<em>Nissan Sentra B17</em> headlights: how to choose, replace and upgrade

Nissan Sentra B17 (2013–2019) is a popular sedan known for its reliability and spare parts availability. However, headlights of this generation often become a headache for owners: the lenses become cloudy, the lamps burn out, and the factory halogen optics leave much to be desired in terms of brightness. In this article we will look at everything you need to know about headlights. Sentra B17: from the selection of original and non-original parts to step-by-step replacement and legal tuning.

Optics feature B17 — separate headlights with halogen low/high beam lamps and a separate headlight/turn signal module. The design is simple, but has nuances: for example, incorrect adjustment after replacing lamps leads to blinding oncoming drivers, and cheap analogs often do not match the fastenings. We have collected verified data, connection diagrams and life hacks from auto electricians so that you can avoid common mistakes.

Original headlights Nissan Sentra B17: articles and features

Factory headlights for Sentra B17 are produced by the company Stanley Electric (Japan) and supplied under the brand Nissan. Original articles depend on the configuration and installation side:

• 🔹 Left headlight (low/high beam + marker): 26010-4M000 or 26010-4M00A (since 2016)
• 🔹 Right headlight: 26011-4M000 / 26011-4M00A
• 🔹 Headlight with DRL (daytime running lights) for top versions: 26010-4M010 (left) / 26011-4M010 (right)

The original headlights are distinguished by high-quality plastic lenses (does not become cloudy for 5+ years), precise reflector geometry and factory adjustment. However, their price is steep: a new headlight will cost 12 000–18 000 ₽ (for 2026). Alternative - contract headlights from disassembly (from 4,000 ₽), but here it is important to check the condition of the reflector and the absence of cracks on the body.

⚠️ Attention: On Sentra B17 after 2017, headlights were installed with a modified wiring harness fastening (connector H11 instead of H7 for high beam). When purchasing used optics, check the year of manufacture of your car!

Article	Side	Lamp type	Notes
26010-4M000	Left	H7 (low), H1 (long), W5W (high)	Without DRLs, until 2016
26010-4M00A	Left	H7, H11, W5W	Since 2016, the high beam connector has been changed
26010-4M010	Left	H7, H11, W5W + LED DRL	Only for versions SV/SL

Analogs and non-original headlights: what to choose?

If the original is too expensive, you can consider analogues from trusted manufacturers. The main thing is to avoid “noname” brands from AliExpress, which often have crooked light and poor sealing. Best Alternatives:

• 🔦 TYC (Taiwan): article numbers 20-6500-00-1 (left) / 20-6501-00-1 (right). The quality is close to the original, the price is ~6,000 ₽.
• 🔦 Depo (China): 335-1105L-RS / 335-1105R-RS. Budget option (~4,500 ₽), but there are problems with adjustment.
• 🔦 Koito (Japan): premium analogue, the article numbers are the same as the original ones, but the price is 20% lower.

Selection criterion: check for certificate ECE R112 (for Europe) or DOT (for USA) on the packaging. Without these markings, the headlight may not pass inspection. Also pay attention to:

• 🔧 Diffuser material: must be polycarbonate with UV protection (does not turn yellow over time).
• 🔧 Fastenings: compare with the original - some analogues require modification of the brackets.
• 🔧 Tightness: Check the silicone gaskets at the joints, otherwise moisture will get inside.

Replacing headlight bulbs Sentra B17: step by step instructions

Low/high beam lamps on Sentra B17 They can be changed without removing the headlights, but access to them is inconvenient - you have to work almost by touch. You will need:

• 🔧 Gloves (so as not to leave greasy marks on the flask).
• 🔧 Screwdriver with a Phillips bit (for removing the protective cover).
• 🔧 Plastic puller (for harness clamps).

Procedure for low beam lamp (H7):

1. Open the hood and locate the back of the headlight. Remove the protective cover by turning it counterclockwise.
2. Disconnect the power connector by pressing the latch.
3. Remove the rubber boot and pull out the lamp by pulling the metal base.
4. Install a new lamp strictly vertical (the base has guide grooves).
5. Reassemble everything in reverse order, making sure the boot is seated tightly.

Important: After replacement, adjust the headlights! To do this:

1. Place the car on a flat area 5 meters from the wall.
2. Load the car (driver + 1 passenger or 70 kg in the trunk).
3. Use the adjustment screws on the top of the headlight (6mm hex).

What happens if the headlights are adjusted incorrectly?

