1999-2004 Nissan Xterra Headlight Bulbs Replacement

Using this guide, you will be able to safely...

iFixit Library 1999-2004 Nissan Xterra Easy 5 - 15 minutes Guide 126370

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Guide overview

Before you begin

Using this guide, you will be able to safely and quickly replace the headlight bulbs in a 1999-2004 Nissan Xterra. This guide highly recommends that you remove the battery if you are replacing the right headlight. Removing the battery, while not necessary to replace the headlight bulb, allows for easier access to the back of the headlight and will save you time and stress when re-screwing the retaining ring at a difficult angle. For more relevant information, please read this 2004 Nissan X-terra Owner’s Manual on page 8-33.

Step 1

Repair step

⌕

Reach under the driver's cabin panel and pull on the hood release.
It is about 10 inches from the left edge of the panel.
After pulling the release, you will hear a "pop" sound indicating that the hood is open.

Step 2

Repair step

⌕

Pull up the hood release latch.
It is located about 6 inches to the right, from the center of the hood.

Step 3

Repair step

⌕

Insert the hood support.
The support is located about 4 inches behind the hood latch opener.

Step 4

Repair step

⌕

Squeeze and disconnect the electrical component from the rear end of the bulb.
The squeezing should be done by placing one finger above and another below the component.

Step 5

Repair step

⌕

Turn the retaining ring counterclockwise until it is free from the headlight.
Remove this component and set it aside.

Step 6

Repair step

⌕

Carefully remove the headlight bulb.
The headlight bulb is immediately behind the retaining ring removed in Step 5.
High pressure halogen gas is sealed inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may break if the glass envelope is scratched or the bulb is dropped.
When handling the bulb, do not touch the glass envelope.