The Removal of a Headlight Lens on a 2003 Maxima

The Maxima made its debut in Japan in 1971, known as the Nissan Bluebird Maxima. The Maxima became unattached from the Bluebird name in 1981. The 2003 Nissan Maxima was equipped with a 255-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The headlight lens on the 2003 Maxima is an integral part of the headlight assembly. The lens cannot be separated from the assembly. Headlight assemblies are usually replaced when the lenses become too foggy, scratched, or yellow. Proper preventative maintenance such as cleaning and waxing of new headlight assemblies, can lengthen their lifespan.

Instructions

1

Raise the hood on the Maxima and set the hood prop.

2

Remove the two mounting bolts from the radiator core support. They are mounted through the headlight mounting tabs. Use a ratchet and socket to remove the bolts. Pull the headlight assembly upward and out of the grille area of the car, and rest the assembly on the front bumper.

3

Turn the headlight sockets and turn signal socket counterclockwise and remove the sockets from the rear of the headlight assembly by pulling them out horizontally. Replace any burned out bulbs at this time by unplugging the old bulbs. Wrap new bulbs in a paper towel so you do not touch the lenses of the bulbs as you install them into the sockets.

4

Set the new headlight assembly onto the bumper of the car. Install each light socket, and turn the sockets clockwise to lock them into the assembly. Insert the assembly back into the grille area of the car. Tighten the mounting bolts through the mounting tabs, and into the radiator core support. Use a ratchet to make the bolts snug. Do not over-tighten the bolts or you will break the plastic mounting tabs on your new headlight assembly.

5

Repeat steps 2 through 4 to complete the headlight assembly replacement on the second side of the Maxima.