How to Change the Front Bumper Light in a 1999 Nissan Maxima

Though the name was different at the time, the Maxima's history dates back to the 1977 Datsun 810 sedan. In 1981, the "Maxima" name made its debut, designating the highest trim level available for the 810 sedan. In 1982, Datsun-Nissan -- the company was transitioning between the two names -- dropped the 810 name and replaced it with Maxima. In 1996, Nissan redesigned the boxy-looking Maxima, giving it a more rounded body. The 1999 Maxima's rounded bumper had two light assemblies mounted in it: the turn signal assembly and the side marker assembly. You can replace the light bulbs in both assemblies with relative ease.

Instructions

Side Marker Bulb Replacement

1

Wrap a clean cloth over the blade of a flat-head screwdriver.

2

Insert the blade of the screwdriver under the front edge of the side marker light assembly.

3

Pry the side marker light outward to release it from the bumper. Pull the side marker light assembly out of the bumper.

4

Twist the socket on the rear of the side marker assembly counterclockwise and pull the socket and bulb from the assembly.

5

Grab the old bulb and pull it from the socket with a slight wiggling motion. Grab a new 194 light bulb, using a clean, lint-free cloth, and insert the bulb in the socket. Don't touch the bulb with your bare hands, as the oil from your hands can cause the bulb to fail prematurely.

6

Insert the bulb and socket in the side marker assembly and twist it clockwise to lock it in place.

7

Insert the tab on the rearmost part of the side marker bulb into the hole in the bumper. Press the front part of the light down until it snaps into place in the front bumper.

Bumper-Mounted Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

8

Remove the side marker light assembly, by following steps 1 through 3 in the section titled "Side Marker Bulb Assembly."

9

Remove the screw on the outermost part of the turn signal light assembly, using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the assembly towards the outer part of the Maxima to remove it from the bumper.

10

Twist the socket on the rear of the turn signal assembly counterclockwise to unlock it. Pull the turn signal socket and bulb from the assembly.

11

Press the turn signal bulb downward, towards the socket, and rotate it counterclockwise to unlock it. Pull the bulb from the socket. Take not of the positioning of the two tabs on the metal bottom of the bulb. These tabs are staggered and you must position the new bulb in the same fashion.

12

Grab a new 1156 light bulb with a clean, lint-free cloth and insert it into the socket with the tabs facing in the same positions as the old bulb. Press the bulb downward, towards the socket, and rotate it clockwise to lock it in place.

13

Insert the inner tab on the turn signal assembly into the hole in the bumper. Press the outer part of the assembly toward the bumper and tighten the screw with a Phillips screwdriver.

14

Reinstall the side marker light by following Step 7 in the section titled "Side Marker Bulb Assembly."