2003 Headlights
noupf
10-21-2003, 06:42 PM
Ok, i I am very automotively inclined......but i cant figure out how to change the headlights on my pathfinder. I am replacing the stock bulds with the bluish white lights, but i cant get them out...HELP !!
Hawaii 5-0
10-25-2003, 06:38 PM
Just did mine a while ago... you gotta change them from the rear of the headlamp assembly.
Locate where the wiring harness attaches to the bulb base, you have to twist the bulb base counter-clockwise (I think) about 1/3 turn to get it to release. Mine was a b!tch to get to, as there wasn't much clearance behind the lights. I had to move the airbox on the right side to get enough room to grasp the bulb base. And I have pretty small hands, I can't imagine a guy with beefy hands being able to reach into those tight spaces.
Oh, and make sure you don't touch the bulb surface with your fingers or hands, the oils from them will cause the bulb to have a hot spot when they are on, causing premature bulb failure. If you do accidentally touch the bulb, clean them off using isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to remove the oils from the bulb.
One last thing, I hope you bought the proper bulbs. There are a lot of people selling aftermarket headlamp bulbs that are high wattage (100+). If you use those, you run the risk of frying/melting your wiring harness and blowing fuses (if you're lucky, the fuses will blow before you cause permanent damage to your wiring). Changing the wiring harness will be VERY EXPENSIVE, and of course will not be covered under warranty. Check your owner's manual for the proper headlamp wattage to use and stay away from the high wattage bulbs out there (usually imported from Europe or the far east).
Locate where the wiring harness attaches to the bulb base, you have to twist the bulb base counter-clockwise (I think) about 1/3 turn to get it to release. Mine was a b!tch to get to, as there wasn't much clearance behind the lights. I had to move the airbox on the right side to get enough room to grasp the bulb base. And I have pretty small hands, I can't imagine a guy with beefy hands being able to reach into those tight spaces.
Oh, and make sure you don't touch the bulb surface with your fingers or hands, the oils from them will cause the bulb to have a hot spot when they are on, causing premature bulb failure. If you do accidentally touch the bulb, clean them off using isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to remove the oils from the bulb.
One last thing, I hope you bought the proper bulbs. There are a lot of people selling aftermarket headlamp bulbs that are high wattage (100+). If you use those, you run the risk of frying/melting your wiring harness and blowing fuses (if you're lucky, the fuses will blow before you cause permanent damage to your wiring). Changing the wiring harness will be VERY EXPENSIVE, and of course will not be covered under warranty. Check your owner's manual for the proper headlamp wattage to use and stay away from the high wattage bulbs out there (usually imported from Europe or the far east).
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