96 Altima Headlight Replacement

[DoctorJones]

My driver side headlight went out and I've been battling with it for an hour now and was hoping to find some tips here.

I removed the battery so I could access the back of the headlight. I disconnected the plug, removed the plastic ring and pulled out the rubber gasket. I removed the old bulb, put in the new one put the clip back into place and here's where I'm stuck.

I'm having the worst time getting the rubber gasket back in properly it just doesn't seem to fit back into place. Since that doesn't, I can't get the plug to fit properly either. Does anyone have a photo of what the thing is supposed to look like with just the gasket on? I don't know what I'm doing wrong here.

Any help would be appreciated.

[generic808]

It's kind of hard to picture what you're talking about; do you have a pic? Are you using the OEM rubber gasket? Sometimes aftermarket bulbs won't fit into the original slot, so a little dremel work may be needed.

Or if you mean the rubber around the bulb which fits into the slot, did you place it in correctly? The base of the bulb usually has a 3-prong type of base which needs to be inserted at a certain angle and then twisted to lock into place.

But like I said, it's hard to picture what you're saying so pics would be great, if possible.

[Serkle K]

My driver side headlight went out and I've been battling with it for an hour now and was hoping to find some tips here.

I removed the battery so I could access the back of the headlight. I disconnected the plug, removed the plastic ring and pulled out the rubber gasket. I removed the old bulb, put in the new one put the clip back into place and here's where I'm stuck.

I'm having the worst time getting the rubber gasket back in properly it just doesn't seem to fit back into place. Since that doesn't, I can't get the plug to fit properly either. Does anyone have a photo of what the thing is supposed to look like with just the gasket on? I don't know what I'm doing wrong here.

Any help would be appreciated.

I'll try to get a pic for you if I can... I have an extra set of head light assemblies in my shed... I actually have to set out and pick up some stuff for a party I'm working later today, but If i can when I get back before the party I will post a pic...

As for trying to make sure it's all fitting right... make sure the clip is holding the bulb propperly, because the clip is tension loaded it's still a possibility to not seat the bulb correctly... if it is in correctly, when applying the rubber ring, start with the center of the ring and the base of the bulb (where the prongs are) and make sure that it sit's right... and then you should be able to "seal" the rubber part around the housing by just running your finger around the entire rubber ring... I always make sure that the rubber tab that your grab to pull it off is at the top. And then you should be able to just place the plastic ring right over all that and slide it on, and turn it about a 1/4 of the way (to the right i think; not sure w.o actually doing it right now) and it should lock into place... and then you should be able to plug it back in and put the battery back... and Just as a heads up for the future, it is possible to change out the bulbs w/o moving the battery... cause I know thats a PITA...

again I'll try to get the picks up later today if I can... but in the mean while try that, and good luck!

[DoctorJones]

Thanks for the help. I got it in there. I guess I didn't have the clip in place correctly which made the gasket not fit right.

[Serkle K]

No prob, hope it helped!