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Nissan X-Trail T-31 2007-2013 factory workshop and repair manual download

Tools & materials
- Gloves (nitrile) and safety glasses
- 10 mm socket + ratchet + extension
- Phillips screwdriver + flat blade screwdriver
- Trim/plastic clip removal tool or small pry bar
- Torx set (T20/T25) — keep handy
- Needle‑nose pliers
- Clean lint‑free cloth and isopropyl alcohol
- Dielectric grease (optional)
- Replacement parts: confirm exact bulb/part numbers before buying (check owner’s manual or the marking on the back of the headlamp).
- Common possibilities for X‑Trail T31: halogen bulbs (H7/H1 or H4 variants depending on market) OR xenon HID (D2S) on higher trims. Also turn/parking bulbs (e.g. PY21W, W5W). Verify visually.
- For full headlamp assembly replacement: replacement housing + any needed retainers/fasteners.
- Optional: torque wrench (for reassembly accuracy)

Safety precautions (non‑negotiable)
- Work on a cold vehicle; let bulbs cool before touching. Halogen bulbs run very hot.
- If the vehicle has xenon HID, don’t touch ballast terminals; HID systems have high voltage even when off—if unsure, have a shop replace them.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal if you’ll be working on electrical connectors for extended time, or if you’ll remove the bumper/airbag wiring nearby.
- Do not touch bare glass of halogen bulbs with bare fingers — oils cause hot spots and premature failure. Use gloves or clean with alcohol if touched.
- Support removed panels so they don’t fall and crack brittle plastic.

Part A — Replacing a headlight bulb (most common, quick)
1. Identify bulb type
- Open bonnet and look at the rear of the headlamp; the rubber dust cover will usually have the bulb type printed or remove cover to see the bulb. If HID (ballast and thick wiring), treat as HID (see HID note).
2. Access
- Remove the rubber dust cover from the back of the headlamp housing by twisting/pulling.
- If the battery, airbox, or washer bottle is obstructing access, you may need to remove those (usually a few 10 mm bolts/clips). Use the 10 mm socket; remove parts only as required for access.
3. Unplug connector
- Use your fingers or needle‑nose pliers to depress the locking tab on the electrical connector and pull straight back. Don’t yank wires.
4. Remove bulb
- If secured by a wire spring clip: push the clip down/away and unhook it (remember its orientation), then lift the bulb out.
- If twist‑type: rotate bulb counterclockwise ~1/4 turn and withdraw.
- If it’s an H7 style with retainer, release the retainer as per orientation.
5. Install new bulb
- Keep the new bulb in its packaging until installation.
- Handle by the plastic base or wear gloves. Insert into housing in correct orientation and secure the spring/retainer or twist clockwise to lock.
- Reconnect electrical connector — it should click in.
- Replace the rubber dust cover and any removed parts (airbox/battery clamp).
6. Test
- Reconnect battery if you disconnected it. Turn ignition/lighting on and verify low/high beam, indicators, and aim roughly correct.
7. Final check
- Ensure dust cover is seated to keep moisture out. If condensation appears later, check the seal or vent.

How the tools are used (bulb job)
- 10 mm socket/ratchet: remove small bolts holding airbox/washer bottle or battery clamp for access.
- Flat screwdriver/trim tool: gently pry off a rubber cover edge or plastic clips (use trim tool to avoid breaking).
- Needle‑nose pliers: useful for manipulating spring clips if fingers can’t reach.

Part B — Replacing the entire headlamp assembly (bumper removal likely required)
(Do this only if the housing is cracked, lens fogged irreparably, or you’re swapping assemblies.)
1. Preparation
- Park on level ground, ignition off, handbrake on. Disconnect negative battery terminal if you’ll be disconnecting lighting harnesses or airbags.
2. Remove top bolts
- Open bonnet. Remove the plastic trim clips along the top of the bumper (use trim tool) and any 10 mm bolts securing the top of the bumper to the radiator support.
3. Wheel arch / side fasteners
- Turn front wheels full lock to one side to access wheel arch screws. Remove plastic screws/clips securing the bumper to the inner guard (Phillips or trim tool).
4. Underside fasteners
- Crawl under the car and remove the lower bolts/clips securing the bumper to the valance/undertray (10 mm or Phillips).
5. Free the bumper
- With an assistant, gently pull the bumper forward from each side to release the clips. Disconnect fog light and parking sensors wiring as required. Set the bumper aside on a soft surface.
6. Remove headlamp assembly
- Remove the 2–3 10 mm bolts securing the headlight to the body (top/side). There may be a hidden Torx bolt—remove it if present.
- Withdraw the headlamp forward. Disconnect electrical connectors and remove bulbs (or leave in place if transferring).
7. Fit new assembly
- Transfer bulbs/sockets or fit new bulbs in the new housing. Connect wiring harness.
- Position assembly, loosely fit bolts, align with body gaps, then tighten bolts snugly.
8. Refit bumper
- Reconnect fog lights/sensors. Align bumper and press into place; reinstall all clips and bolts. Torque bolts snug.
9. Test and aim
- Reconnect battery. Turn on lights and check operation. Re‑aim headlights if needed (adjuster screws on the back of the housing). Aim to factory specs or set so beam cutoff is centered/level.

How the tools are used (assembly job)
- Trim tool: remove plastic clips without breaking them.
- 10 mm socket/ratchet + extension: main bolts for bumper and headlamp.
- Torx drivers: remove any Torx fasteners.
- Phillips/flat screwdriver: smaller screws and to carefully pry away clips.

HID warning
- If the car uses xenon D2S bulbs, do NOT open the ballast connector or touch the arc tube. Ballasts hold high voltage; replace bulb/ballast as a module or have a shop do it. You can replace the whole module/ballast and lamp as a unit.

Common pitfalls & how to avoid them
- Touching halogen glass: oil deposits → bulb failure. Always use gloves or clean with alcohol.
- Damaging plastic clips: use a trim tool and be gentle; have spare clips handy.
- Forcing connectors: depress locking tabs fully, pull straight. Forcing breaks clips/wiring.
- Wrong bulb type: verify by comparing markings or checking manual. Buying wrong bulb wastes time and can damage the housing.
- Moisture intrusion: not reinstalling dust cap or misaligned housing leads to condensation. Replace seals if brittle.
- Misalignment: overtightening in the wrong position can misalign beam. Seat the lamp, tighten progressively, then adjust aim.
- HID high voltage: attempting to swap HID bulbs like halogens risks shock. If HID, consider professional replacement.
- Leaving work incomplete: test all light functions (low/high, indicators, parking, cornering, washers if headlamp jets present) before finishing.

Post‑job checks
- Verify both beams, indicators, DRL if fitted.
- Check beam position on a wall ~7–10 m away; adjust vertical and horizontal screws to correct aim.
- Confirm no engine warning lights or electrical errors.

That’s the procedure. Follow the bulb/assembly markings on your vehicle and replace only the parts that match. If the car has HID/ballast and you are unsure, have a professional perform the replacement.
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