I am looking to replace the factory bulbs on my 2007 Maxiima. They are the worst headlights on any car I have ever owed. I bought this car about a year ago, and find that in order to see the road, especially if the roads are wet, I have to turn on the fog lights. Even on dry roads, with the high beams on, they don't do a whole lot.. If it were not for the road signs reflecting some light, I would say they were not even on. Any suggestions on which bulbs or upgrades would be appreciated.

 

You obviously haven't driven an older gen

But are your headlights halogen or HID?

 

I am guessing the headlights are factory originals. The Maxima is still new to me so I assume they are Halogen. Even the side turning lights throw more light than the headlights!

 

I can make a suggestion either way but you would have to confirm what kind of headlights they are before I can.

Either was an option depending on the trim level.

 

I will have to check to be sure which ones they are, and will get back to you on that.

 

There's nothing to check really, Either the lights are whitish 4300 kelvin, or they are yellowish, around 3000k, normally can tell with the naked eye. Also, I think only the SL had HID's, But I could be wrong about that. So which sub model did you have, and what color are the lights.

Also, if you're lenses are fogged over by oxidation or other forms of environmental damage, you should work that out too. A clear lenses will project light, hazy lenses will filter/stop some of the light.

 

I'd suggest replacing the headlight housings. My mom's 2013 Altima had great headlights when it was new. Around 120k miles, the visibility was next to nothing. I got some aftermarket headlights from Amazon and saved one of the OEM ones to see if I could open it up and see what the issue was, but I haven't done that yet. I'm assuming a reflective coating has worn off the inside of the projector from the heat the bulb gives off, but this is just a guess. Changing bulbs did nothing for the OEM housings, but new housings were a massive difference.

 

I noticed when I turn on the headlights, they come on and then they seem to get brighter after a few seconds. I am not sure if that is any indication of the bulb type. They seem to have a bluish white color compared to the fog lights. I checked the owners manual and it mentions Xenon and Halogen bulbs, nothing about HID. I did clean the oxidation from the outer clear plastic, so they are nice and clear.

 

Is she an SL? That would cinch it that it's HID's. Xenon is HID for clarification. I'm surpised you are disappointed with the HID's. I remember the first night out with the 07 and the HID's it was amazingly bright to anything I had owned before. Now the bulbs in yours are likely original, that being said, they do dim over the years. Get a pair of them, good quality not some ebay crap and you'll be wowed again. Great projectors in the SL for those HID's...

 

My car is an SL. I will definitely be getting a new set of HID bulbs. I look forward to seeing the road at night.Thanks to everyone for your help!

 

I'm 99% sure you will need new bulbs but you may also need new projectors as well. They're not too hard to replace.

 

Thanks again......It looks like bulbs and projectors will keep me busy for a while. Between the Maxima and my 86 300zx turbo, I have been learning as I go along. Good thing for Maxima.org , zcar.com and youtube!

 

If you need parts for the job, let me know. I can set you up no problem.

 

Thanks ChrisMan. That is great! It won't be until spring when I get to it. I have a single car garage, and it has a car in it til then. How can I tell if the projectors need to be replaced?

 

I highly doubt this issue is caused by the bulbs....the OEM HID bulbs on my '02 with 250k miles are still bright as ever. It's the projector. And i've driven an '07 with bi-level HIDs and they are very bright.

 

You can unbolt the projectors from the housings and check the condition of their bowls.

 

I will pull the housings out and check the projectors. But it may be a little while before I can do that, like many people I like to do things myself, and have to wait until winter is over to get into my garage. I will post my results when it gets done.

 

Last Night one of my headlights burnt out! I assume that might explain the problem with the poor headlights.