Replacing the relay in the fuse box Nissan - a task that every owner of a Japanese car faces sooner or later. A faulty relay can manifest itself in different ways: from failure of headlights or power windows to problems with starting the engine. But before you run to a car service center, you should try to solve the problem yourself. In most cases, the procedure for removing the relay does not require special skills, but has its own nuances depending on the model Nissan and block location.
In this article we will figure out how to safely remove the relay from the fuse box on different models. Nissan - from compact Micra And Juke up to full size Patrol And Navara. You will learn what tools you will need, where to look for fuse boxes in the interior and under the hood, and how to avoid common mistakes during dismantling. We will pay special attention common problems, for example, jammed relays or damaged contacts, and we will give recommendations on how to eliminate them.
Where is the fuse and relay box located in Nissan?
In cars Nissan Fuse and relay blocks are usually located in two areas: in the salon (usually under the dashboard or in the glove compartment) and under the hood (near the battery or on the wing). The exact location varies by model and year. For example:
- 🚗 Nissan Qashqai (J10/J11): the main unit is in the cabin to the left of the steering wheel, the additional unit is under the hood next to the battery.
- 🚙 Nissan X-Trail (T31/T32): a cabin unit behind a plastic cover under the steering wheel, a second one in the engine compartment on the left fender.
- 🚛 Nissan Navara (D40/D23): a unit in the passenger compartment under the panel on the driver’s side, the second one is on the battery.
To avoid guessing where to look, use instruction manual your car. It always contains a diagram indicating the exact location of the blocks. If you don’t have the manual at hand, look for the sticker on the inside of the unit cover—the diagrams are often duplicated there.
- Inside
- Under the hood
- In the trunk
- I don't know
On some models, for example Nissan Almera Classic or Nissan Tiida, the fuse box can be hidden deeper - under plastic panels. In this case, you will need to carefully remove the cladding to gain access. On Nissan Leaf (electric vehicle) the relay unit is integrated into the high-voltage system - interfering with it without special training is strictly prohibited!
What tools are needed to remove the relay?
To remove the relay from the fuse box Nissan no professional tool needed. In most cases, the available tools will suffice:
- 🔧 Flat head screwdriver (for prying off the block cover or latches).
- 🪛 Tweezers or special fuse puller (often included with the machine).
- 🔦 Flashlight (lighting will help you see the markings and avoid mistakes).
- 📸 Smartphone (to take a photo of the relay location before removing).
If the relay is stuck or jammed, you may need to WD-40 or similar lubricant. In rare cases (for example, on old Nissan Primera or Nissan Maxima) relay latches can be too tight - this will help plastic spatulaso as not to damage the unit body.
Before starting work, turn off the ignition and remove the battery terminal (negative). This will protect the electronics from short-circuiting if the contacts are accidentally connected.
| Model Nissan | Relay retainer type | Recommended Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Qashqai, X-Trail | Plastic latches | Tweezers or fingers |
| Navara, Pathfinder | Metal staples | Screwdriver (flat) |
| Micra, Juke | Miniature clamps | Fine tweezers |
| GT-R, 370Z | Reinforced latches | Special puller |
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the relay from the block
The relay removal process is the same for most models Nissan, but there are nuances depending on the type of block. Follow this instruction:
- Turn off the power. Turn off the ignition and remove the negative terminal from the battery. This is a required step, even if you are working with lighting or power window relays.
- Locate the fuse box. Refer to the diagram in the manual or the sticker on the lid. On Nissan Teana And Nissan Murano the block may be hidden under a decorative panel - it must be carefully removed.
- Remove the unit cover. It is usually secured with latches. Press them with a screwdriver or your fingers and pull the cover up.
- Determine the required relay. There is a diagram with symbols on the inside of the cover or in the manual. The relay is usually square shaped and marked (eg
R1,R2). - Remove the relay. Grab the relay body with your fingers or tweezers and pull up. If it doesn't give in, rock it slightly from side to side. Do not use force! - this way you can break the contacts.
☑️ Preparing to remove the relay
On some models (for example, Nissan Patrol or Nissan Armada) relays can be fixed with additional brackets. In this case, first bend the bracket with a screwdriver and then remove the relay. If the relay is stuck, spray WD-40 contacts and wait 5–10 minutes.
⚠️ Attention: On hybrid models (Nissan Note e-Power, Nissan Serena) and electric vehicles (Nissan Leaf, Nissan Ariya) High voltage circuit relay blocks are marked in orange. Touching them without special training is life-threatening!
What to do if the relay does not pull out
Sometimes the relay gets stuck in the socket due to oxidation of the contacts, deformation of the case or dirt. Here's what you can do:
- 🔧 Swing the relay. Gently move it left and right while pulling it up. This often helps move oxidized contacts.
- 💧 Use lubricant. Apply WD-40 or
Liqui Moly Kontakt 60to contacts and wait a few minutes. - 🛠️ Pry it off with a screwdriver. Insert a flathead screwdriver between the relay and the unit housing, then carefully pry it off. Don't press too hard! - the board can be damaged.
- 🔥 Warm up the case. If the relay is “stuck” due to overheating, direct a stream of warm air at it with a hairdryer (no more than 60°C). This will expand the plastic and make it easier to remove.
