headlight bulb replacement

[evil200000000]

Does anyone know if you can replace the headlight bulb to a brighter white bulb and? if so, does it have high beam also?? maybe specify the part number if you happen to know it. Thanks a lot.

[CodeRed]

There was a thread about this please use the search button. I would get you the link but im too tiard and about to go to sleep.

[matt_a]

We just got a Versa SL on Friday and the first thing I did was replace the stock headlight bulbs with Sylvania SilverStars. I HIGHLY recommend those. I have had them in several vehicles and they are great. WAAAY whiter and brighter than stock, 100% legal, they won't melt anything and they won't void your warranty. Anyhow, the part number for the SilverStars in the Versa is 9003ST. You can get 'em at Wal-Mart for around $39 or so per pair. It's a combo Hi/Low beam bulb, so you only need one pair.Making the switch is pretty easy. Let me know if you're not sure how.

[proxim2020]

I second the Search feature. There are lots of recommendations in the older topics.

[matt_a]

Hey guys, I'm new here so I don't want to rock the boat. I kinda see message forums to be as much about community as they are about obtaining information. I know if people are constantly posting new threads about the same stuff, it gets to be a mess. But on the flip side, if most of the topics are covered already and everyone just does a search, there will be no new threads and the place will die out. If I feel inclined to answer someone's post (even though it's been covered) is that ok with the mods here? Just trying to stay out of trouble.

[evil200000000]

hey Mat thanks for that useful info. May I ask how you took the bulb out?? Would you kindly give me the steps to work it?? Does the battery needs to be discharged? Thanks!

[matt_a]

hey Mat thanks for that useful info. May I ask how you took the bulb out?? Would you kindly give me the steps to work it?? Does the battery needs to be discharged? Thanks!

There's nothing complicated about it, but it is a little tricky to get to (tight spaces). You don't have to disconnect the battery or move anything unless you have huge hands.

1. Find the electrical plug on the back of the bulb/housing and simply pull it straight off. You might need to wiggle it slightly as you pull.

2. Grab the round black rubber thing and work it out by pulling straight back as well. You might need to pull a little on each side untill it comes free.

3. After the black rubber doughnut is off, you can now get to the metal spring clips that hold the bulb in place. They are permanantly attached to one side and they swing over the back of the bulb (like a hinge) and snap into place on the other side. There is one on top and one on the bottom. It's hard to explain in writting how to unsnap them, but you'll figure it out when you see them.

4. Once those metal clips are free, the bulb can simply be pulled stright back out of the housing.

5. When you install the new bulbs, DO NOT TOUCH THE GLASS PORTION OF THE BULB! Touch the metal base only. I usually wear medical gloves.

6. Slide the new bulb back into the housing. There are three little metal tabs on the bulbs which will only allow you to allign it in the correct position.

7. Replace the balck rubber doughnut, making sure to seat it all the way in place.

8. Plug the electrical connection back on the bulb.

9. Repeat for other side.

The entire job should only take you about 5 minutes. A good worklight helps. Someone actually holding a flashlight helps even more. Good luck!

[proxim2020]

In response to your posting earlier, every new topic takes out a new slice of Nico's server. This also reduces organization. This is similar to your computer copying the same file and placing it in a random place twice a month. Eventually these add up and take up a lot of space. So rather than continuously opening new topics and creating the same responses to question, we encourage the use of the search button. Most questions could be answered by existing topics. When someone has something new to be added, it revives the topic. NICO's huge. There's pretty much a board for every car Nissan has made and most are either as large or larger than this one. So we try to stay as organized as possible. As long as cars remain the mechanical beast they are, we'll never run out of new topics.

[matt_a]

Makes sense. I'll try to remember to do that. Every forum is a little different. I've been on some already that if you did a search and posted a response or question to an old thread, someone would gripe about you resurrecting an old thread. Thanks for the answer.

[evil200000000]

hey Matt, thanks. i got the new bulbs on and it's great. I also want to change the 2 orange bulbs right above the headlight too. is that possible? What are they for? Thanks again.

[BBISHOPPCM]

Clipsed was working on installing either HIDs or projectors into his Versa, once he finishes those, I think he'll post instructions...

[marleyfan]

Has anyone tried the Philips CrystalVision Ultra that Costco (Canada) sells? Just wondering how those compare to the Silverstars. I suspect that there is very little difference but if anyone has any first hand experience let us know.

[benchthug]

i havent posted in a while but here... the top two lights above the H4s... you just twist it and it will become loose and you can pull it out... it may take a little force because its new... and for the turn signal lights its the same also... you just have to wiggle it a little... to take out the bulb above the h4s just pull it and for the turn signals just press it down then twist... i will post some pics if i can later... im kinda busy...

[proxim2020]

Has anyone tried the Philips CrystalVision Ultra that Costco (Canada) sells? Just wondering how those compare to the Silverstars. I suspect that there is very little difference but if anyone has any first hand experience let us know.

You are correct. There's very little difference between the 2. A buddy up north purchased these from Ebay trying to replace his Silverstar he thought sucked. He made a lateral move.

[matt_a]

I've tried many different "Upgrade" bulbs over the last few years. IMHO you can't get a (safe & legal) regular bulb that looks better than SilverStars. The only way I've seen to get anything better is to go with a true HID system. I didn't want that hassle or cost.

[reyes1212]

What about the HID conversion kits?A guy over here in Arizona sells the kit for $185.I was thinking in getting it ever since my friend with a Fit installed them. All he had to do was place the bulb in and mount the ballasts and BAM nice NICE NIIICE blueish green CLEAR light.

[Bubs daddy]

Quote »When you install the new bulbs, DO NOT TOUCH THE GLASS PORTION OF THE BULB! Touch the metal base only. I usually wear medical gloves.[/quote]And if you do, just get some isopropyl alcohol and wipe the bulb to get any oils off and install.

[matt_a]

What about the HID conversion kits?A guy over here in Arizona sells the kit for $185.I was thinking in getting it ever since my friend with a Fit installed them. All he had to do was place the bulb in and mount the ballasts and BAM nice NICE NIIICE blueish green CLEAR light.

Some of those kits are nice. One thing you have to be very careful of with those is the aim of the beam. A true HID system is developed specifically for the vehicle in which it is installed. Many of the aftermarket HID kits have no way of knowing the shape or position of your housing reflectors. What often happens is you get a really bright light that has no true cut-off point to keep from blinding on coming traffic. If you decide to try one, just be careful of that. It should have a clearly defined line at the top of the beam pattern...not just a big round ball of glare.

[reyes1212]

oh okay ill make sure of that...

[pingflood]

Unless you can bend the laws of physics you are not going to get any of these 'kits' to work. Please read:http://www.danielsternlighting....html

[daffyack]

I know this post is kinda old, but Im gonna replace the bulb. It would be nice to have pictures on how to replace the bulb. The instruction above is really nice, but if someone can post some pictures, I would really appreciated it.

thank you