Headlight washer on Nissan Note: how to turn it on and use it correctly

Headlight washer on Nissan Note is a useful but often underestimated feature that significantly improves visibility at night or in poor weather conditions. Many owners are not even aware of its existence until they are faced with the problem of dirty headlight glasses. In this article we will look not only how to turn on the headlight washer on different generations Note, but also the nuances of its operation, possible malfunctions and ways to eliminate them.

Structurally, the headlight washer system is Nissan integrated with the windshield washer, but has a separate pump and nozzles. This means that even if the washer reservoir is full and the windshield is washed normally, problems may occur with the headlights. Next, you will learn where the power button is, how to check the system is working, and what to do if the washer does not work.

Where is the headlight washer button on a Nissan Note?

Depending on the year of manufacture and configuration Nissan Note, headlight washer controls may vary. In most models the button is located on steering column light control lever (left or right - depends on the market). Here are the key options:

• 🔄 Light control lever: on models before 2016, the headlight washer button is often combined with the low/high beam switch. You need to pull the lever towards you and hold it for 1-2 seconds.
• 💡 Separate button on the panel: in complete sets Tekna or Acenta (European market) there may be a dedicated key with a headlight and water jet icon.
• 📱 Multimedia system: on restyled versions (2017+) the function is sometimes moved to the menu Settings → Lighting.

If you can't find the button, check user manual for your specific modification. For example, on Nissan Note E12 (2012–2016) the washer is activated by briefly pressing the lever to the left (to the washer position), while on Note E13 (2020+) you may need to hold the button longer.

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse headlight washers with windshield washers! On some versions Note The glass washer lever is located on the right, and the headlight washer lever is located on the left. Trying to activate the function using the wrong lever may result in false operation of the wipers.

Step-by-step instructions: how to turn on the headlight washers

Before activation, make sure that:

• 🔋 The washer reservoir is filled with liquid (at least 1/3).
• 💡 Headlights are on (low or high beam).
• 🚗 The engine is running (on some models the washer is blocked when the ignition is turned off).

Next, follow the algorithm:

1. Turn the ignition key to position ON (or click the button START/STOP without starting the engine on models with a button).
2. Turn on the headlights (low or high beam - it doesn't matter).
3. Find the light control lever (usually to the left of the steering wheel) and pull it towards you in one short movement (for 1–2 seconds).
4. Hold the lever until you hear the sound of the pump and see a stream of fluid on the headlights.

If the washer does not work, repeat the action 2-3 times. On some versions Note required double tap: the first turns on the windshield washer, the second turns on the headlights.

Washer reservoir is full|Headlights are on (low/high beam)|Engine is running or ignition is in ON|Light control lever is in neutral position-->

Common problems and their solutions

Headlight washer system Nissan Note It is quite reliable, but sometimes there are glitches. Let's look at typical faults and how to fix them:

Problem	Possible reason	Solution
The washer does not turn on	Injectors clogged	Clean with a needle or compressed air
No fluid flowing	Headlight washer pump faulty	Check fuse F23 (10A) or replace the pump
Only one headlight works	The hose is clogged or the nozzle is faulty	Flush the system, replace the nozzle
The washer works, but the liquid does not get on the glass	Injector adjustment is broken	Adjust the injector angle with a screwdriver

If the problem persists, check fuse (located in the block under the hood, position F23 or F28 depending on the year). Also worth a look washer relay (usually R12) and wires for oxidation.

⚠️ Attention: On models Nissan Note with the system Intelligent Key The headlight washer may not work if the key is too far from the car (for example, in a jacket pocket in the back seat). This is due to the limitation of power consumption in sleep mode.

Adjusting headlight washer nozzles

If the liquid splashes past the headlight glass or is sprayed too widely, the nozzles need to be adjusted. To do this:

1. Turn on the washer and mark where the jet hits (you can use masking tape on the headlight as a target).
2. Open the hood and look for the injectors (usually located on the bumper or fenders, near the headlights).
3. Take a flathead screwdriver and carefully turn the nozzle in the desired direction (up/down or left/right).
4. Check the result by turning on the washer again.

On Nissan Note E13 (2020+) injectors have plastic retainers that can break if used with excessive force. Adjust them smoothly, without jerking.

Optimal spray angle:

• 🎯 The jet must hit top of headlight glass (where most of the dirt accumulates).
• 💧 Spray distance is about 30–50 cm from the nozzle.
• 🔄 The width of the fan is no longer 10 cm to cover the entire surface of the glass.

