2016–2018 Nissan Maxima Halogen to 2019 OEM Full LED Headlight Conversion Guide
The 2016–2018 Nissan Maxima (A36) was available with different headlight configurations depending on trim level, including factory halogen and LED systems. When Nissan refreshed the Maxima for the 2019 model year, it introduced redesigned full LED headlight assemblies with a sharper appearance and updated lighting technology. Many owners of earlier halogen-equipped models choose to upgrade to these newer 2019 OEM full LED headlights for improved visibility and a more modern factory look.
One of the most common questions is:
Can you install 2019 OEM full LED headlights on a 2016–2018 Nissan Maxima that originally came with halogen headlights?
The answer is yes, but replacing the headlights alone is not enough.
Although the 2019 OEM full LED headlight assemblies physically fit the vehicle, the factory halogen and LED lighting systems use different wiring configurations. A headlight conversion harness is required to properly adapt the factory wiring so the LED headlights function correctly without cutting or splicing.
This guide explains why the wiring differs, how a plug-and-play headlight conversion harness works, and why it is required for this conversion.
Why Upgrade to 2019 OEM Full LED Headlights?
The 2019 Nissan Maxima full LED headlights provide a modern appearance while improving lighting performance compared to the factory halogen system.
Many owners perform this conversion because it offers:
- Updated factory styling
- Brighter full LED headlights
- Improved nighttime visibility
- Crisp white light output
- OEM fit and finish
- Factory-quality installation
Installing genuine OEM LED headlights gives the earlier Maxima the appearance of the refreshed 2019 model while maintaining an original factory look.
Why Aren't the 2019 LED Headlights Plug and Play?
Although the 2019 OEM LED headlight assemblies physically mount to the vehicle, the electrical systems are different.
Factory halogen-equipped Maximas use a different wiring layout than vehicles equipped with full LED headlights.
Without the proper headlight conversion harness, the factory halogen wiring is not designed to operate the newer LED headlight assemblies correctly.
A vehicle-specific conversion harness bridges these electrical differences while preserving the factory wiring.
What Does the Headlight Conversion Harness Do?
A plug-and-play headlight conversion harness connects the factory halogen wiring to the 2019 Nissan Maxima OEM full LED headlight assemblies.
Rather than modifying the factory wiring, the harness corrects the wiring layout so the LED headlights function properly while maintaining a clean factory-style installation.
The harness is designed to:
- Adapt the factory connectors
- Correct the wiring configuration
- Preserve the factory wiring
- Eliminate cutting and splicing
- Support proper OEM LED headlight operation
Because the harness is engineered specifically for this conversion, installation is clean, dependable, and fully reversible.
Built for an OEM-Style Installation
Every conversion harness is assembled using quality automotive components designed for long-term reliability.
Features include:
- OEM-style connectors
- High-quality automotive wiring
- Plug-and-play installation
- Fully reversible installation
- No cutting or splicing
- No permanent wiring modifications
This provides a professional installation while keeping the vehicle's factory wiring completely intact.
Installation Overview
Installation is straightforward and requires only basic hand tools.
The installation process includes:
- Remove the factory halogen headlight assemblies.
- Connect the conversion harnesses to the factory vehicle connectors.
- Connect the 2019 OEM full LED headlight assemblies.
- Secure the wiring.
- Reinstall the headlights.
- Test all lighting functions.
No cutting, splicing, programming, or additional wiring is required.
Designed Only for Factory Halogen Models
This conversion harness is designed only for 2016–2018 Nissan Maxima models originally equipped with factory halogen headlights.
It converts to:
- 2019 Nissan Maxima OEM full LED headlight assemblies
Using genuine OEM LED headlights helps ensure proper fitment and compatibility.
What This Harness Fits
This conversion harness is designed for:
- 2016 Nissan Maxima
- 2017 Nissan Maxima
- 2018 Nissan Maxima
The vehicle must be originally equipped with factory halogen headlights and upgraded to 2019 OEM full LED headlight assemblies.
Before You Purchase
Before ordering your conversion harness, verify the following:
- Your vehicle is a 2016–2018 Nissan Maxima
- Your vehicle originally came with factory halogen headlights
- You are installing 2019 OEM full LED headlight assemblies
- Your replacement headlights use OEM connector pinouts
Verifying these details before purchasing helps ensure proper compatibility and installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to cut or splice any wires?
No. This is a true plug-and-play headlight conversion harness that connects directly to the factory wiring using OEM-style connectors.
Why is a conversion harness required?
The factory halogen and 2019 full LED headlight systems use different wiring layouts. The harness adapts the factory wiring so the newer LED headlights function correctly.
Is programming required?
No. Installation requires no programming, coding, or modifications to the factory wiring.
Will this work on vehicles that already have factory LED headlights?
No. This harness is designed only for 2016–2018 Nissan Maxima models originally equipped with factory halogen headlights.
Are the headlights included?
No. The kit includes one left-side and one right-side headlight conversion harness. The 2019 OEM full LED headlight assemblies are sold separately.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading a 2016–2018 Nissan Maxima from factory halogen headlights to 2019 OEM full LED headlight assemblies is an excellent way to modernize the vehicle while improving nighttime visibility and maintaining a factory appearance. Because the factory halogen and LED systems use different wiring configurations, a vehicle-specific headlight conversion harness is required to properly adapt the electrical connections while preserving the original factory wiring.
With plug-and-play installation, OEM-style connectors, high-quality automotive wiring, no cutting or splicing, and a fully reversible design, this conversion harness provides a dependable OEM-style solution for upgrading your Nissan Maxima to genuine 2019 full LED headlights.
