Ok guys...I know there are a million-and-a-half lighting questions on this board and I hate to create another thread, but I've done a search and I just couldn't find the info I needed...

Basically, there are like ten different bulb types and wattages that can go in a Max, and I'm just totally confused as to what goes where. I've got a 98 SE, and I want to know what bulb types go in ALL the external lighting areas and what the stock wattages are. I think a listing like this would probably be pretty damn helpful to a lot of people and could make a good F.A.Q. addition.

So, for example, where do the following bulb types go (if anywhere): H3, H4, 9004, 1157, 1156, 194, etc.? Also, what kind of bulbs/process must one use to have the "brighter" corner lights?

I think it would also make sense to create a sticky page for the different brands/models of aftermarket lights, reviews, and links to places to buy them so that visitors can actually easily do research on what would be best for their car and where to get them. I know I hate my stock lighting setup, but I don't know what the hell to buy or where to buy it.

 

Well, I'm not a lighting mod person, but I think the 9004 & H4 are repalcements for the headlights and the H3 is for the fog lights...

From the 5th Gen Forum FAQs....
PIAA Super Plasma H4 [purplish] (headlight) === H-76
PIAA Xtreme White H3 [whitish/bluish] (foglight) === H-212
Polarg B1 Hybrid Visual [amber] (front signal) === G-34
Polarg B1 Hybrid Visual [amber] (rear signal) === G-07
PIAA Plasma [blue] (front and rear clear markers) === H-63
Polarg B1 Hybrid [red] (brake light) === M-3
GiGaLux [super white] (reverse light) === BW701
No Name LED wedge bulb [blue] (step lights, on doors) ===
Raybrig Hyper bulb [super white] (trunk light) === R130
Polarg B1 Hybrid [super white] (map light) === M-26
Polarg B1 Hybrid [super white] (dome light) === M-16

 

That's a very good idea.... I think there have been as many Lighting questions regarding size and wattage as there have been of all the other Frequently Asked Questions....

Why not FAQ ALL the bulbs in the car, inside and out.... including gauges, A/C controls, etc..



good suggestion

 

djmaxski: Thanks for the info. Certainly helpful to some degree in terms of appearance, but the bulbs are of different types for 4th gen cars, so it doesn't translate directly. But it's a start!

NYCe: I think you're right -- a lighting FAQ for everything would be good.

So, if anyone has ANY information they can contribute regarding the types of bulbs that go where, regardless of whether or not it's just one type of bulb or something, please do. Also, any more information on the looks of a given type of bulb will be great -- a complete review would be nice.

I'll start out with what I know in the next post!

 

The bulb types and locations are in the back of the owners manual, but I wouldn't expect anyone to open it.

 

This is a review of the PIAA H3 Ion Crystal 55w=85w Bulb that is appropriate for the foglights on 4th Gen. Maximas.

I have NOT installed these bulbs on my own car nor have I ridden in a car with them installed; I can only comment on the appearance of these bulbs as seen from the outside of the car as I saw them on Max4Speed's 1998 SE.

The bulbs emit a nice, bright, completely PURE yellow light (not amber at all!) The look is very similar to that seen on Lexus's, older Infiniti QX4's, etc. Very nice looking bulb, and I would imagine the yellow would help with visibility in fog much moreso than a blueish light.

These bulbs can be purchased for $27 from AutoSeattle.com. Here's a link:

http://www.autoseattle.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=13555

 

Headlights - 9004
Fog Lights - H3
Sidemarkers - 194
Blinkers (front) - 1156
Corner light - 1157
Rear sidemarkers - 194
Interior courtesy lights (on doors) - 194
Glove compartment - 194
Trunk light - 194

That's all I can think of right now...hope that helps a little...

Peace

 

Well don't I feel like an idiot. Thanks for pointing that out. Still, no one knows that -- I think a question in the normal FAQ regarding the bulb types and directing people to check their manual would be good.

Also, there's still a lot of confusion regarding the look and quality of various types of bulbs. I think it would be worthwhile to compile a list of reviews for the various types (PIAA Super Plasma, Philips BlueVision, Nokya Arctic Whites, etc.), any known issues, where to buy them, prices, etc.

 

Thanks man! That's perfect! Only now I know that all I had to do all along was go check my manual, but hey, you saved me a trip to my car!

 

I wish I could remember what was in the taillights...either 1156 or 1157...i'm sure somebody knows.

Peace

 

Brake lights 1157, turns and reverse 1156.

 

Thanks

 

I like that idea...