How to Replace the Light on a 2002 Nissan Frontier

Checking and changing your 2002 Nissan Frontier's lights are important for routine safety maintenance. Driving a Frontier with a burned-out headlight or tail light is not only dangerous for you, but for other motorists, as well. Changing the lights is a quick task that is not difficult to do.

Replace Headlight

• 1

  Park the vehicle and turn off its ignition. Locate the headlight assembly that you need to work on by opening the hood. On the driver's side, unsnap the cover to the air box and pull out the air filter. Reach into the air box and find three bolts that are connecting the air box to the engine. Remove these bolts to get the air box out of the way. On the passenger side, you may be able to reach the back of the headlight assembly. If you cannot, remove the battery by unbolting it, turning counterclockwise with the socket wrench. Remove the negative (black) battery cable, followed by the positive (red) cable.

• 2

  Find the plastic plug in the back of the headlight. Press the plug in the middle to unlock it. Unplug the wire after depressing it.

• 3

  Turn the ring around the headlight counterclockwise. Both the ring and the bulb will come off.

• 4

  Install the new bulb using a rag or gloves to prevent touching the glass bulb with your bare hands. The oils on your fingers can cause the bulb to heat unevenly and burn out. Turn the retainer ring clockwise to lock the bulb in place. You will hear a click or snapping noise when it is in place.

• 5

  Connect the plug into the socket of the new headlight. Reinstall the battery, if you have it disconnected. Connect the positive (red) cable to the battery, turning the socket wrench clockwise, followed by the negative (black) cable. Replace the air box if you replaced the driver's side bulb. Check to make sure the lights are in working order.

Tail Light Replacement

• 1

  Open the tailgate of the Frontier and find the two bolts located on the rear corner, behind the tail light. Remove the bolts, turning counterclockwise with the socket wrench.

• 2

  Pull the tail light assembly away from the truck. Remove the plastic cover located on the back of the assembly.

• 3

  Turn the tail light module counterclockwise until it easily pulls out. Unlock the wiring.

• 4

  Pull out the old bulb and replace it with a new bulb, making sure to not directly touch the bulb. Use gloves or a clean rag when handling to avoid getting skin oils on the bulb. Oil from your hands can cause the bulb to heat unevenly and crack.

• 5

  Twist the module clockwise to lock it back into the assembly. Place the assembly back into truck. Insert the bolts and tighten them, turning clockwise, to secure the lighting assembly.