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 utilise reflecting parts that are supposedly defective. Headlights lose their brightness when the reflective surface ages. 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 headlight assembly is sealed, which makes it impossible to remove the haze or replace the reflector cup. The seals do not adequately guard against moisture, which can harm the cups.
In This Article...
Can you repair a headlight yourself?
Fortunately, changing a headlight is frequently simple. Most of today’s halogen high-intensity-discharge (HID) or light-emitting-diode (LED) bulbs are straightforward to replace. They are secured in place by small 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 look 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 retailer for reference.
Will AutoZone change my headlight?
AutoZone can help you replace a burnt-out headlight bulb, but only if youve purchased the new bulb from their company, and only if the replacement doesnt require any vehicle disassembly.
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. You shouldn’t rely on your neighborhood AutoZone to help you service your car because different stores may have different policies. Of course, you may always go up and askbut to be safe, youll definitely want a mechanic appointment on stand-by.
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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 during the day or if you regularly drive at night. For example, your bulbs might burn out more often if you drive for Uber, Lyft, or delivery jobs in the evenings. Older automobiles that have never undergone bulb replacements are also ticking time bombs for burnt-out headlights.
How do you know when your headlights need to be replaced? In addition to observing your headlights seeming weaker than usual, you may check for a burnt-out bulb with a few simple procedures. Just park your car somewhere secure, and turn on your headlights. After that, get out of your car and make sure both of the headlights are on and bright. When you notice 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 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. See where the wiring harness joins to the car body by following it from the back of each headlamp assembly. 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. If your headlights aren’t as bright as they used to be, yank one of the bulbs and look for gray or brown residue on the glass. If you find any, replace both bulbs today and get back to seeing more of the road.
Why are the headlights on my projector so dim?
Projector headlights can dim over time, just like all bulbs. 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.
You may do a few things to brighten your projector headlights if they are beginning to appear dim. 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.
Can I drive my car with one headlight?
- When unfavorable atmospheric conditions make it difficult to see objects on the road
- When it is raining and the windshield wipers are activated
Getting Pulled Over for a Violation
when visibility of things on the road is hampered by poor weather
when the windshield wipers are activated during a downpour
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 pleased to do it for you. Not every location offers all services.
Should you replace both headlight bulbs at the same time?
Changing headlight bulbs in pairs assures that the road ahead will be properly illuminated and that drivers will get the full safety benefit of the vehicle’s headlights, just as the carmaker intended. Replacing parts in pairs can ensure cars are correctly balanced and running safely.
How much should it cost to replace a headlight bulb?
The price to replace a headlight in your car varies significantly depending on the make, model, and whether you choose to do the work yourself or 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 usual cost for Halogen bulb for example is from $15 to $20 and an extra $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.
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. Additionally, it is to prevent 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.
At Walmart, how much does it cost to change a headlight bulb?
Yes, Walmart Auto Care Center stores change headlights. The cost for a new headlight installation at Walmart is $7.50 per light, not including parts. A** headlight restoration costs $25** per vehicle.
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What tools do I need to change a headlight bulb?
Assess how to remove the old bulb. On some cars, the bulb is positioned directed into the headlight assembly, while on others, the bulb is secured in the headlight assembly by a wire assembly. Once you know how the bulb is held in the housing, you’ll know how to remove it.
At this point, you’ll also be able to identify what tools you’ll need to accomplish the work. Many headlight bulbs can be removed without tools, however some do necessitate the use of a flathead or Phillips screwdriver.
If there are power wires connected to the rear of the bulb, remove them. There might also be a dust cover that you need to remove from the back of the headlight. There could also be a clip(s) that holds the bulb in place.
Do you need to disconnect battery to change headlight?
When replacing a blown headlight bulb, always disconnect the battery. Headlight bulbs are connected to your vehicle’s electrical system. They’ll pull power from the battery while the alternator recharges the battery. When performing any electrical work on your vehicle, you should err on the side of caution by disconnecting the battery. 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.