I searched. A little. Didn't find a simple solution. My headlights don't have the typical 10mm fasteners which would make removing them 115% easier than what I will have to figure out on my own unless anyone knows the shortcut and would be so kind to share.

Thanks a bunch.

 

Here's what I came up with: File/grind slot in fastener head, back up funky nut on the backside, turn head of fastener with flat-head. Sound about right?

 

Got tired of waiting for you guys See pics for solution to defeat the stupid anti-theft fasteners. Worked like a charm. Could even re-use dumb fasteners if you were careful. A no-brainer, really.

 

Yes, for anti theft I believe. Was probably done when those headlights were getting stolen often.

 

Apparently so, as my research revealed. I imagine the bulk of the theft was geographically centralized to the highly congested east coast, as that is apparently where the majority of theft occurred as well as the class action lawsuit against Nissan originated. One now wonders, however, just how valuable these headlamps were, and how truly profitable the black market rate was for HID lamps during the height of the storm? I find it utterly despicable and low for one to creep to the dismal depths of moral turpitude to even consider stealing another's headlights. I mean, for real? Freaking headlights? Was it really that big of a business, or were the crackheads at the time just that hungry?

 

tur·pi·tude

(tûr′pĭ-to͞od′, -tyo͞od′)


Ive got my learn on for the day.

 

I remember when this was going on. Thieves would use a jack to force the hoods open to steal the lights. Caused a lot of damage to the cars beyond just the lights.
The lights from Ni$$an were crazy expensive and there were no aftermarket options. People wanted them for repairs to damaged, or stolen lights and to upgrade the 00/01 cars.

 

I bought my 2002 in 2004 and a year later they tried to steal my headlights. My vehicle had the anti theft modification performed with the Data Dots but the thief who targeted my vehicle was unaware until he bent the hood of the vehicle and I guess finally gave up. I was so upset. I paid close to 800 to get the car sorted out. I was so paranoid about parking the car that I put it up for sale on Autotrader. I am glad I did not sell. This car has served me well.

 

That's just crazy. Headlights, of all things? Who knew?

 

Remember, the 2002 Maxima was one of the first mass market cars with Hid lights. I believe only S class Mercedes and 7 series BMWs had them at the time.

 

not to hijack a thread (sorry to the OP). This was kinda on the same topic (HID headlights). =P

I'm posting in the buy/sell section for the 5th gen a set of OEM headlights with the OEM security brackets. If anyone is interested, I've sold my Maxima years ago, but I did so much work on those headlights it was the only mod I kept. The headlights have the DDE Angel eyes, signal lamp cleared out, security brackets (which bolt underneath the headlights and onto your chassis, front bumper needs removal). I do have printed out instructions which detail the exact wires to use on a '00-'01 as well.

 

A quick $1000 is a profit no matter what the goods are. These really were high ticket items and super easy to grab.

 

I don't see the ad. Will you include pics when you post?

 

i wonder what other oem cars used hid reflector housings, the next gen went right to projectors, even the 2003 350 went to projectors (ugly first gens projectors)

the only one I can think of acura TL that had HID reflector housings shortly after the 5.5 gen. and i remember seeing tons of them years later with pink (dying bulbs) almost more than healthy bulbs