Removing a Nissan Note dashboard: disassembling the panel without damage

Removing the dashboard (instrument panel) Nissan Note - a task that frightens many car owners. In fact, the process does not require professional skills if you know the key points: from the correct selection of tools to the sequence of unscrewing the fasteners. This instruction is suitable for models E11 (2006-2012) and E12 (2013-2020), including restyled versions. The main difference between generations is the number of plastic latches and the location of one of the bolts under the steering column.

Most often, the torpedo is removed for replacement. heater radiator, wiring repairs, installation of additional equipment (for example, Android Auto or climate control) or eliminating squeaks. In 80% of cases, panel damage occurs due to improper dismantling air ducts or force applied to plastic clips. We will break down the process so that you can avoid these mistakes.

Preparation: Tools and Safety Precautions

Before starting work, make sure you have everything you need. The absence of even one tool can lead to improvisation with sad consequences - broken latches or scratches on the plastic.

• 🔧 Socket wrenches or heads: 10 mm, 12 mm (for mounts under the steering wheel and console)
• 🔨 Plastic spatulas or mediators (2-3 pcs.) - to separate the panel without scratches
• ⚡ T20 screwdriver and cross (PH2) - for self-tapping screws of the glove compartment and linings
• 📦 Marker and sticker bags - for marking connectors and bolts
• 🔋 Disconnected battery (required! to avoid short circuit)

Pay special attention plastic clips. B Nissan Note There are about 15 of them, and they are all fragile. If the clip is broken, do not try to replace it with a self-tapping screw! This will cause the panel to rattle. Original clips can be ordered by article number 77110-4M000 (small) and 77110-1J000 (large).

⚠️ Attention: Do not start disassembling if the temperature in the garage is below +10°C. The plastic becomes brittle and may crack when the ducts are removed.

Removing the steering wheel and pads

The first stage is to free access to the torpedo mounts under the steering wheel. This is where many people make the mistake of trying to remove the steering wheel without prior preparation.

1. Disconnect the battery and remove steering column switches (turn signals, wipers). To do this, use a T20 screwdriver to unscrew the two screws on the back of the steering wheel.
2. Loosen the steering wheel nut (wrench 19 mm), but do not remove it completely. Pull the steering wheel towards you sharply - it will come off the splines.
3. Disconnect the connector airbags (yellow connector with lock). Don't pull the wires!

After removing the steering wheel, unscrew lower torpedo trim (3 T20 screws) and trim around the ignition switch (2 clips). A problem often arises here: the plastic around the lock can “stick” to the dashboard. To separate it, use hair dryer (heat the pad to 40-50°C) and a plastic spatula.

Removing the center console and glove compartment

Center console Nissan Note Attaches with 4 self-tapping screws and 6 plastic clips. Start with glove compartment:

• 🔩 Unscrew the two screws at the bottom of the glove compartment (under the rubber mat).
• 📋 Disconnect the stops (plastic “ears” on the sides) - they are held on by latches.
• 🔌 Remove the glove compartment by disconnecting the backlight connector (white connector with lock).

Next, go to center console:

1. Remove the trim around the gear selector (pry it out from behind with a spatula).
2. Unscrew two screws under the cup holders and one under the ashtray.
3. Disconnect the connectors climate control And radios (there may be an additional antenna connector on the radio).

The hardest part is air ducts. They are attached to the dashboard with 3 clips and often break if removed carelessly. To avoid this, heat the plastic with a hairdryer and pull the duct parallel to the torpedo, not up!

The battery is disconnected|The steering wheel is removed and put aside|All connectors are marked|Clips and screws are folded separately|Photo of the fastenings was taken on the phone-->

Unscrewing the main fastenings of the torpedo

Now that everything unnecessary has been removed, you can proceed to the main fastenings. B Nissan Note the torpedo is supported by:

Mounting location	Fastener type	Quantity	Tool
Under the steering column	Bolt M10	2 pcs.	Head 10 mm
Top (under the windshield trim)	Self-tapping screw T20	4 pcs.	T20 screwdriver
On the sides (at the doors)	Plastic clip	6 pcs.	Spatula
Bottom (under the passenger's feet)	Bolt M12	1 piece	Head 12 mm

Start with top screws under the windshield trim. To remove it, pull the cover towards you - it is held on by 4 clips. Then unscrew the screws and carefully lower the trim down (do not disconnect it completely - the rain sensor wires go there).

Critically important: the bolt under the passenger’s feet is often forgotten to unscrew. If you pull the torpedo with this bolt, you can break the fastening or bend the metal frame.

Removing a torpedo: technique and nuances

When all the fasteners are unscrewed, the most important thing remains - carefully remove the panel. Here you need the help of a second person, since the torpedo weighs about 15 kg and has fragile plastic guides.

