. Headlight bulbs are connected to your vehicle’s electrical system. While the alternator recharges the battery, they will draw power from it. When performing any electrical work on your vehicle, you should err on the side of caution by disconnecting the battery. You don’t have to remove the battery. Rather, you merely need to disconnect the ground cable (the black cable) until you are finished replacing the blown headlight bulb.
How do you change a headlight assembly?
Instructions
- First, take out the outdated headlight assembly.
- Step 2: Disconnect the assembly.
- Turn the headlight retention ring counter-clockwise to remove it from the headlamp.
- Step 3: Disconnect electrical.
- Step 4: Remove old assembly.
- Replace the assembly in step five.
- Step 6: Connect the new assembly.
How do I make my headlights brighter?
The brightest headlight bulbs are those made of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). They are 500% brighter than halogen bulbs, consume half the amount of energy and last five to ten times longer. Unlike halogens which emit a dim yellowish light, LED bulbs emit a pure white light, which dramatically improves nighttime visibility. For these reasons, switching to LED bulbs is the best way to significantly enhance the lighting systems in your car.
As a result of their remarkable performance, new luxury automobiles such as Bentleys, Rolls Royces, BMWs and Audis now equip select high-end models with LED headlights. You’ve probably seen their incredibly bright lights emitting a forceful white beam. The good news is that the headlights on your vehicle may be just as bright.
Stock halogen headlights can be converted to LED by using an LED headlight conversion kit. Since the LED bulbs fit perfectly into your halogen housing and connect directly to your headlight power harness, the conversion process is actually very easy. Even your grandma can do this; it’s no different than simply changing a halogen bulb!