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Nissan Altima Hybrid Electrical and Lighting Questions
Is there a mechanical reason why Nissan does not offer a xenon or fog light package with the Altima Hybrid (i.e., xenon lights might melt wires, etc.)? If not I'd appreciate some input about installing aftermarket xenon and fog lights -- i.e., exisiting discussion threads, best brands, what to do, what not to do, etc.
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if you were to change to HID's, i would recommend the non relay type connectors (since the battery is in the trunk). also, search some forums (nissanclub.com) on the disassembly procedure (you'll get crucified if you ask, so SEARCH)
major thing is, don't take off the bumper! take off the engine cover from the wheel well
that's what I did, I took the wheel off to get more access, then I popped those buttons off, took off some of the screws under the fender, and pulled the cover and tucked it behind the rotor to give me access to all of the lights
kind of annoying if you ask me. it's so complicated just to change light bulbs now. if you just wanted to change your rear turn signals/backup lights/brake lights, it requires you to remove the entire rear light to gain access....kind of stupid if you ask me but the stealerships are sure raking in the money on things like this
They are offering to do the xenon fogs for $380 including the kit and install. I'll be making an appointment probably in two weeks and will let you know how it turns out.
If you stand behind T&R's work, I will be paying them a definite visit this week! (I live in Santa Clara but have a couple of close friends is San Leandro)
Thanks again; you've saved me a lot of time! Let me know how the fogs work out... I may add them too...
-jon (j5)
Can't seem to find their number on Google Maps... I know they're next to Kuttek Werkz (the glass place) but I wanted to call before heading down to make sure when they will have time to do the work... can you post the number, please?
Thanks!
-jon
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/pts/592356106.html
Also, their phone is 510-331-2348. I dealt with Tao but the others in the shop just as knowledgable and helpful.
FYI, you might want to ask if they will come out to your home/work to do the install so you don't have to make the trip. They offered to do this on the fogs when I do it.
I haven't been able to actually drive at night with them but I like the color of the 5k which is a very bright white after the bulbs warm up which doesn't take long.
Good luck!
Spoke to Tao, who will do the job today for me. I don't think I'll get the fogs just yet; it's the 1st, and the mortgage is due
Maybe next payday! :shades:
Did you get the job done? Have you had a chance to drive at night? If so, what do you think of the performance? I just finished driving up from Capitola to SF (10:35pm now). I like the asthetics of the 5k bulb but I am concerned that they are maybe too bright to the point perhaps where they are too bright for the driver in front of me and therefore illegal (?). Going uphill on Hwy 17 I got flashed by another driver coming downhill from the opposite side of the hwy. I have another car with factory installed HIDs (Mazda CX-9) and I don't think that they are quite as bright. I've just been trying to keep a large distance when I can with the other drivers in front of me.
I notice a big difference The lights are very bright.
I read somewhere else that if the bulbs aren't focussed, then they are going to be scattered and really bright. If you notice, many factory stock HID setups have a lens to focus the light, which is very expensive to add after the fact (requires modifying the entire lamp assembly). Other HID kits I've seen (Kaixen I think?) have bulbs that are "cut off" by having the upper half of the bulb painted so that the light only hits the road rather than the entire area below, ahead and above the front of the car.
I personally don't think it's a huge deal; my wife's 2004 Scion XB has had a mis-aimed headlight for 2 years as the result of her rear ending a Corolla, and we just have never had it fixed. People flash her at least 3 or 4 times a day. Life goes on. I don't think it's enough to be hazardous; the fact that you were driving up 17 tells me that you had to already have had the car on an upward angle for it to be bothersome enough for others to flash.
Lastly, every time I mention HID's to people my parents' age and above (I'm 27, they're in their late 50's), they always say, "oh, you mean those horridly bright lights the fancy cars have on them these days?" So, it's a generational thing too.
So, unless you get some kind of cutoff device installed (an internal shield or hood - i've heard of them being expensive and not very effective) or "cutoff" bulbs, you may just have to contend with some slightly irked drivers... and your significantly improved field of vision at night!
I'll let you know how they look tomorrow, maybe post a pic or two. :shades:
I got them installed this morning; man, that guy works fast (45 minutes!) Almost too fast... I hope the ballasts are well secured, lol...
They look great!! I got the 6000K bulbs, and they are exactly what I wanted. I believe they are actually a touch dimmer than the 5000K because there's less tinting to the glass of the bulb at 5000K. They are BRIGHT though! I didn't have anyone flash me (matter of fact, it seems that everyone and their mother has HID's now... every other car on the road tonight seemed to be equipped with them, so I guess no one wants to be a hypocrite and complain.
I was worried about the "cutoff" of the lights, or them being too scattered, but they seem cut off exactly where the stock bulbs were cutting off, so the light stops dead at about license-plate level on the car in front of you when stopped a traffic signal. Do yours cut off at about the same place, niners?
Well, I can say pretty confidently, Tao of T&R Lighting in San Leandro does a quick, effective install of HID's on the NAH, with no detriment to performance. $200 installed; give him a call at [the number on his Craigslist posting: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/pts/592356106.html , or PM me if you want the number] if you live in the SF Bay Area!
I'll try and post some pics when I get a chance.
Thanks again!
-Jon
Thanks!
Eph
At first, when I got the vehicle I was troubled as I have not had a car without fog lights for several years, and I keep them on all the time (at night) and I can see much better. However, I have found the regular headlights on the vehicle are fine and I don't reallyt miss them.
But, it looks also dumb, and "incomplete" for Nissan to have created a spot for them in the front end and to see those stupid black plastic covers. At the time the vehicle was built, how much more would it have cost them? It should have at least been part of the tech package, they already get a big price for that.