The discussion of converting halogen headlamps to HID with the factory parts is definitely possible. The parts needed are the bulbs, ballasts and wiring harness.

You will also need the internal projector assembly for the new DS2 bulbs. They will not fit in the 9012 projector. Also, the HID projector is made of aluminum to handle the intense heat generated by the bulbs. The projector is the part of the headlamp internal that the bulb mounts into. This focuses the beam throught the internal lens of the headlamp. As the other thread suggests, the shutter system for low/high beam is the same for both headlamps.

Obtaining a cosmetically damaged used HID headlamp assembly would provide the easiest and probably cheapest part source for converting from halogen to HID.

 

Where does all your information come from?

 

My personal experience of comparing both headlamps side by side.

These were the obvious differences that I could see. I am just assuming the metal projector is for heat resistance. I do know the HID bulbs run hotter than halogen.

 

I am assuming that the shape of the reflector is different for the HID than the Halogen - and I think you are very correct that trying to find a complete assembly is the best route to take. Do you know if the DRL's can be activated? My elite came with HID's so changing them is not an issue, but it would be nice to take advantage of the 4th spot in the assembly and activate the DRL's...

 

someone did it or at least attempted it on here. you'll have to cut and wire everything though. ask the Canucks for help, they have it standard. when would you use it? I think you will be in vio if you run them with headlights on.

 

The problem with adding Daytime Running Lamps to a USA model is there is no DRL bulb there. The USA spec does not even have the hole cut out in the back of the housing for the bulb. Even if the bulb could be fashioned in place, they would have to be wired straight to the ignition On switch. The Canada unit triggers them from the ECM, according to the service manual.

 

didn't I just say that?

 

No, I don't think so.

 

I currently am awaiting for my HID to come in. so give me a week guys. with all this talk about HID, its perfect timing.

I have HID Projector, hid bulbs, ballasts, and all the wiring needed on order. Hopefully by next weekend, I'll let you know how I made out.

 

A mod might want to stick this :P


Here's what I've been able to come up with by ripping apart my front end in order to do this in the very near future.

Open the hood
Remove the grill
Remove the cover over the passenger side assembly
Remove the 2 screws on top of each headlight assembly
Remove about 5 plastic lock thingys from underneath the bumper
Remove 4 screws underneath the bumper (2 on each side)
If possible, remove your front tires if you have large hands/arms.
Pull back the black plastic tire well cover from the bumper edges
There are 4 screws, 2 on each side holding the bumper on, remove them.
Gently pull the bumper forward and let hang in front of the car (I didn't remove the corner lamps)
Remove 2 screws that attach the fender and headlight to the frame (1 on each side)
Remove 4 screws from the front of the headlight assemblies (2 on each side of the car)
Pull the headlights out and unclip the wiring harness.
Now the easy work is done.

To convert your halogens to your HIDs is not a cakewalk
I haven't finished this step so let me know of a better way if you figure one out.
First you need to remove the wiring from each assembly
Remove the black outer case on the headlight(stuck on with weather glue)
Drill/cut out the ring on the underside of the black cover to allow the high voltage thingys to fit onto the bottom of the headlight assemblies.
Throw in the main aluminum casings.
Put it all back together and pray to every god ever imagined that your headlights are sealed and that water won't sneak in because you broke the factory headlight seals.

I should've taken pictures...

-Erik

 

I'd rather wait till someone sells whole HID headlight assemblies at the junkyard then trying to convert my 04/05s to HID. I'm worried about water leakage and that the lights will be properly balanced.

 

if you say so. thought it was obvious there is no bulb.


and you guys doubted my wisdom before.

 

Couldnt you just purchase a 9005 upgrade kit. The 9005 bulb is somewhat equivalent to the HIR2/9012 bulb in the way that it fits into the headlight Assm. Am I right? I am also trying to figure this out. I can purchase an assembly for the DS2 bulb or i can get an 9005 HID upgrade kit, the only thing i will not have is the reflectors that come with the factory HID Assm.

 

thats weird. I thought all the 2004 & 5 come with HID standard. I didn't know you can get the halogen with them.........

