Nissan Almera SVE (54 plate) - MOT fail - dim headlight

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
View Threaded
Thu 2 Sep 2010 13:05
Nissan Almera SVE (54 plate) - MOT fail - dim headlight - w201_190e

Hi all.

Our car has failed it's MOT due to a dim headlight.

The mechanic replaced the bulb but this didn't do the trick. They phoned up to let me know this and also quoted ~£250 for a new headlamp unit + labour + VAT. However when I went to the garage, the mechanic took out the new bulb and quite a lot of smoke then came out of the headlamp. It was melting quite badly, so much so that the section of the headlamp that holds the bulb melted off and came out (with the bulb still secured in it!) So now the unit was definitely broken. I'm a bit cheesed off with the garage really. OK there was clearly an issue with the headlamp in the first place otherwise the mechanic would have not failed the MOT but I don't know exactly what that issue was and whether he is at fault for melting and damaging the unit. What are my options rather than spend £250? Is there a fluid I can clean the inside of the headlamp with (if I can get in there with some sort of brush) or is it an electrical grounding issue? If I could solve the reason why it was dim in the first place I reckon I could glue the bulb housing back on with some patience and luck. Any tips much appreciated, thanks.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 2 Sep 2010 14:53
Nissan Almera SVE (54 plate) - MOT fail - dim headlight - Peter D

I suggest that you are wasting your time trying to clean and repair the unit. Ring round a few sc*** yards for a replacement unit. Regards Peter

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 2 Sep 2010 14:55
Nissan Almera SVE (54 plate) - MOT fail - dim headlight - madf

Dim lights suggest poor connections due to corrosion . So check ALL connectors and the earth plus all internal to the headlamp connectors..

You csnnot blame the mechanic for an electrical fault with your car.. I suggest there may be a short across the connectors leading to the smoke and melting... so any repair will have to include a 100% check of the headlamp internal electrics..

I suspect by the time you have repaired it and got it working properly, you may wish you had bought a replacemnet headlamp as getting beam alignment could be very difficult...after a repair as you describe.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 2 Sep 2010 15:18
Nissan Almera SVE (54 plate) - MOT fail - dim headlight - bathtub tom

There was 'not quite recall' on these for precisely the problem you've got. My '53 reg was done in 2006.

I don't think you'll get Nissan to do it now.

Be careful about buying replacement light units secondhand, they may be the sort that suffer the same problems.

I suggest you do a search on the owners forum: www.almeraownersclub.com/

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 2 Sep 2010 15:36
Nissan Almera SVE (54 plate) - MOT fail - dim headlight - w201_190e

Thanks for the replies.

Funny you should mention that bathtub tom as shortly after posting on here I found this link:

<*********="2" color="#0000ff">www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=43586

It prompted me to call Nissan, anyway, 20 minute phone call later, they agreed to take a look at the car to see if it is the same issue. My car was outside the range of 'recall' though, but I'm impressed with the customer service so far. Will update on this next week.... cheers.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 10 May 2013 22:22
Nissan Almera SVE (54 plate) - MOT fail - dim headlight - nissangirl

Hi

I had the same problem and was stopped by the police for using my fog lights but I just couldn't see on headlights alone. I went to a Nissan dealer for help and was told these cars had been recalled due to this headlight problem. The headlights were replaced. \\\\\mine is a 55 plate

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 9 Aug 2013 19:32
Nissan Almera SVE (54 plate) - MOT fail - dim headlight - Fitterman

Hi

I had the same problem and was stopped by the police for using my fog lights but I just couldn't see on headlights alone. I went to a Nissan dealer for help and was told these cars had been recalled due to this headlight problem. The headlights were replaced. \\\\\mine is a 55 plate

Did you get them replaced free of charge? Part charge?

My MOT tester mechanic said your lamps (on Almera SVE 05 plate) are getting dimmer each time, but because the shapes of beams are ok, I can still just pass it. Just have to hold my hands up if I get stopped for using fog lamps as headlamps are practically useless. Nissan garage will ring me back Monday morning.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 16 Aug 2013 15:56
Nissan Almera SVE (54 plate) - MOT fail - dim headlight - Fitterman

Update.

Local Nissan garage said contact customer service. Customer service says contact local Nissan garage, as the warranty is expired. I pointed out to her that it’s faulty manufactured product, reflective mirrored surface cannot withstand the heat from the headlamp bulb, turning cloudy etc. She just wants to e-mail me Nissan’s new products information. Hmm, back to local Nissan.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 24 Aug 2013 00:19
Nissan Almera SVE (54 plate) - MOT fail - dim headlight - Fitterman

Update.

Nearly £500 in total is a bit steep. Was prepared to pay up to £350 for professional service. Alas bought a pair of bran new (unused!) headlamp units from e bay, with E markings, one year warranty for £96. Fitted at car body repair garage for £50. That email of Nissan’s new products may well be useful in near future, as the car served well.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 24 Aug 2013 11:49
Nissan Almera SVE (54 plate) - MOT fail - dim headlight - bathtub tom

>>bought a pair of bran new (unused!) headlamp units from e bay, with E markings

I saw a large number of Almera headlamps turn up on ebay when the free replacement was being done. I'm not saying they were all faulty, replaced ones, but.............................

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 26 Aug 2013 20:38
Nissan Almera SVE (54 plate) - MOT fail - dim headlight - Fitterman

Update

Broke open one of the old headlamp units, and as I’d expected, curved mirrored surface around the bulb is scorched to brown, reflective surface none existent, as if a small oxy acetylene torch was responsible! Took few pics if anyone’s interested.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 23 Aug 2013 12:59
Nissan Almera SVE (54 plate) - MOT fail - dim headlight - misterman80

My X-plate Tino failed MOT on dim headlights three years ago. Bought two replacements from a local breakers for £25 each

Note:(breaker needs to mark them in case they too fail the test for refund)

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.

The Good Garage Guide

From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.

Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....