How do you replace the fog light bulbs on a 2004 Maxima?

Answer 1

The only way I found was to remove the entire front bumper!

First, I tried removing the head/fog light assembly. Once you pop the hood, there are 2 screws in the top of the assembly, but something was still catching on the bottom.

Next, I removed the wheel and the wheel well plastic, but still could not get access to the rear of the head/fog light assembly.

Finally, I read somewhere that there were 2 screws in the bottom of the assembly behind the bumper! The hardest part about the bumper removal are the two screws inside the bumper near the cornering lights that hold it to the frame. So you need to remove both wheels and enough of the wheel well plastic liner (you can remove the clips to the top and fold the rest back) to get your arm in there. I also had to buy a short pivoting ratchet to get at these ones.

Beyond that, the rest of the screws and clips were accessible from under the hood and below the car. It goes without saying, replace both bulbs! :) Also, you'll want to have some extra body panel clips on hand.

I don't have a writeup, but I took some pictures to help me to remember the next time I have to do it.

http://picasaweb.Google.com/briandmel.com/TheFoglight

You might want to try this first:

Driver's side: remove air duct that connects to your air filter box.... then remove air/filter box and intake tube.... takes about 5 minutes.... if that.

From there you have plenty of space to access both the headlight and the fog light.

Passenger side: Remove the windshield wiper snorkel and the coolant reservoir.... this also take about 5 minutes if that.... and it gives you enough room to access the head light and fog light.... the space is a bit more tight to work in but its still enough to get the job done. [Good advice, but it also helps to remove the fuse box that's just in front of the coolant reservoir. That gives you enough room to get to the fog light a lot better. To remove the burnt out light, move the wire clip with the circle of wire on the end towards the front of the car, and it will release. Then raise that wire clip up, which will release the light. Inside the housing for the light, you will find the electrical connection, which is inside a pop-open plastic sleeve. After popping open the sleeve and unhooking the connection, take the old light out, connect the new one, place the connection inside the protective sleeve and put the light into the socket. Then pull down the wire back into its locking position. Test your light. If it works, you're set. Now you're ready to replace the fuse box and coolant reservoir.]

Now if you are doing major headlight work then by all means take off your entire front bumper.... but if your looking for a quick fix these might be a better alternative....

None the less, happy maxxin!!!!!!!!!!!

From Maxima.org