The low-beam headlights on 2013–2018 Nissan Altima vehicles are allegedly too dim for owners to drive at night, according to a class action lawsuit.
The Nissan Altimas’ halogen headlights feature reflecting parts that are supposedly flawed. Headlights lose their brightness when the reflective surface ages. When this occurs, police may stop moving vehicles to check the headlights.
Nissan is accused of being aware of the headlight issues since at least 2013, but failed to alert customers. Rather than giving free replacement components, Nissan charges customers to up $1,200 for expenses related to the headlamp assemblies.
The reflector cup inside the assembly supposedly cannot survive the heat produced by the halogen light bulbs and loses its capacity to reflect, which is why customers claim that changing the headlight bulbs does not solve the issue.
The projector cup’s reflecting coating burns off, leaving behind burned material that eventually covers the headlights’ lens and weakens the beam.
The reflector cup cannot be changed or the haze removed since the headlight assembly is sealed. The seals do not adequately guard against moisture, which can harm the cups.
In This Article...
Can you swap a headlight out on your own?
Fortunately, changing a headlight is frequently simple. The majority of the high-intensity discharge (HID) or light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs used nowadays are easy to swap out. They are secured by rotating bayonet-style retainers or tiny wire clips. They can be quickly taken out from beneath the headlight housing, unplugged from wiring, and swapped for a functional bulb. But before you can replace a headlight, you must figure out what kind of bulb you require. Your owner’s manual should be your first port of call.
If the handbook is missing but you know the make, model, and year of your automobile (you do know that, don’t you?) you can speak with a counter person at an auto-parts store or refer to the headlamp booklet that generally lies in the parts store’s headlight aisle. Finally, you can always remove the defective bulb and bring it to the retailer for analysis.
Is AutoZone going to replace 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 procedure doesn’t involve disassembling the car.
While knowledgeable AutoZone staff members can assist you with a straightforward replacement, the store is not a substitute for a qualified mechanic. To execute a service, they won’t take apart or remove any of your car’s components.
Not all AutoZones will change your headlight for you, to add to that. Different locations can vary in policy, so you shouldnt count on your local AutoZone to help you service your automobile. Of course, you can always show up and inquire, but for your own protection, you should definitely have a scheduled mechanic appointment.
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How are dim headlights fixed?
Headlights are most frequently plagued by dull, failing, or burned-out bulbs. Thankfully, the most straightforward fix for this is to simply change the bulb. Headlight bulbs must occasionally be changed, just like the lightbulbs in your home.
If you frequently drive at night or leave your headlights on throughout the day, headlight bulbs may need to be changed more frequently. For instance, if you drive at night for Uber, Lyft, or delivery jobs, your bulbs may need to be replaced more frequently. Additionally, burned-out headlights are a ticking time bomb for older automobiles that have never had bulbs changed.
How can you know when your headlights need to be replaced? You may check for a burnt-out bulb with a few easy steps in addition to detecting that your headlights are weaker than usual. Just park your car somewhere secure, and switch on your headlights. Then, step out of your car and check to confirm that both headlights are bright and functioning. When you find one or both lights starting to dim, bring your car in for a bulb replacement service.
New clear bulb
We have two quick repairs for you if your car’s headlight only produces about as much light as a flashlight with dead batteries.
Most do-it-yourselfers believe that their power feed or headlight switch is broken. But most dim headlights are caused by a corroded ground wire. See where the wiring harness joins to the car body by following it from the back of each headlamp assembly. Clean it as shown in the picture.
Another explanation is that as headlight filaments age, they produce a gray/brown layer on the inside of the bulb (See Photo) (See Photo). That coating can eventually cut visibility down by over 300 feet. If your headlights aren’t as brilliant as they used to be, remove one of the bulbs and search for gray or brown gunk on the glass. Replace both bulbs right away if you find any to resume seeing more of the road.
Why are the headlights on my projector so dim?
Projector headlights can dim over time, just like any bulbs. This is typically caused by dirt and debris gathering on the headlight lenses, which reduces the amount of light they emit. The bulbs themselves might also burn out or suffer damage, which would make them dull.