 

Apparently you can...I brought my maxima SE and it just came with halogens (which I thought where HID's) but my nephew works as a saleman at a Missan delaership and I asked him and he said the lowest model SE comes with it, but if I was to get a SL or a more "upscaled" SE it would come with it.......and I too have been looking for HID kits for mines, but I'm just getting more confused as to what I need I was gonna get a 9005 HID kit, but then a guy said that is for high beam and that I need one for the lower.....I can't seem to find it, or maybe I'm crazy....
Then I heard about getting "HIR's" which are suppose to be a direct replacment for the OEM stock and still give you that "HID" look....I saw them selling on Ebay for 30 bucks each.....what do you guys think?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT

 

I'm pretty sure that the HIDs are standard on the SL and an option on the SE. Up here in Canada, HIDs are included if you buy an SE with the leather package.

Bob

 

yea thats what I thought. cause I have HID with the leather. but I just thought it was a standard on all aptions, guess not.

 

Before you go on to purchase an HID upgrade kit for you car look into it big time. It really is not hard to install, but if you become aware of all the technicalities, you might not want to do it. I have been looking into doing it myself, that is how i came across the Maxima forum. You can purchase an 9005 HID kit for the Maxima. The 9005 is said to be a suitable replacment for the 9012/HIR2 bulbs that are in our maxima. Dont worry about the high beam issue. The 9005 is a high beam. But if i am correct...the Maxima has a a cutoff shield, that blocks a portion of the beam to allow for normal low beam visibility, when you activate your high beams, the cutoff shield moves to allow all of the light to project. The issues that i am concerned with is the heat generated by an HID. I dont know if it will melt the inside of the projector (if that makes any sense) that is probably uncommon. The factory HID assembly that comes with the car is a HELLA projector for the D2S bulb (top of the line type stuff) and is designed to work precisely with HIDs'. Now the Halogen projectors are designed to project the light of a the HIR2 bulb that comes with the vehicle. You can install the 9005 HID into the halogen projector, but you run the chance of the beam not being projected correctly. You can probably fix that. I have not done it yet, but i read and read all over about this issue. A fellow Maxer mentioned how the price really is not worth it. And if you take a look, the bulb that you have in your Maxima right now, is not a typical Halogen. Check out this webpage http://www.network54.com/Forum/216460. It has much useful information. Bottom line...yes you can probably use an HID upgrade kit. But keep in mind your warranty with the manfacturer. The quality of the HID upgrade (they are not legal) and everyone that sells these kits claims Phillips or other major lighting sources names. If you check out the link, and can elaborate a little more for yah. But read into first, that way you dont waist your money or screw something up in your car.

 

don't get those bulbs. he didn't show any pics of them lighting up either. PIAA and Silverstar have bright bulbs that shine at 4000K. those bulbs shine at 3600K.

 

Have you guys looked at this thread?

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....7&page=1&pp=30

Umnitza is selling HID kits for 275 shipped (+ tax for those in CA).

 

Checkout my thread Answer to 04/05 HID. You have already have 9012 HIRs. I didn't know I did until multiple sources told me and they were the people I was going to buy HIRs from and I saw my stock bulb and theres. I went with a complete HID retrofit and it looks stock. Hit me up on my thread with any questions....

 

You're right....

 

What you have is a 9012 HIR bulb. This directly maps to a 9006, not a 9005. I tried it, the 9005 is loose in the socket. I bought the Palarion 6000K Kit. I have had nothing but problems, from the beam not being the same to not putting the right amount of light on the road for a HID bulb.

The company I got them from was awesome however.. they did work through all the problems and were willing to make it right. (www.xenonfactory.com) they also do a 3 yr warranty not a one year the the rest of the outfits out there... I would recommend these guys, they want to make sure that the customer is satistfied, and I think thats important!!

Needless to say, with the HIR 9012, something just isnt right with the kit. I have a feeling its cause they dont make the 9012 and there maybe not be much of a difference, but theres enough.

I will be buying the brand NEW complete HID assembly from a authorized Nissan dealer online for like 1300.00 I have verified with a few people that the connectors for the HID and the halogen are identical. Which means plug and play baby. I will spead a little more to have it perfect, as I love the car and plan on having it awhile.

 

I dont know why anyone would buy this car without HID, its seriously a bargain option at this price point.

 

because the only way you get the SE with HID is if you do atleast the "Driver Preferred" Package. and thats a $3600.00 option at the cheapest.

 

Waah Waah

 

our prices are lower now