Incorrect adjustment results in blinding oncoming drivers (risk of accidents) and poor road visibility. For example, if the light “hits upward”, the lighting range is reduced by 30%, and with a low beam you will not see a pedestrian 20 meters away.

LED headlight tuning: legal and illegal options

Replacing halogen lamps with LED - a popular upgrade for Sentra B17, but there are legal and technical nuances here. According to the law of the Russian Federation (GOST R 51709-2001), installation of LED lamps in halogen headlights prohibitedunless they are certified for your model. However, there are legal ways to improve the light:

• 💡 Certified LED modules (For example, Osram LEDriving HL or Philips X-tremeUltinon) with markings ECE.
• 💡 Xenon lamps (only with installation lenses and light corrector).
• 💡 Reflector upgrade (chrome or spray coating for better reflection).

Illegal but common options:

• 🚨 LED lamps without certification (for example, Cree or Auxbeam). Risk: fine 500 ₽ (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code) + forced withdrawal during technical inspection.
• 🚨 Xenon in a halogen headlight ("collective farming"). Risk: Blinding oncoming drivers and causing license suspension for 6–12 months.

Headlight repair: polishing, sealing, reflector restoration

Over time, headlight lenses Sentra B17 become cloudy due to micro-scratches and UV exposure, and reflectors become dull. You can restore the optics yourself:

• 🔧 Diffuser polishing: use set 3M Headlight Restoration Kit or pasta GOI. After polishing, be sure to apply UV protective varnish (For example, Delta Kits UV Block Clear).
• 🔧 Sealing: if there is condensation inside the headlight, disassemble it, dry it and apply sealant Dow Corning 7091 at the joints.
• 🔧 Restoring the reflector: Clean it with alcohol, then cover it chrome paint (For example, Spaz Stix Chrome).

Step-by-step instructions for disassembling the headlight:

1. Remove the headlight (unscrew the 3 mounting bolts and disconnect the connectors).
2. Heat the housing with a hairdryer (100–120°C) around the perimeter to soften the sealant.
3. Carefully pry up the diffuser with a plastic pick.
4. After repair, reassemble the headlight using new sealant and clamp with clamps for 12 hours.

⚠️ Attention: When disassembling headlights Sentra B17 Do not use metal tools - they will damage the plastic! Also avoid overheating: if the temperature exceeds 150°C, the reflector may become deformed.

Frequent problems with headlights Sentra B17 and their solutions

Owners Sentra B17 often encounter typical optical malfunctions. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem	Reason	Solution
Both low beam headlights do not light up	Fuse blown F37 (10A) or relay K27	Check the fuse box under the hood (see diagram in the manual)
Condensation inside the headlight	The seal is broken (crack in the housing or wear of the seal)	Dry the headlight with a hairdryer, replace the sealant
Light "floats" when moving	Adjustment screws are loose or reflector is damaged	Tighten screws or repair reflector
High beam lamp does not turn on	Oxidation of contacts in the connector or malfunction of the steering column switch	Clear contacts DeoxIT or replace the switch

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to install xenon headlights? Sentra B17 without lenses?

No, this is prohibited by the traffic rules (clause 3.6 "List of faults"). The xenon bulbs in the halogen headlight create an unfocused light that blinds oncoming drivers. Legal option - installation bi-xenon lenses with auto-corrector and headlight washer.

Which low beam lamps are best for Sentra B17: halogen or LED?

If the headlight is not designed for LED, then halogen lamps (For example, Osram Night Breaker or Philips RacingVision) will give the best light beam. LED without modifications will be blinding and poorly illuminate the roadside. Legal LED requires headlights with markings LED or HL.

How to remove a headlight Sentra B17 for repairs?

Procedure:

1. Remove the negative terminal from the battery.
2. Unscrew the 3 headlight mounting bolts (two on top, one on bottom).
3. Disconnect the power connectors (press the latches).
4. Carefully pull the headlight forward without pulling the wires.

Important: Before removing, take a photo of the location of the connectors!

Why did it burn out again a week later after replacing the lamp?

Possible reasons:

• Poor contact in the cartridge (oxidation or burning).
• Increased voltage in the on-board network (check the generator).
• Vibrations (eg worn engine mounts).
• Low quality lamp (buy only trusted brands: Osram, Philips, Narva).

Is it possible to paint the headlight reflector black?

Technically it's possible, but it's will degrade the luminous flux by 30–40%. The reflector should be mirror (chrome) or white for maximum impact. If you want a stylish look, use matte black varnish only on the outside of the headlight, without affecting the reflector.