[canoenut]

As I was ordering my car, I asked the service manager and sales rep if it would be possible to change a headlight(or front bulbs) by myself. They looked at the engine bay and scratched their heads. The owner's manual says "See your Authorized Dealer for replacement". DCX's new car and Customer service lines could not help. I hope that this is not a huge problem.

 

[casimer76522]

every time a new platform is released the techs have to learn it just as we do,,,, no biggie theres a big fat book somewhere that tells them how to do it,,,lol

 

[canoenut]

The reason for this question is this quote on the Car Connection site:

Q--Since when is changing a headlight bulb a major job? The dealer claims the front bumper has to be taken off of my Nissan Maxima to replace the headlight (bulb) at a cost of $250. I have checked with local repair shops and they have no experience to date so they couldn't confirm that the bumper has to be taken off to replace the bulb. I can't believe a manufacturer would engineer a car in such a manner. Can you confirm that the bumper has to be removed to replace the bulb?
A--I couldn't believe it either, so I contacted Nissan. The bad news is that the price you were quoted is probably about right, depending on local labor rates. As you probably know, carmakers must strike a balance between manufacturing, service, recyclability, cost, and so on. Obviously, serviceability got the short end of the stick this time. All I can say is that smart automobile manufacturers listen to their customers.

 

[Harley]

I hope that this is not a huge problem.

I hope not either. Usually, when I have time shortly after buying a new vehicle, I will inspect everything in detail to determine what can easily be replaced (like light bulbs) and with a specific and often generic part at reasonable cost. I've seen some vehicles where such things were part of a larger assembly that needed replaced as a unit and/or with special tools - of course, to pad manufacturer service/parts profits after the sale.

On my last 2 Dodge conversion vans, changing a headlight was a matter of popping the hood, unlatching and lifting 2 levers, simply replacing a few-dollar bulb, securing the levers back in place, and closing the hood. For the other lights - 4 screws removed/replaced and replacing an inexpensive bulb. Either task - inexpensive and about 2-3 minute task.

When I have time - perhaps early next week - I will do this inspection.

 

[Xxsrt4xX]

Well, with the current SRT-4 or maybe all 03+ neons, the top half of the front fascia has to be loosened in order to remove the headlight assembly, just so you can change either the headlamp or turn signal. It probably holds true with the caliber.

 

[Dale Seeley]

Well, with the current SRT-4 or maybe all 03+ neons, the top half of the front fascia has to be loosened in order to remove the headlight assembly, just so you can change either the headlamp or turn signal. It probably holds true with the caliber.

Although that is probably what it says in the book, or what the local mechanic may have told you, the headlight attachments don't need to be touched to replace either bulb.

Both are accessible through the holes the wiring passes through. The driver side may require removal of the airbox, depending on the size and dexterity of your hands.

I don't know about the Caliber yet, but with all versions of the Neon 94.5 -> 05, it's just a couple minutes each side.

Dale

 

[Silverfox]

Both headlamp bulbs can be removed without removing anything on the vehicle. They're secured just like the Neon's. Twist them once and pull them out of the housing, then pull the bulb out.

 

[canoenut]

Both headlamp bulbs can be removed without removing anything on the vehicle. They're secured just like the Neon's. Twist them once and pull them out of the housing, then pull the bulb out.

Thanks for the tip, I'll have to try it when my car comes in, however there didn't seen to be enough room to get my hand behind the housings.

 

[Dale Seeley]

Thanks for the tip, I'll have to try it when my car comes in, however there didn't seen to be enough room to get my hand behind the housings.

In the old days, before political correctness, a harmless joke about having a little person as a friend around, well, not appropriate anymore....

You can Do It!.

 

[Silverfox]

I benefit from having narrow hands (6' 2", 155 pounds) so that's for me. Larger hands may need more room, but I'd not expect it. You should be able to pull the bulbs without too much trouble. If you must, remove the battery and you'll be golden for the driver's side.

 

[VVTCVT]

BULBS

1.Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.2.Hoist vehicle.3.Working in the appropriate wheel well, loosen up the front of the splash shield, but don't fully remove it.

4.Looking up through the front wheel well, locate the bulb (1) in which needs replacing. The headlamp bulb is the inboard bulb and the park/turn signal bulb is the outboard bulb.5.Disconnect the bulb electrical connector (2 or 3).
NOTE: EXPORT ONLY - If removing/replacing the headlamp bulb on export vehicles there is a rubber cover over the rear of the lamp housing that must be removed to access the bulb. Then a spring clip must be removed and the bulb pulled straight rearward.

6.Grasp the bulb (1), twist 1/4 turn counterclockwise and pull straight out of front lamp unit.

 

[canoenut]

BULBS

1.Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.2.Hoist vehicle.3.Working in the appropriate wheel well, loosen up the front of the splash shield, but don't fully remove it.

4.Looking up through the front wheel well, locate the bulb (1) in which needs replacing. The headlamp bulb is the inboard bulb and the park/turn signal bulb is the outboard bulb.5.Disconnect the bulb electrical connector (2 or 3).
NOTE: EXPORT ONLY - If removing/replacing the headlamp bulb on export vehicles there is a rubber cover over the rear of the lamp housing that must be removed to access the bulb. Then a spring clip must be removed and the bulb pulled straight rearward.

6.Grasp the bulb (1), twist 1/4 turn counterclockwise and pull straight out of front lamp unit.

Thanks for the details. I'll share the info with my dealer and Service Manager.

 

[red devil]

I want to change the orange turn signal bulbs to silver ones.

It appears to change this bulb you need to

Jack up the car and remove the wheel
Then remove the plastic inner wheel arch
Then you have access to the bulb holder.

The turn signal is not accessable from the engine bay - or so it would appear.