How to Replace Headlight 02-03 Nissan Maxima

Difficulty: Advanced · About 90 min · Nissan Maxima

Replace a headlight, including removing the front bumper cover, on a 2002-2003 Nissan Maxima.

Steps

1. Remove the bumper cover

   Pry up the middle of each of the top four clips and pull them out, remove the Phillips screws under the cover in front of each wheel, remove the series of clips underneath, pull the inner fender back, remove the upper 10mm bolt behind it, carefully pry out the parking lights, remove the 10mm bolts behind them, pull the cover forward and disconnect the fog lights, then pull it free.

2. Remove the headlights

   Bend back the cover on the lower 14mm bolt under the headlight with pliers, remove the security bracket's two 14mm bolts and the bracket, remove the headlight's two top 10mm bolts, pull it forward, disconnect its harnesses, then pull the assembly up and out.

3. Install the headlight assembly

   Reconnect the harnesses, line up the clips and push the headlight into place, replace its two top 10mm bolts, reconnect the fog lights, refit the bumper cover and its four top clips, replace the bolts behind the inner fender, replace the side marker lights, push the inner fender back into place, push the bottom panel over the front of the bumper, replace the clips underneath, then reinsert the two Phillips screws.

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