5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003) Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.

gap between the headlight and the bumper

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Old Aug 9, 2011 | 10:22 AM
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gap between the headlight and the bumper

At one time did any of you have a gap between the bumper and the headlight?

I can upload pics but i think some of you might know what i'm talking about.

Anyway i ask because i just changed my ballast on the driver side the reason i had to do that.....it had water in it which cause the HID bulb not to come on. After i changed it everything was good but now it's not working again
Old Aug 9, 2011 | 12:44 PM
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If the gap you are speaking of is along the bottom of the headlight housing, then yes that space is normal (probably 1/4 to 3/8") the headlamp housing is not meant to sit flush up against the bumper. I have never had an issue with the slight gap causing the HID unit to just crap out as you have described.
Old Aug 9, 2011 | 12:51 PM
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I have the same problem, but I have an aftermarket bumper/fender so I'm assuming it's the culprit.
Old Aug 9, 2011 | 01:09 PM
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isn't there a front bumper adjustment thingy? to adjust it down/up...
Old Aug 9, 2011 | 04:08 PM
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i never heard of anything like before....
Old Aug 9, 2011 | 04:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Ghost_54
If the gap you are speaking of is along the bottom of the headlight housing, then yes that space is normal (probably 1/4 to 3/8") the headlamp housing is not meant to sit flush up against the bumper. I have never had an issue with the slight gap causing the HID unit to just crap out as you have described.

+1 It's normal.
Old Aug 9, 2011 | 06:05 PM
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Gap? What gap

Old Aug 9, 2011 | 08:36 PM
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Originally Posted by TunerMaxima3000
Gap? What gap

How is it that you dont have the gap?
Old Aug 9, 2011 | 09:00 PM
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As far as i have seen some 5.5's have the gap and some dont....i look at it as a mass production defect in some ways...like the way some sneakers may have a little excess glue or lighter suede and some come perfect from the factory

*im gapless btw


My previous 5.5....not so much


Both had OEM bumpers and OEM headlights

Last edited by Yoitsme; Aug 9, 2011 at 09:25 PM.
Old Aug 10, 2011 | 07:04 AM
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So there is no way to fix it?
Old Aug 10, 2011 | 07:30 AM
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you can adjust the front bumper fitment...you have to be able to...I'm sure anyone who has taken off the front bumper can attest to this. I would be interested in knowing how...
Old Aug 10, 2011 | 08:50 AM
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gap

Mine has a bit of a gap too... the bumper on mine is sagging slightly. I'm possibly missing a pushpin or something.
Old Aug 10, 2011 | 11:50 AM
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Originally Posted by boost4age
How is it that you dont have the gap?
Mine has a 5th gen bumper

The gap is adjustable to some extent, but if the gap is even all the way across, it's unlikely you'll be able to do much about it. All of the 5.5's I've seen have an even gap under the headlight. I'll check my 5.5 tonight and post some better pictures, as well as check for adjustment.
Old Aug 10, 2011 | 12:00 PM
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http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...nt-bumper.html

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...umper-gap.html

i'm sure more could be found if someone were to search...
Old Aug 10, 2011 | 09:34 PM
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Here is a pic of my 02's headlight
Old Aug 11, 2011 | 03:26 PM
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Some gap is normal, but you may want to check to be sure you dont have any broken bolts or pins. I had a broken bolt on the passanger side and only noticed it due to the rattle noise it made over bumps. An easy check is to just grab a hold of the bumper cover and see if you can lift or move it all. Its a PITA to fix, I had to access it by removing the headlight and blindly feel around the inside of the fender.
Old Aug 11, 2011 | 04:09 PM
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if you have a gap that means you might have the wrong headlights. 2002-03 lights are bigger than the 2000-01 .i have a 2003 max and i have a gap that is almost 1 inch which means that sombody switched mine before i bought the car hope that helps
Old Aug 11, 2011 | 08:33 PM
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Was your headlights replaced at one time? because, its possible that whoever fixed your headlight lense, didnt snap the lense back into place all the way. I noticed a gap on my driverside headlight lense at the bottom of the lense, so I applied slight pressure to the lense, and the lense snapped back into place, and now there is no gap. try that
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