What liquid to use for headlight washer

Not only the cleanliness of the headlights, but also the durability of the system depends on the quality of the washer fluid. The wrong choice can lead to:

• 🧊 Freezing of liquid in hoses in winter (risk of rupture).
• 🧴 Formation of plaque on headlight glasses (deteriorates light transmission).
• 🔧 Corrosion of metal parts of the pump.

Recommendations for Nissan Note:

• 🌡️ In winter: use a liquid with a freezing point no higher -25°C (For example, Liqui Moly Antifrost or Castrol Radicool).
• ☀️ Summer: A universal liquid or a diluted concentrate (proportion 1:10) is suitable.
• ⚠️ Prohibited: ordinary water (leads to limescale), glass cleaner (foams and clogs the nozzles).

Washer reservoir volume per Note - about 4–5 liters. To completely change the fluid:

1. Open the reservoir cap (under the hood, next to the wipers).
2. Pump out the old fluid with a syringe or bulb.
3. Rinse the tank with clean water (1-2 times).
4. Fill with new fluid up to the mark MAX.

Modernization of the headlight washer system

If the standard headlight washer on your Nissan Note seems insufficiently effective, it can be improved:

• 🔧 Replacing injectors: install fan nozzles from Volkswagen Golf (article 1K8 955 985) - they give a wider and more uniform flow.
• 🔋 Additional pump: connect a second pump in parallel with the standard one to increase the pressure.
• 💡 Injector heating: relevant for northern regions - you can install a self-regulating heating cable (for example, DEFA).

To replace injectors you will need:

1. Remove the bumper (or partially bend its edges).
2. Disconnect the hoses from the old injectors (remember the connection order!).
3. Install new injectors and secure them in their original places.
4. Adjust the direction of the jet.

⚠️ Attention: When upgrading, make sure the connections are tight! A fluid leak on the alternator or timing belt can cause serious damage. After installation, check the system for pressure (clamp the hose and turn on the washer - there should be no leaks).

How to check the tightness of the system after modernization

1. Fill the washer reservoir to the maximum.

2. Turn on the headlight washers for 10–15 seconds.

3. Inspect all hose and injector connections for drips.

4. Check the fluid level after 10 minutes - if it drops without use, look for a leak.

Maintenance and Prevention

To keep the headlight washer on Nissan Note served for a long time, follow simple rules:

• 📅 Every 3 months: Rinse the tank and nozzles with clean water (especially before winter).
• ❄️ In winter: add a deicer to the liquid (for example, Prestone De-Icer).
• 🔍 Once a year: Check the condition of the hoses for cracks and abrasions.

Signs that your system needs attention:

• 🔊 Extraneous noise during pump operation (creaking, crackling).
• 💦 Reducing the jet pressure.
• 🚨 Indicator lights up LOW WASHER FLUID with a full tank.

If you rarely use your washer, run it for 5-10 seconds once a month to prevent fluid from stagnating and deposits forming in the hoses.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about headlight washers on Nissan Note

Can headlight washers be used with the engine off?

On most versions Nissan Note The headlight washer only works when the ignition is on (position ON or ACC). However, on models with the system Intelligent Key (keyless entry) function may be disabled if the engine is not running. This is done to save battery power.

Why does the headlight washer work on its own?

Spontaneous activation of the headlight washers is usually associated with:

1. By closing the contacts in the light control lever (often after washing or rain).
2. Malfunction of the body control unit (BCM).
3. An error in the operation of the rain sensor (if it is connected to the washer system).

To diagnose, disconnect the light lever connector and check if the problem persists. If yes, verification required BCM scanner (for example, Launch X431).

Which fuse controls the headlight washers?

On Nissan Note E12 (2012–2016) the headlight washer is controlled by a fuse F23 (10A) in the block under the hood. On Note E13 (2017+) it could be F28 (15A). The exact location is indicated on the fuse box cover. Also check the relay R12 — it controls the pump.

Is it possible to turn off the headlight washers if you don't need them?

Yes, there are two ways:

1. Programmatically: on some versions this can be done through the menu Settings → Lighting → Headlight washer (requires a multimedia system that supports this feature).
2. Physically: Disconnect the headlight washer pump connector (located next to the reservoir). However, this will result in an error on the dashboard.

Please note that turning off the washer may affect your vehicle's technical inspection in some countries.

What should I do if the headlight washer works, but the liquid does not get on the glass?

The problem usually lies in:

• Clogged injectors (clean with a needle or compressed air).
• Misaligned adjustment (adjust the direction of the jet with a screwdriver).
• Damaged hoses (check for cracks or kinks).

If the nozzles are clean and adjusted, but the liquid still does not reach the glass, it is possible that non-original parts with an incorrect spray angle are installed.