If the relay still does not respond, perhaps its contacts are deformed or the unit is damaged. In this case, it is better to contact the service. On models Nissan Skyline or Nissan Stagea With complex electrical systems, independent manipulations can lead to malfunctions ECU (electronic control unit).
What happens if the contacts are broken during removal?
If the socket pins are damaged, a short circuit or circuit failure may occur. For example, on Nissan Juke this often results in the headlights or power windows not working. In the worst case, the entire fuse box will need to be replaced, which will cost 5–15 thousand rubles.
How to check the relay for functionality
Before installing a new relay, make sure that the old one is actually faulty. To check you will need multimeter or a simple test lamp. Follow the algorithm:
- Visual inspection. Check the relay housing for cracks, melting or signs of oxidation. If the contacts are blackened, the relay must be replaced.
- Coil continuity. Set the multimeter to resistance test mode (200 ohms). Connect the probes to the coil terminals (pins 85 and 86). Resistance must be within
50–120 Ohm. If it shows a break or zero, the relay is faulty. - Checking contacts. Connect the probes to pins 30 and 87. When turned off, the resistance should be infinite (open). When voltage is applied to the coil (12V), the contacts should close (resistance ~0 Ohm).
If you don't have a multimeter at hand, you can use test lamp. Connect it to pins 30 and 87, and supply 12V from the battery to the coil. A working relay will close the circuit and the lamp will light up.
| Symptom | Probable Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The relay does not click when voltage is applied | Coil break | Relay replacement |
| Contacts are permanently closed | Sticking anchor | Relay replacement |
| The relay gets hot during operation | Poor contact or overload | Cleaning contacts or replacing |
Installing a new relay: nuances and errors
Installing a relay is easier than removing it, but there are pitfalls here too. Follow these rules:
- 🔄 Number match. The new relay must completely match the number (for example,
28.3777for turn signal relay Nissan Almera). Even externally identical relays can have different characteristics. - 🧹 Cleaning contacts. Before installation, wipe the block socket with a dry cloth or compressed air. Oxidized contacts are a common cause of repeated breakdowns.
- 🔌 Correct position. The relay should fit into the socket without force. If you have to press, check that it is not upside down. The case usually has a mark in the form of an arrow or notch.
- 🔋 Check after installation. Turn the ignition on and check the operation of the circuit (for example, turn on the headlights or power windows). If the problem persists, look for the cause in the wiring or fuses.
On some models (Nissan X-Trail T32, Nissan Qashqai J11) after replacing the relay it may be necessary error reset in the control unit. To do this, disconnect the battery for 10–15 minutes or use a diagnostic scanner (for example, ELM327).
⚠️ Attention: On vehicles with the system Nissan Intelligent Key (keyless entry) keys may need to be resynced after disconnecting the battery. Instructions are in the manual or on the website. Nissan.
If the problem persists after replacing the relay, check the circuit for an open or short circuit. Often it is not the relay itself that “burns out,” but the wiring or consumer (for example, a window lift motor).
Common problems and their solutions
When working with relays in Nissan owners often face typical problems. Let's look at the most common ones:
- 🔥 The relay gets hot or smells burning. The reason is circuit overload or poor contact. Check the consumers connected to this relay (for example, additional headlights or audio system).
- 🔊 Relay clicks for no apparent reason. On Nissan Juke And Nissan Kicks this may be a sign of a problem immobilizer or alarms. Check the power supply.
- ⚡ The relay operates randomly. The culprit is usually oxidized contacts in the unit or unstable voltage in the on-board network. Measure the voltage on the battery (should be
12.6–14.4V). - 🚨 After replacing the relay the circuit stopped working. The new relay may be faulty or installed in the wrong socket. Check the diagram!
On diesel Nissan Navara or Nissan Pathfinder The glow plug relay often fails due to high currents. In this case, it is recommended to install a relay with a current reserve (for example, 30A instead of standard 20A).
Why can the relay click without load?
This is a sign of “bouncing” contacts - the relay armature is not fixed in one position due to low voltage or wear. On Nissan Primera And Nissan Maxima This often happens when the battery is discharged or the terminals are oxidized.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about relays in Nissan
Is it possible to replace the relay with a similar one from another Nissan model?
Yes, but only if they match relay number, voltage (usually 12V) and switching current. For example, turn signal relay from Nissan Micra suitable for Nissan Note, if their numbers are identical. Always check the spare parts catalogue.
What should I do if the fuse blows after replacing the relay?
This is a sign short circuit in the chain. Check the wiring and consumers connected to this relay. On Nissan Terrano And Nissan X-Trail A common problem is a short circuit in the window lift motors or the heater fan.
How to distinguish a relay from a fuse?
Relay is square or rectangular block with legs (usually 4–5 pieces), and the fuse is a flat piece with a metal jumper inside. On the fuse box cover, the relays are identified by the letter R, fuses - F.
Do I need to lubricate the relay contacts before installation?
Yes, but only special contact lubricant (For example, Liqui Moly Kontakt 61). Regular lubricant or WD-40 are not suitable - they attract dust and impair contact. On Nissan Patrol And Nissan Armada this is especially important due to the high currents in the circuits.
Where to buy a relay for Nissan if the store does not have the original?
Original relays Nissan can be replaced with analogues from Hella, Bosch or Valeo. The main thing is to match the catalog number. On Nissan Almera Classic And Nissan Tiida relays from Renault (same platforms).