How to replace headlamp bulb

northernale1 · Dec 5th, 2006, 05:36 AM

im trying to replace the headlamps on my xtrail... and the wiring harness seems to be a real b*tch to remove,,,, any tips, as I dont wanna break a plug,,, thanks guys

we have loads of snow in Northern Ontario now,,, and these little xys sure handle well in it!!!!

northernale1 · Dec 6th, 2006, 10:00 AM

come on guys someone here must have changed headlights on there xtrail,,, if so did you have a problem gettn the plug off the headlights??

Canada's Far East · Dec 6th, 2006, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by northernale1

come on guys someone here must have changed headlights on there xtrail,,, if so did you have a problem gettn the plug off the headlights??

Both of your posts left me

At first I thought you were trying to change the "wiring harness"

After your second post, I "think" you're just trying to change the headlight "bulb"

Perhaps others were confused as well and that would explain the lack of replies......kindly clarify.

If you are just trying to change the bulb, then that should be fairly easy......

There is a rubber / grommet that you will have to remove - just ply it off - a "rocking" motion, side to side will get it off. It acts as a "weather shield" so be sure to reinstall it.

The PLUG that attaches to the headlight bulb is a three prong affair - one sits at the top and the other two are on each side. It is hard to pull straight out.....again, a rocking motion will get it started and then it will come off quite readily...

The one on the driver's side is a little more difficult because of a lack of space for your hand....you can remove part of the air-intake system (snorkel at the front)...they are only 2 clips that hold it in place. With that out of the way, it's quite easy to get to the bulb.

Let us know if this is what you are looking for by way of help - - and if you need anything further, do let us know......I think I can find some pics for you if that would also help.

Cheers = Roger

northernale1 · Dec 6th, 2006, 05:45 PM

thanks Roger:
So remove the rubber sheild first,, then the harness plug,, ive been trying to remove the plug from back of bulb,, it is so tight I thought i was missing something,,ive changed lots of bulbs on vehicles,, but these are a pain!!

**ValBoo** · Dec 6th, 2006, 06:07 PM

NA,

if you can hang on another half hour or so... While Roger was keeping you busy with his answer I was taking a few pics which I will post later.

actually the proper order for removal of BULB is:

1) unplug harness connector (yes it is hard/tight)
2) remove the rubber cover ( it is tight fitted around the bulb base)
3) pinch and fold out hinged wire holder (this wire holds the bulb in the headlamp casing)
4) remove bulb; do not touch glass surface.

Put back in reverse order: make sure the rubber is properly fitted around the bulb base and head lamp casing.

stay tuned for pics...

**ValBoo** · Dec 6th, 2006, 06:40 PM

Here are the set of pics for the 1 to 4 instructions posted above:

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Couple of extra pics for clarity:

Canada's Far East · Dec 6th, 2006, 06:43 PM

Good job, Marc.

I've just copied some "diagrams" from the ESM which I'll post shortly.

We'll take credit for 1 headlight each ! !

Cheers

Canada's Far East · Dec 6th, 2006, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canada's Far East

Good job, Marc.

I've just copied some "diagrams" from the ESM which I'll post shortly.

We'll take credit for 1 headlight each ! !

Cheers

Here you go - - these may help also :

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

Cheers = Roger

northernale1 · Dec 6th, 2006, 07:37 PM

great ,, thanks guys,, i thought i was missing some tab that needed pryed on,, will apply more pressure,, let ya all know how it goes,,, all this for Silver Stars,,, only thing wife hates about vehicle is the stock lights

Canada's Far East · Dec 7th, 2006, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by northernale1

great ,, thanks guys,, i thought i was missing some tab that needed pryed on,, will apply more pressure,, let ya all know how it goes,,, all this for Silver Stars,,, only thing wife hates about vehicle is the stock lights

Wondered what you were replacing them with.......

Did you consider any other alternatives ??

Here's a post I made in another thread (but got no replies).

http://www.nissanforums.com/x-trail/...cessories.html

Personally I think these are the way to go, if you want to really improve your headlights.

I've tried others that give 30 and 50 % more light but the emphasis seems to be on the high beam (which is used infrequently).

The fatboy bulb is 30% larger to accommodate a high pressure Xenon/Halogen gas mix which produces an optical equivalent output of 190W low beam / 150W high beam.

They have a special anti-vibration filament stabilizer that greatly extends service life, even under the harshest conditions - - which is good 'cause they're "expensive".

I've got a set on order - should arrive early next week - anxious to see what sort of improvement they make..........

Cheers

flynn · Dec 7th, 2006, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ValBoo

if you can hang on another half hour or so... While Roger was keeping you busy with his answer I was taking a few pics which I will post later....

Now where else could you get a service like that. Some nice people around.

Ice512 · Dec 7th, 2006, 06:26 PM

i got a pair of these standing by in case my ricer bulbs blows out....
Philips Automotive Lighting: CrystalVision Ultra range
got a pair @ costco for $40TAX INCLUDED. Made in Germany too.

Here are a few pics of it installed by an Odyssey owner.
OdyClub Forums - Philips Crystal Vision Extreme bulbs