How to Replace Headlights 00-04 Nissan Pathfinder

Difficulty: Intermediate · About 65 min · Nissan Pathfinder

Replace a headlight, including removing the grille, and aim it on a 2000-2004 Nissan Pathfinder.

Steps

1. Remove the grille

   Reach behind it with needle-nose pliers to clasp the clips, press them with a flat blade screwdriver, then remove the grille.

2. Remove the old headlight

   Remove the side marker light's 10mm bolt and pry it out with a trim tool, disconnect its wiring harness, remove the lower headlight bracket's 10mm bolt, remove the two 10mm nuts from the side of the headlight and the one beneath it and the one on the side bracket, then pull the headlight toward the center to remove it and pull off its socket boot.

3. Install the new headlight

   Release the retainer from the old headlight with needle-nose pliers and transfer it to the new one, connect the socket boot and electrical connector, line the headlight up with the car's mounting holes, tighten the bolt beneath it, the three side bolts, and the lower bracket bolt, then connect the side marker's wiring harness, press the marker light into place, and tighten its 10mm bolt.

4. Reinstall the grille

   Line the grille back up with its clips and press it firmly into place until it snaps in.

5. Aim the headlights

   Mark the headlight's center axis point on a wall, back the car up 25 feet, turn the headlights on, then turn the adjuster with a Phillips screwdriver until the passenger beam sits two inches below the mark and the driver beam four inches below it.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.