Buy Nissan Maxima Headlight Assembly

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Key Take-aways

The Nissan Maxima headlight-often called a headlamp, front light, or light housing-varies by model year but always serves the same job: giving clear night vision while keeping on-coming drivers safe. Newer Maximas use bright, energy-saving LED units, while older ones rely on halogen or HID bulbs. Routine care (clean lenses, dry out moisture, aim beams) and knowing the right bulb sizes (H11, 9005, or D2S, depending on year) prevent most lighting headaches. U.S. rules under FMVSS 108 set brightness and beam-aim limits, and a 2022 rule now allows future Maximas to adopt adaptive "smart" headlights. (NHTSA, NHTSA)

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Model-Year Fit

• 2000-2003 (5th gen) - Halogen reflector lows (H1) with optional HID D2S projector package.
• 2004-2008 (6th gen) - Standard halogen H11 low / 9005 high; HID option kept D2S bulbs.
• 2009-2014 (7th gen) - Same bulb family as 6th gen; DRL added in 2012. (LightBulbs.com)
• 2016-2023 (8th gen) - Factory LED low and high beams plus boomerang DRL on every trim. (Car and Driver, Car and Driver)

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Bulb & Socket Guide

← scroll table horizontally →

(Confirm in the owner's manual before purchase.) (Nissan USA)

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Lighting Tech

• Halogen - Cheap, warm-white, ~500 hours life. (SAE International)
• HID/Xenon - Brighter, cooler color, needs ballast; D2S good for ~2,000 hours.
• LED - Uses less power, runs cool, and resists vibration; quality units last 3,000-5,000 hours in real road use. (Consumer Reports, Philips)
• Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) - Now legal in the U.S.; future Maximas may shade parts of the beam to cut glare.

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Common Issues

• Condensation/Fogging - Normal mist clears in minutes; standing water means a worn seal. Nissan's bulletin NTB03-074Q gives a flow-chart fix. (NHTSA)
• Dull, Yellow Lens - UV hits polycarbonate; polish kits restore clarity.
• Glare Complaints - Over-bright aftermarket LEDs can blind others; drivers report rising glare in surveys. (Latest news & breaking headlines, The Guardian)
• Aim Too High/Low - Use the vertical screw behind the lamp; stand 25 ft from a wall and set cutoff at headlight midpoint height. (YouTube)

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Install Tips

1. Disconnect the battery for safety.
2. Remove splash shield screws to reach the back cap.
3. Twist the bulb counter-clockwise; never touch the glass.
4. For LED modules (2016+), you replace the whole headlight assembly.
5. After install, level the beam on level ground with ½-tank of fuel and normal tire pressure.

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Care & Cleaning

• Wash lenses with mild car-wash soap-no ammonia glass cleaner. (NHTSA)
• Keep vents clear so moisture can escape.
• Replace bulbs in pairs; old and new bulbs differ in brightness.
• Check operation every oil change; a burned-out bulb is a ticket-able offense.

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Laws & Safety

• U.S. drivers must use headlights 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise or whenever visibility falls below 1,000 ft. (California DMV)
• FMVSS 108 sets minimum and maximum beam intensity to avoid glare. (NHTSA)
• A VIN lookup on NHTSA shows open recalls for any Maxima. (NHTSA)

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Upgrade Paths

• Premium Halogen - +30 % brightness without wiring changes.
• True HID retrofit - Use DOT-approved projectors to stay legal.
• LED Conversion - Pick units that mimic halogen filament position and carry an approval mark; quality brands publish thermal-life data. (Philips)
• Smart Headlights - Expect factory ADB units on future Nissan sedans after NHTSA's 2022 rule. (NHTSA)

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Environment Notes

LEDs cut energy draw and last longer, lowering landfill waste from spent bulbs. Philips calculates major CO₂ savings over a lamp's life. (Philips)

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Q: What bulb fits a 2014 Maxima low-beam?
A: The stock low-beam is an H11 halogen; some trims use a D2S HID capsule. (LightBulbs.com)

Q: Are 2016-2023 Maxima headlights all LED?
A: Yes, every 8th-generation Maxima left the factory with full LED low and high beams plus LED daytime running lights. (Car and Driver)

Q: How do I stop moisture inside the lens?
A: First, check bulb-cap gaskets. If water pools, remove the assembly, dry it with a hair-dryer on low, reseal vents, and replace cracked caps. Nissan's service flow-chart helps decide if replacement is needed. (NHTSA)

Q: Can LED swaps blind on-coming cars?
A: Yes-poorly aimed or over-power bulbs cause glare. Use DOT-marked kits and re-aim afterward. Surveys show most drivers find many headlights too bright today. (Latest news & breaking headlines, The Guardian)

Q: How long should factory LEDs last?
A: Quality automotive LEDs are designed for around 3,000-5,000 operating hours, far beyond halogen's ~500 hours. (Philips)

Q: Is adaptive "matrix" lighting legal in the U.S.?
A: Yes. A 2022 NHTSA rule changed FMVSS 108 to allow adaptive driving beam headlights. (NHTSA)

Q: When must I use headlights by law?
A: Any time visibility is poor and between sunset + 30 minutes and sunrise - 30 minutes. Rules also apply when wipers are on. (California DMV)

Q: Do I need to disconnect the battery before changing a bulb?
A: It's the safest practice, especially with HID systems that carry high voltage.

Q: What tools are required for bulb swap?
A: Usually a Phillips screwdriver to remove the wheel-well liner and a pair of gloves to keep oils off the glass.

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