How to Change the Headlight on a 2005 Nissan Maxima

Change the headlights on your Nissan Maxima for maximum visibility and performance.

The 2005 Nissan Maxima headlight system has two options, a 9012 halogen bulb or a Xenon bulb available only through Nissan. The Xenon or High Intensity Discharge headlight is brighter than the halogen bulb but must be changed by a service tech at Nissan. The halogen system was more common in the Maxima and the 9012 bulbs are available at any auto parts store, allowing the vehicle owner to change the bulbs themselves. If you are not sure which type of headlight is in your Maxima, check with a Nissan service department, they can help you identify them.
Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
1

Open the hood of your Maxima and locate the large plastic cover on the rear of the headlight assembly. There is a single wire running to it and it is the largest of the sockets and caps on the headlight assembly.
2

Rotate the headlight bulb cap counterclockwise and remove it from the housing. Lay it aside then disconnect the electrical connector from the rear of the bulb by pulling it straight off the bulb. Unlock the spring clip that is retaining the bulb in the housing and swing it out of the way.
3

Remove the bulb from the headlight assembly and discard it. Install a new 9012 bulb into the housing, being careful not to touch the glass on the new bulb while installing it. Oils from your hands will cause the halogen bulb to overheat and fail.
4

Swing the locking spring clip over the bulb and hook it under the catch on the headlight assembly. Install the wiring harness connector on the back of the bulb and install the plastic headlight bulb cap on the rear of the headlight assembly. Turn the cap clockwise until it is tight.
5

Turn the headlight switch on and verify that the bulb is working. Cycle through the high and low beam positions, checking them both then shut off the lights.

Tips & Warnings

While you can change a single headlight bulb on your Maxima, it is recommended that you change the headlight bulbs in pairs for best performance.