One has rusted out.

incorrect bulbs in the holders .
bad , corroded , rusted bulb holders

you need to take the mirrors off ,then the screen then pull the rubber flap out of the way and you can get to the bulb holders ,gently pull them out and replace the bulbs.

All lights rely on a good connection between the globe base and the metal body of the car.
This is the cause of your problem.
You'll probably find rust in the globe holder stopping the globe from making a good connection.
You may have to replace the globe holders, but it will be worth trying to clean the rust back to bright steel.

bulb holder could be faulty.check for any rust in the bulb holder.
put another bulb make sure it fits nice n tight for good earth otherwise replace the holder.

it might be rust in the bulb holder take out key first locate the fuse and remove it clean the bulb holder

Check the bulbs and bulb holder as well for rust. Sometimes due to rust in bulb holder, the bulb won't get current.

Rust is very common for this part, but you don't have to match the original OEM holder to pass inspection and have functioning license plate light. You can use an aftermarket bulb and bulb holder and attach the holder for the tag light with a metal strap, wire, or even use some trim adhesive and glue to the outside area if the new light holder is not too heavy. Ask at the Auto Parts store and they can give you solutions regarding mounting options for the new bulb and holder or even to reattach your old one in a new way.

Hi mate,
This is a common problem on the rear lights on 206's.
They have a problem with water leaking into the units and over time this corrodes the bulb holders and sometimes the wiring plugs. the only remedy is to replace the bulb holder unit.
As for the head lights they may just require a pair of bulbs.

According to Nissan PDFs on line, it seems pretty straight forward, although it seems pretty cramped around the headlight assemblies (go figure...) For the driver's side, it recommends removing the battery to make some room in the 2004 book (I would agree, after seeing mine). For all, it recommends at least removing the negative battery cable.
It states several times NOT TO TOUCH THE BULB. The grease from your fingers will reduce the life of the bulb, if not damage it immediately.

I pasted the links for the PDFs below- one for the 2002 and one for the 2004. I can't wait to tackle mine in -20 weather.
Oh yeah- you will have to re-program your radio after disconnecting the battery.
Update: (Dec. 29/07) I changed mine today, and it was very easy.
1. Remove battery for driver's side bulb.
2. Unplug electrical connection to bulb. There is a locking clip that you depress with your thumb to unlock the connection to the bulb casing.
3. Turn the locking collar counterclockwise to unlock, and remove.
4. Remove dead bulb.
5. After comparing the bulbs to make sure they match, holding the new bulb by the plastic casing at the rear, insert the new bulb making sure the notches seat into the seating tabs. Remember- DON'T TOUCH THE BULB!
6. Re-install the locking collar clockwise, and the electrical connection plug.
7. Re-install the battery for driver's side installation. (Might be a good time to clean the posts if they are corroded.)
8. Test the bulb. Re-set your clock and re-tune the radio.

www.nissan-techinfo.com/nissan/refgh0v/og/sentra/2002-Nissan-Sentra.pdf
www.courtesyparts.com/nissan-manual/pdf/2004-Nissan-Sentra.pdf
UPDATE- with small enough hands, you do not have to disconnect the battery. This is a wasted step.
ANOTHER UPDATE: I just used these instructions, and they were very good, but for older Sentras it's a little different.


On a 1996 there is no "clicking" mechanism to turn counter clockwise. Instead there is a wire holder keeping the bulb in place. You have to remove the wire holder, and then you can pull out the bulb in its holder. On the holder there was a plastic piece marked "press here" which when pressed, allows you to pull the old bulb out of the holder.

Hope helped (remember rated this help).

pretty common issue with the Tahoe/Yukon is the bulb holder...mine both went out at the same time as well...you can buy the bulb holder at any parts store, most have these on hand. They hold all 3 bulbs (lights, brakes/turn signal) and are a simple replace...most likely will fix your problem!