What is the low beam headlight bulb size for a 1997 Nissan Maxima?

The 1997 Nissan Maxima uses a 9004 LED bulb for the low beam headlights. We recommend upgrading to LED for better visibility.

What is the high beam headlight bulb size for a 1997 Nissan Maxima?

The high beam bulb size for the 1997 Nissan Maxima is 9004 LED.

Why are my 1997 Nissan Maxima headlights dim?

Dim headlights on a 1997 Nissan Maxima can be caused by aging halogen bulbs, which lose brightness over time, or oxidation (cloudiness) on the plastic headlight lenses. Upgrading to a 9004 LED LED conversion kit can provide a significantly brighter and whiter light output.

Which bulb fits the 1997 Nissan Maxima fog light?

The 1997 Nissan Maxima uses a H3 LED bulb for the fog light position.

Is the 1997 Nissan Maxima single or dual beam?

The 1997 Nissan Maxima uses a single bulb (dual filament) headlight system. This means one bulb controls both high and low beams.

Can I install LED bulbs on my 1997 Nissan Maxima?

Yes, the 1997 Nissan Maxima comes with standard halogen bulbs from the factory, but they can be upgraded to LED. You will need a 9004 LED LED conversion kit for the low beams.

Does the 1997 Nissan Maxima have fog lights?

Yes, the 1997 Nissan Maxima takes a H3 LED bulb for the fog light position.

Did the 1997 Nissan Maxima change headlight bulb sizes from the previous year?

Yes — the 1997 Nissan Maxima uses different bulb sizes than the 1996 model. The 1997 generation introduced this bulb configuration.

Is the 1997 Nissan Maxima the first or last year to use 9004 LED bulbs?

The 1997 Nissan Maxima is the only year in the 1997 generation to use the 9004 LED bulb for the low beam headlight.

How do I change the headlight on a 1997 Nissan Maxima?

Turn off the vehicle and open the hood. Locate the headlight assembly from behind, remove the dust cover or retaining clip, disconnect the wiring harness, twist the old 9004 LED bulb counter-clockwise to remove it, then insert the new bulb and reassemble. The whole process typically takes 10 to 30 minutes per side depending on accessibility.

Are LED headlights legal for a 1997 Nissan Maxima?

LED bulbs used off-road or in auxiliary lights are legal everywhere. For on-road headlight use, legality varies by state. Many states allow LED retrofits as long as the beam pattern meets DOT standards. For the best legal compliance, choose a DOT-approved 9004 LED LED kit that is designed as a direct replacement and produces a proper cutoff pattern without excessive glare.

How much does it cost to replace 1997 Nissan Maxima headlights?

A pair of halogen 9004 LED bulbs costs $15 to $40, while LED conversion kits run $25 to $60 per pair. If you have a shop do the work, expect an additional $20 to $50 in labor per bulb. Replacing them yourself at home saves the labor cost and usually takes under 30 minutes.

What is the difference between halogen and LED for a 1997 Nissan Maxima?

Halogen bulbs produce a warm yellow light (around 3200K), last 500 to 1000 hours, and draw more power. LED bulbs emit a brighter white light (5000-6000K), last 25,000+ hours, and use less energy. LED upgrades for the 9004 LED position are available as direct plug-and-play replacements.

The 1997 Nissan Maxima has a unique bulb configuration not shared with adjacent model years.

Fitment Guaranteed for 1997 Nissan Maxima

What Size Bulbs Does a 1997 Nissan Maxima Use?

Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.

Installation Difficulty

Easy (Plug and Play)

Est. Replacement Cost

$15 - $40 (Halogen) / $30+ (LED)

What Lighting System Does the 1997 Nissan Maxima Have?

When it comes to nighttime visibility, the 1997 Nissan Maxima relies on an arrangement of 13 specialized bulbs. It features an extensive lighting system powered by a halogen-based setup where a single 9004 LED dual-filament bulb handles both low and high beam duties within the same reflector. This model belongs to the mid years of the Maxima's 1981-2023 production span.

Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1997 Nissan Maxima?

Upgrading to LED is one of the most effective ways to modernize your Nissan's appearance and safety profile. Since your Maxima uses a single 9004 LED bulb for both high and low beams, ensure your chosen LED kit is "dual-beam" compatible. This allows the LED circuitry to mimic the two-filament design of the original halogen bulb. Don't forget the H3 LED fog lights; switching these to LED can dramatically improve your visibility in adverse weather.

1997 Nissan Maxima Bulb Size Chart

Position	Bulb Size	Shop
Low Beam	9004 LED	Buy 9004 LED →
High Beam	9004 LED	Buy 9004 LED →
Fog Light	H3 LED	Buy H3 LED →
Brake Light	1156 LED	Buy 1156 LED →
Side Marker	194 LED	Buy 194 LED →
Turn Signal Front	1156 LED	Buy 1156 LED →
Turn Signal Rear	1156 LED	Buy 1156 LED →
Dome Light	DE3175	Buy DE3175 →
License Plate	168	Buy 168 →
Parking Light	1157	Buy 1157 →
Reverse Light	921	Buy 921 →
Trunk Light	158	Buy 158 →
Tail Light	1157	Buy 1157 →

How do the 1997 Nissan Maxima's bulbs compare to other years?

The 1997 Nissan Maxima changed bulb sizes from 1996. The previous model year used a different configuration.

The 1998 model switched to a different bulb configuration.

This bulb configuration covers the 1997 model years. ← 1996 1998 →

Finding the best installation guide...

Other Maxima Years

2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981

More from Nissan

1200 200SX 210 240SX 240Z 260Z 280Z 280ZX

Other Vehicles That Use 9004 LED Bulbs

2005 Chevrolet Venture 2003 Isuzu Rodeo Sport 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 2002 Dodge Ram 3500 2002 Isuzu Trooper 1999 Acura SLX