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 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 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...
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. 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 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.
Jerry will automatically produce personalised quotations from more than 55+ top name-brand insurance carriers when you download the app and answer a few questions.
From the app, you can shop and compare prices, manage your policy, and even switch policies! Jerry handles everything, including getting in touch with your insurance, buying your new coverage, and dealing with the tedious paperwork.
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 manual 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 consult the headlamp booklet, which is typically located in the headlamp aisle of the parts store. And finally, you can always pull the bad bulb and bring it to the retailer for reference.
How are dim headlights fixed?
The most prevalent problem that faces headlights is dull, fading, or burnt-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 do you know when your headlights need to be replaced? You can check for a burnt-out bulb with a few easy steps in addition to noticing that your headlights appear dimmer 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. 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 corroded ground wires are the main reason for dim headlights. 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 explanation is that as headlight filaments deteriorate, they leave a grayish-brown layer inside the bulb (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. If you find any, replace both bulbs now and get back to seeing more of the road.
Why are the headlights on my projector so dim?
Like all bulbs, projector headlights can dim over time. This is mainly due to the build-up of dust and debris on the headlight lenses, limiting 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.
If the bulbs are still dim, you may need to replace them. You can buy headlight bulbs online or at the majority of auto parts outlets. When replacing the bulbs, follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully to verify that they are placed correctly.
What is the 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 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. Changing a single high-intensity discharge bulb costs $100 or more, while replacing a complete headlight assembly often costs between $250 and $700, according to an aftermarket car part retailer.
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.
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.
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. If you replace the entire headlight unit yourself, the average cost can be $75 to $400. 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 can range from $15 to $200.
Can my automobile be operated with only one headlight?
- When windshield wipers are on when it’s raining
- when visibility of things on the road is hampered by poor weather
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. You can receive a citation for breaching the law.
The only time an officer wouldn’t be able to pull you over for a headlight violation is when it is raining and your windshield wipers are on. This constitutes a secondary offense. 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.
Driving without two working headlights is a minor crime. For this category of violation, there is no jail time; however, you could be subject to a $150 fine.
Should you swap out both of the headlight bulbs at once?
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. Vehicles can be balanced and functionally safe by replacing parts in pairs.
Should I unplug the car’s battery before changing the headlights?
When replacing a blown headlight bulb, always unplug the battery. The electrical system of your car is connected to the headlight bulbs. They’ll drain power from the battery as the alternator recharges the battery. 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.
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.
How many different types of headlight bulbs can a 2016 Nissan Altima use?
Halogen headlight bulb, Sylvania – H11 SilverStar, Brighter Downroad and Whiter Light, 2 Pack (Part No. H11STBP2)
How do I brighten my headlights?
The brightest headlight bulbs are those made of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). They last five to ten times longer, use half the energy, and are 500% brighter than halogen bulbs. LED bulbs emit a clean white light, which vastly increases vision at night, in contrast to halogens, which produce a dim, yellowish light. For these reasons, switching to LED bulbs is the best method to drastically enhance the lighting systems in your car.
New luxury vehicles like Bentleys, Rolls Royces, BMWs, and Audis now outfit some high-end models with LED headlights due to their exceptional performance. You’ve probably seen their blazing lights, which produce a strong white beam. The good news is that the headlights on your vehicle may be just as bright.
Using an LED headlight conversion kit, stock halogen headlights can be changed over to LED. Since the LED bulbs fit perfectly into your halogen housing and connect directly to your headlight power harness, the conversion process is actually fairly easy. Even your grandma can do this; it’s no different from simply changing a halogen bulb!