Some 2005 Nissan Altima models feature HID headlights, which require professional installation due to their higher voltage charge. Other Altima models utilize halogen bulbs which can be replaced without professional assistance. To change the the halogen headlight light bulbs on your 2005 Nissan Altima, you must first remove other components under the hood.
Open the vehicle's hood and secure it using the prop bar. Use a wrench to disconnect the negative (black) battery cable from the battery. The negative cable is connected to the battery terminal marked with a minus (-) sign.
Access the headlight located on the driver side of the vehicle by removing the air box. Access the headlight located on the passenger side of the vehicle by removing the coolant overflow bottle. To remove the air box, first remove the mounting bolt connecting the air box to the fender and move the top up and out of the way. Remove the air filter, and then remove the air dam by popping it off the fasteners holding it in place. You now can remove the air box.
Turn the plastic cap counterclockwise to unlock the low beam bulb socket from the headlamp, and then disconnect the electrical connector from the back of the assembly. The low beam is the outboard light on either side of the car.
Remove the old bulb from the socket and insert the new bulb. Do not touch the actual bulb, just the base.
Reconnect the wiring assembly to the bulb socket and then reassemble the components removed to access the headlight.
