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. Nissan doesn’t provide free replacement parts; instead, customers must pay up to $1,200 for costs associated with 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...
How is a headlight assembly changed?
Instructions
- First, take out the outdated headlamp assembly.
- Disconnect the assembly in step two.
- To remove the headlamp retaining ring from the headlamp, turn it counterclockwise.
- Step 3: Cut off the electricity.
- 4. Remove the previous assembly.
- Replace the assembly in step five.
- Connect the new assembly in step six.
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. You shouldn’t rely on your neighborhood AutoZone to assist you service your automobile because different locations may have different policies. 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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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 removed from the wiring, rapidly pushed out from behind the headlight housing, and replaced with 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 owner’s handbook is missing but you know your car’s make, model, and year (you do, don’t you? ), you can speak with a counter employee at an auto-parts store or review the headlamp booklet, which is typically located in the headlight aisle of the parts store. Finally, you can always remove the defective bulb and bring it to the retailer for analysis.
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. After that, get out of your car and make sure both of the headlights are on and bright. Bring your car in for a bulb replacement service when you notice that one or both lights are starting to dim.
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 get rid of any accumulation that is obstructing the light’s path.
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.
Is it challenging to swap out a headlamp assembly?
If you have the necessary equipment on hand, replacing a headlight component is not all that much more difficult than changing a lightbulb. Given how expensive new headlights can be, saving money on components and labor by performing a work like this yourself is only beneficial.
O’Reilly Auto Parts does headlamp replacements.
While you wait, at no cost to you, our parts specialists can swiftly and easily change wiper blades because they are experts at changing headlamp and taillight bulbs.
How much does it cost to replace the headlight component on a Nissan Altima?
Nissan Altima headlight bulb replacements typically cost between $195 and $239. While parts are priced between $139 and $168, labor costs are predicted to range between $56 and $71.
What is the price of replacing a headlight?
How you complete the work will affect your labor costs. often refers to the installation’s overall cost. The typical cost could range from $75 to $400 if you replace the full headlight assembly yourself. If you take it to a car repair shop, the headlight assembly replacement cost will be between $250 and $1,000. Most aftermarket auto parts stores estimate that the cost to replace a single high-intensity discharge bulb can be $100 or more, while the price to replace a whole headlight assembly ranges from $250 to $700. Depending on the type of headlight bulb you select for your car, the cost to replace a headlight unit might range from $15 to $200.
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. Instead, all you have to do is unplug the ground cable (the black cable) until the blown headlight bulb has been replaced.
Will Advance Auto Parts replace the bulb in my headlight?
Why Should You Have Services Performed for Headlight Bulb Replacement at Advance Auto Center? It may be time to come see us so that our service team may change your headlight bulbs if your lights are no longer bright enough to clearly illuminate the road as they once did. Please enable us to assist you if one or more of your bulbs burn out.
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. Only if you are pulled over for another traffic infraction, such failing to stop when a traffic light is red, may you receive a ticket for this one.
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.
Should I swap out both of my headlights 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 to change headlight bulb: Photo 1: Unbolt the headlight
Get rid of the inconvenience of attempting to remove the bulb from below the hood. Pulling the entire assembly forward after removing the headlamp assembly’s holding fasteners.
How to change headlight bulb: Photo 2: Out with the old, replace headlight bulb
Turn the bulb a quarter turn after disconnecting the electrical harness. then quickly remove it.
How to change headlight bulb: Photo 3: In with the new
When you feel the silicone O-ring seat, push the new bulb in firmly without touching the glass. To secure it in place, turn the bulb (or retaining ring). The electrical harness must be reconnected.
It’s simple to change a headlight bulb. You can replace both of yours in approximately 30 minutes and save $30 in labor (always replace them as a set). The best part is that your owner’s handbook usually always contains a complete description of how to install headlights.
For clear access to the bulb in some modern automobiles, the entire headlight system must be removed from the car (Photo 1). Install the new bulb after removing the old one (Photos 2 and 3). Reinstall and secure the headlight assembly after that.