hey all, I'm a regular on the nissanforums, but this time I have an issue with my mom's 96 GLE Max. For some reason, it didn't seem as apparent a few years ago, but lately, we've noticed that the headlights are real dim and things are very hard to see. The Bulbs are the same from when the car was purchased and there hasn't been any alterations to the housing or anything. I can't really understand why it seems so dim nowadays.

I was thinking of checking the angle and adjusting the headlamps like in the FAQs. But is there anything I can do to make the output project better? I was thinking some aftermarket bulbs like PIAA, but that won't really help the light output. HID is also outta the question since she doesn't want to pay $300+ for lights. I suggested driving lights, but she wasn't too thrilled with what they might look like on the front of the car.

 

Try new bulbs??????

 

well, not too long ago, I tried using some 3A bulbs in the Max (they were outta my sentra) just as an experiment. All it really did was make the light whiter, there was still no real difference in the light output. She didn't like them too much either, so I put it back to stock.

 

I can probably guarentee that my suggestion will work if you haven't done it yet:


Go to an auto parts store, or a Wal-Mart equivalent, and buy the following (unless you already have it):

- headlamp and bulb connection grease
- sandpaper (200-300 grit)

Just use this post by Mishmosh and sand down those contact points, add dielectric grease or some other equivalent anti-corrosive gel, and reconnect all OEM groundings. Be sure to clean your battery terminals too.

Add that grease to the prongs of the 9004 bulb unit.

Voila. Better lighting

 

Halogen bulbs lose their lumens as the gas gets older. You should replace them every 2 years. I've tried a lot of bulbs, none shine brighter then the Sylvania Xtravisions. You can actually see where your going. Don't waste your $$ with anything that has any sort of blue tint on it.

 

the only sensible solution would to get yourself a money order for #350 and mail it to me in CT and enjoy a set of 6500k purple HID'S

 

PIAA Xtreme Whites are nice headlamps...I had them for a while, but had to take them out because of my accident (didn't want to lose them when I go to do the repairs)...75 bucks for a 2-pack...

 

Search for the Ooglie HyperGround

http://forums.maxima.org/search.php?...der=descending

 

dont get anything higher than 55 watts - i tried 80's once and it melted my harnesses after 2 months

 

ok, I read through all the threads on that link and I have a few questions here...

1. Is the grounding on the Maxima really that bad? I know grounding is important and all, but these paople seem to be adding wires upon wires here.

2. One thread said that the hyperground kit is almost $130. Is this right, and if so, what's in this kit other than wires. Neither of us wants to spend that much. Can I just get the wire and terminals from an Audio store.

3. Is that true about the Dyno? I never thought you could gain HP from better grounding, especially 8WHP.

4. All the gains mentioned, would this mod work in my sentra. I wouldn't expect that much HP gain since my engine's smaller. I know I will be working on grounding when I get some audio going.

 

1. The regular wear and tear, 5-6 years on a 97 will cause corrosion, thus making the grounds not as good as when it was new.

2. Go to Pep Boys/Autozone and in the battery section there are 4 gauge wires with O-rings, they suited my needs just fine. $2-4 a piece.

3. The dyno gains are just restoring the grounds to stock. I added a couple of grounds to my chassis, so its a little better than stock.

4. It should show similar gains on the sentra.

This mod didnt take me that long.

gl--Siler

 

Hey, I just wanted to tell everyone, I did my own grounding with 10ft of 4AWG Monster cable, cut it into pieces, crimped on some copper rings, and finished off the wires with heat shrink tubing. I kept the stock wire where it was, added a wire from the battery to the chassis (in front of the battery), then I ran more wires in this order:
battery-->Intake Manifold-->front of engine block-->passenger side of chassis.

I like how the engine start's up MUCH faster and alot of the interior lights are brighter too. I know the headlights are brighter too, but it's still kinda hard to see. What now?

 

To be honest the housings on 95/96 maxima's (glass)are extremely dull as opposed to the housing on the 97-99 (plastic) which are much more reflective, i would invest in a set of 97+ headlights and either get some philips bluevision bulbs (decent) or invest in a Hanabi HID kit (extremely bright) you'll never complain about lighting again.

 

HID's will solve your lighting problems

Ant

 

CHANGE THE HEADLIGHT BULBS

I recommend Sylvania Xtravisions. Also if your headlight lenses are yellow, you can use some rubbing compond to make them clear again. That will allow more light through, but do change your bulbs first.

 

I considered doing this when I needed to replace one of my '95's headlamps because of rock damage, but then read posts from several different people who ran both setups on their 4th Gens., & said they preferred the light output (on the road) of the '95/'96 lamp over the '97-'99.

If you're thinking of doing this, search for threads on the topic & you'll see what I'm talking about.

(I eventually picked up a used '95/'96 lamp housing for about $55).


Yes, loosen/retighten the grounds and freshen up the metal contacts on the bulb connections as was suggested.

Do also consider a bulb upgrade. I just ordered these:

http://www.globalpremier.com/XD5bulbs.html

NOTE: These are overwattage bulbs (80w/100w) (OEM is: 45w/65w), so you could potentially run into problems with melting your stock wiring harnesses, even though this company says you won't - just be advised. The safest way to go with overwatt bulbs is to also purchase heavy-duty, upgraded wiring harnesses as well. At the very least, use dielectric grease on the bulb contacts before you plug them together.

 

The glass housings seem to be in perfect shape. I'll try some new bulbs. I once did try some bulbs and they didn't seem to be better. I have XD5's in my sentra, those may be ok in the Max, the bulbs usually aren;t used for extended periods of time. I forgot about that contact thing also...one more thing to try.

BTW, I'm going to try that grounding thing in my Sentra. I liked alot of the results.

 

weird. i have 100/110 (some no name brand but bright as hell) for the past 4 months and have had no wiring problems.

 

Is just a matter of time. Mine melted as well after 1 year.

 

Make sure both headlights are aimed properly. I can't tell you how many people I see on the road running stock halogens that are blinding the hell out of people because their lights are aimed too high. It also means you have less light on the road.