Nissan Repair: 2002 altima headlights, altima headlights, negative battery cable

Question
Passenger side headlight of my 2002 altima went out.  I bought replacement at shop but manual says to bring it in to dealer.  I called and they said the front bumper needs to be taken off and wants $90.  Is it possible to do it myself?  I am a beginner so would need detailed instructions.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Paul,

$90 looks like a bargin! Book time to replace a headlight bulb is 1.5 hours. Amazing... Here is the step by step instructions from Nissan. Sorry, wish it was an easier fix.

Bulb Replacement (USA/CANADA)

HEADLAMP (OUTER SIDE), FOR LOW BEAM (XENON)


Disconnect negative battery cable.
Remove headlamp.
Turn the plastic cap counterclockwise and unlock it.
Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to unlock it.
Unlock the retaining spring and remove the bulb from the headlamp.
Install in reverse order of removal. CAUTION: After installing the bulb, be sure to install the plastic cap securely to ensure watertightness.
HEADLAMP (OUTER SIDE), FOR LOW BEAM (HALOGEN)


Disconnect negative battery cable.
Remove headlamp.
Turn the plastic cap counterclockwise and unlock it.
Disconnect the electrical connectors from the bulb terminals.
Unlock the retaining spring and remove the bulb from the headlamp.
Install in reverse order of removal. CAUTION: After installing the bulb, be sure to install the plastic cap securely to ensure watertightness.
HEADLAMP (INNER SIDE), FOR HIGH BEAM


Remove headlamp.
Turn the bulb counterclockwise to remove it.
Installation is reverse order of removal.
Removal and Installation



 


REMOVAL


Remove the front fascia. Refer to"FRONT BUMPER" .
Ensure lighting switch is OFF.
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove the headlamp mounting bolts.
Pull the headlamp toward the front of the vehicle, disconnect connectors, and remove from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
Install in the reverse order of removal, taking care of the following point.

Headlamp mounting bolts:
Tightening Torque: 4.4 - 6.4 N.m (0.45 - 0.65 kg-m, 39 - 56 in-lb)



 




 


Disassembly and Assembly

DISASSEMBLY


Turn the low beam plastic cap counterclockwise to unlock and remove it.
Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to unlock and remove it (xenon).
Disconnect the electrical connectors from the bulb terminals (halogen).
Unlock the retaining springs and remove the low beam bulb.
Release the ballast (ignitor) and remove from the plastic cap (xenon).
Turn the high beam lamp socket counter clockwise to unlock and remove it.
Turn the front turn signal lamp bulb socket counterclockwise and unlock it.
Remove the front turn signal lamp bulb from its socket.
ASSEMBLY
Assemble in the reverse order of disassembly.

CAUTION: After installing the xenon bulb, be sure to install the bulb socket and plastic cap securely to ensure watertightness.