You may do a few things to brighten your projector headlights if they are beginning to appear dim. Initially, use a headlight restoration kit or a mild glass cleaner to clean the lenses. This will eliminate any build-up that is stopping the light from shining through.
It could be necessary to replace the bulbs if they are still dim. You can buy headlight bulbs online or at the majority of auto parts outlets. To ensure that the bulbs are put properly when you replace them, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can my automobile be operated with only one headlight?
- when visibility of things on the road is hampered by poor weather
- When it is raining and the windshield wipers are activated
Getting Pulled Over for a Violation
It’s likely that an officer will stop you if you’re driving about in a car with only one functional headlight. This holds true even if you are driving your automobile while the road is illuminated by two functional parking lights. A citation may be issued to you if you break the law.
If it’s raining and your windshield wipers are on, the only time an officer couldn’t pull you stop for a headlight violation is if it’s not safe to do so. This constitutes a secondary crime. You could only be cited for this infraction if you are stopped for any other traffic infringement, such as failing to stop when a traffic signal is red.
It’s a minor infraction to drive without both of your headlights functioning. For this category of violation, there is no jail time; however, you could be subject to a $150 fine.
O’Reilly does it change the headlight bulbs?
Simply stop by one of our stores and pick up a pair of headlight bulbs for a relatively simple fix. You can try changing them yourself, or we’ll be pleased to do it for you. Not every location offers all services.
Should you swap out both of the headlight bulbs at once?
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. Vehicles can be balanced and functionally safe by replacing parts in pairs.
How much should a headlight bulb replacement cost?
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 vehicle to a dealership, you can count on paying more money for a similar-quality item. For instance, a Halogen bulb typically costs $15 to $20 plus an additional $50 for installation. According to an aftermarket auto part retailer, the cost per each High-Intensity discharge bulb replacement is $100 or more while the average cost of replacing an entire headlight assembly is ranges from $250 to $700.
Even if only one bulb is broken, we advise replacing both. That other bulb, which likewise appears to be in good shape, might really be slightly defective and might get worse if the defective bulb isn’t replaced. Additionally, it is to prevent an uneven headlight display. Decide when to change your headlight bulbs so they don’t entirely burn out and leave you stranded on the road.
How much does it cost to replace a headlight bulb at Walmart?
Yes, Walmart Auto Care Center locations change headlights. At Walmart, installing new headlights costs $7.50 for each light, excluding parts. Each vehicle’s headlight restoration costs $25.
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What equipment do I require to replace a headlight bulb?
Analyze the best way to remove the old bulb. On some cars, the bulb is positioned directed into the headlight assembly, while on others, the bulb is fixed in the headlight assembly by a wire arrangement. Once you know how the bulb is held in the housing, you’ll know how to remove it.
You’ll also be able to decide at this time whatever tools you’ll need to finish the project. Some headlight bulbs do require the use of a flathead or Phillips screwdriver, but the majority can be removed without them.
Remove any power wires that are attached to the back of the light bulb. The back of the headlamp may also have a dust cover that needs to be taken off. The bulb may alternatively be secured in place by a clip or clips.
Should the battery be disconnected before changing the headlight?
When replacing a blown headlight bulb, always unplug the battery. The electrical system of your car is connected to the headlight bulbs. While the alternator recharges the battery, they will draw power from it. You should always disconnect the battery when working on your car’s electrical system to be safe. The battery doesn’t have to be taken out. Rather, you merely need to disconnect the ground cable (the black cable) until you are finished replacing the blown headlight bulb.
Step 4. Unscrew the old headlight
Every car is different, Zullo cautions. “He claims that while on certain cars you can reach the bulb directly, on others you can’t because the battery or the housing for the air filter is in the way or you need to remove the inner fender to reach it.
Zullo cautions that if you break the clips that are used here, you’ll need to take out the entire headlight; however, if you can open the headlight, it’s then just a matter of changing the halogen bulb. This requires seeing how the bulb is locked in and carefully unlocking it “According to him, you must first examine how it is connected, gently disassemble it, and then carefully reassemble it without touching the bulb’s glass.