• 👥 One person supports the torpedo from below, the second disconnects the connectors.
• 🔌 Start with connectors fuse box (black and grey). They have latches - press them with a screwdriver.
• 🚗 Disconnect the connector immobilizer (orange, next to the ignition switch).
• 🔥 Disconnect the connector last dashboard lights - he is the most fragile.

Remove the torpedo at an angle of 30°, pulling out the right side (passenger side) first. The left side has additional guides that can cling to the body. If the panel is stuck, check:

1. Is the connector disconnected? glove box opening sensor (small white connector near the driver's left foot).
2. Have you forgotten a bolt under the passenger's feet?
3. Does the air duct cling to the metal frame (a common problem in restyled Note E12).

⚠️ Attention: If, after removing the torpedo, you find rust on the metal frame, treat it WD-40 and cover Movil. This will prevent squeaks in the future.

What to do if the torpedo cannot be removed?

If the panel does not budge even after checking all the fasteners, the reason may be:

1) Deformed clips — try to gently press on their locations from the inside.

2) Jammed air duct - remove it completely, first disconnecting it from the stove.

3) Airbag connector not disconnected (if you didn’t remove the steering wheel) - check the yellow connector under the steering wheel.

Do not use excessive force - it is better to double-check all fastenings.

Disassembling a torpedo for repair or tuning

If you removed a torpedo for heater radiator replacement, wiring repair or installation of additional equipment, further actions depend on the purpose:

• 🔥 Replacing the heater radiator:
  1. Remove the plastic cover above the stove (4 T20 screws).
  2. Disconnect the pipes, first replacing the antifreeze container.
  3. Unscrew the 3 radiator mounting bolts (wrench 10 mm).
• 📱 Installing Android Auto:
  1. Cut a hole for a 2DIN radio (template can be downloaded here).
  2. Connect the CAN bus to the connector OBD2 (blue connector behind the glove compartment).
• 🔊 Eliminating squeaks:
  1. Treat all plastic contact surfaces silicone grease.
  2. Check the air duct fastenings - they often rub against metal.

When painting a torpedo use special paint for plastic (for example, Motip Plastik). Before painting, be sure to degrease the surface antisilicon and apply plastic primer. If the torpedo has deep scratches, fill them with putty. epoxy putty for plastic.

Torpedo assembly: reverse sequence and check

Installing the torpedo proceeds in the reverse order, but there are several critical points:

1. Please check before installation all connectors for the presence of oxidation. Clean your contacts WD-Contact.
2. Make sure air ducts fall into place - they should click.
3. Tighten the bolts in a crisscross pattern to prevent the panel from warping.
4. After assembly, check the operation:
   • 🔥 Stoves (all blowing modes).
   • 🔊 Radios and speakers.
   • 🚗 Steering column switches.
   • 💡 Instrument lighting.

If after assembly there are extraneous sounds (creaks, crackles), check:

• 🔩 Are all the screws tightened (especially under the glove compartment).
• 🌡️ Are the wires rubbing against metal parts of the body?
• 🔧 Did you forget to install rubber gaskets under the clips?

⚠️ Attention: After connecting the battery, throttle adaptation may be reset. If the engine is unstable, follow the learning procedure: start the car, let it idle for 1 minute, then rev up to 3000 rpm 3 times.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing the Nissan Note dashboard

Is it possible to remove the dashboard without removing the steering wheel?

Technically yes, but it will make it much more difficult to access the bolts under the steering column. Without removing the steering wheel you will not be able to properly unscrew the two bolts M10 and disconnect the airbag connector. The risk of damaging wiring or plastic increases 3 times.

How long does complete dismantling take?

For the first experience - 4-5 hours (with smoke breaks and photographing processes). Experienced craftsmen can do it in 1.5-2 hours. The longest part is unscrewing the small screws and disconnecting the connectors (there are about 20 of them).

What to do if the clip breaks?

Do not use screws or superglue! Order an original clip according to the article number (see the "Tools" section) or temporarily fix the panel plastic ties, but only before purchasing a new clip. Driving for a long time with broken fasteners will lead to rattling and breakage of the plastic.

How to avoid wiring mistakes?

1) Label all connectors colored stickers (for example, red - climate control, blue - radio).
2) Before disconnecting the battery, take a photo of the location of the fuses.
3) Do not pull on the wires - only on the connectors!
4) If you are not sure about the purpose of the connector, check electrical circuit.

Is it possible to remove the torpedo alone?

It is possible, but extremely inconvenient. Torpedo Nissan Note It's bulky, and holding it with one hand while unplugging the connectors with the other is a surefire way to break something. If there is no helper, use adjustable supports (for example, from the hood) to fix the panel in the raised state.