Hazard warning button in Nissan Terrano: where it is, how it works and what to do if it doesn’t work

You're stranded on the side of the road with a faulty Nissan Terrano, but the hazard warning lights refuse to turn on? Or, on the contrary, the button is jammed and the turn signals blink non-stop, draining the battery? Such situations are familiar to many owners of this crossover - especially when it comes to models 2014–2020, where the design of the instrument panel underwent changes. In this article we will analyze exact location of the hazard warning button on all generations Terrano, the principles of its operation, as well as the diagnosis and repair of typical breakdowns.

Few people think about a hazard warning button until they need it in a critical situation. Meanwhile, its malfunction can result in a fine for violating traffic rules (Article 12.20 of the Administrative Code) or, worse, an accident due to untimely warning of other drivers. We have collected unique data on Terrano electrical circuits, including rare cases when the button is hidden under a decorative panel or moved to a non-standard place (for example, after tuning the interior). You will also learn how to temporarily turn on the emergency lights manually if the button is broken, and which fuses are responsible for its operation.

Where is the emergency light button in Nissan Terrano: photo and diagram

In most versions Nissan Terrano (including restyled models 2017–2020) the alarm button is located on center console, next to the gear shift lever. She has a characteristic red triangle on a transparent cap and illuminates in the dark. However, there are nuances:

• 🔴 Dorestyle (2014–2016): button is located to the left of the gearshift lever, next to the differential lock button (if equipped). It is often confused with the ESP disable button.
• 🟠 Restyle (2017–2020): button moved to the right and became a little larger. On some versions it is built into the climate control unit.
• 🔵 Export versions (for example, for the Middle East): the button can be on the ceiling, next to the lampshade.

If you don't see the button in its usual place, check:

1. Availability decorative overlay (sometimes they remove it when cleaning the interior and forget to put it back).
2. Steering column switches: on some modifications the emergency lights can be turned on long press on the turn signal lever (similar to Nissan Qashqai).
3. Interior tuning: after re-upholstering the panel or installing additional buttons (for example, for heated seats), the original emergency warning button can be moved.

The photo below shows the standard location for 2018 Terrano (restyle):

[There should be a picture here with the illuminated hazard warning button on the center console]

How the alarm works: principle of operation and electrical diagram

Alarm in Nissan Terrano activates simultaneous flashing of all direction indicators (front, rear and side) with a frequency of ~1.5 Hz. The signal is controlled via:

• 🔋 Body Control Module (BCM) — processes a button press and sends a command to the relay.
• ⚡ Alarm relay (usually K9 or K11 in the fuse box) - closes the lamp power supply circuit.
• 💡 fuse (usually F30 at 10A) - protects the circuit from short circuit.

Connection diagram for Terrano (simplified):

element	Designation	Location	Voltage, V
Emergency button	S12	Center console	12 (when pressed)
Hazard warning relay	K9	Fuse box (interior)	12 (permanent)
fuse	F30	Fuse box (interior)	12 (up to 10A)
BCM block	U14	Under the dashboard, driver's side	12 (permanent)

If the emergency lights do not work, check:

1. fuse F30 — it often burns out during power surges (for example, when “lighting” from another car).
2. Button contacts - Over time, they oxidize or become contaminated, which leads to an open circuit.
3. Relay K9 — if it is “stuck”, the emergency lights will work constantly, even with the ignition off.

What to do if the emergency lights turn on by themselves?

This is a sign of a bad relay or BCM. Temporary solution - remove the relay K9 from the fuse box (but then the emergency lights will not work at all). A complete repair will require diagnosing the BCM for errors (e.g. B2555 — malfunction of the alarm circuit).

Typical malfunctions of the hazard warning buttons and their diagnosis

Owners Nissan Terrano Most often they encounter the following problems:

• 🚨 The button is not pressed — mechanical jamming due to dirt or deformation of the plastic rocker arm.
• 🔄 The hazard lights turn on randomly - relay malfunction or short circuit in the circuit.
• 💥 fuse F30 constantly burns out — a problem in the wiring (often after unqualified repairs).
• 🔦 The lights are on but not blinking — failure of the relay or BCM unit.

To diagnose, follow these steps:

Attention! If the hazard lights do not turn off even after removing the relay K9, the problem lies in BCM or wiring between BCM and button. In this case, self-repair is fraught with a short circuit - it is better to contact an auto electrician.

⚠️ Attention: Never disconnect the battery while the hazard warning lights are on! This can cause a voltage surge and failure of the BCM. First remove the fuse F30 or relay K9.

How to turn on the emergency lights manually if the button is broken

If the hazard warning button does not work, and you urgently need to warn other drivers (for example, in case of an accident or breakdown on the highway), you can activate the hazard warning lights manually. To do this:

1. Open fuse box (located under the steering wheel, to the left of the clutch pedal).
2. Find the hazard warning relay (K9) and remove it.
3. Jumper the contacts 30 And 87 on the relay block using a wire or paper clip (see diagram below).

[There should be a diagram of the relay contacts marked 30 and 87]

This method will make the lights flash continuouslyuntil you remove the jumper. Important: after such switching on, check the circuit for a short circuit - if the fuse F30 will burn out, the emergency lights will turn off.

Replacing the hazard warning button: step-by-step instructions with photos

If the button is physically broken (for example, the plastic is cracked or the contacts have fallen off), you can replace it yourself. For Nissan Terrano The original buttons with the article numbers are suitable:

• 28511-JM00A — for models up to 2017;
• 28511-JM01A — for restyling after 2017.

Analogues from Renault Duster (article 28511-4M00R), since the platform Terrano based on Duster first generation.

Replacement Tools:

• Plastic spatula (for removing the panel);
• Phillips screwdriver (for dismantling the console);
• Pliers (for disconnecting the connector).

Step by step instructions:

1. Disable negative battery terminal (required!).
2. Remove decorative overlay around the gearshift lever, prying it up with a spatula.
3. Unscrew two screws, securing the panel with buttons (they are hidden under plugs).
4. Disconnect power connector from the back of the button (press the latch).
5. Install the new button and reassemble everything in reverse order.

[There should be photos of the replacement process here]

⚠️ Attention: When installing a new button, make sure that o-ring (if it exists) is not lost. Without it, dust may enter the interior, which will lead to oxidation of the contacts.

Frequently asked questions about hazard warning lights in Nissan Terrano

We have collected answers to the most popular questions from owners Terranorelated to the operation of the alarm system.

Why doesn't the hazard lights turn off after pressing the button?

This is a typical sign relay sticking K9 or short circuit in the circuit. Try:

1. Remove the relay and check its functionality (test with a multimeter).
2. If the relay is OK, the problem is in the BCM or wiring. Diagnosis required.

Workaround: Turn off the fuse F30, but remember that this will disable other features (such as the sound signal).

Is it possible to drive if the emergency lights are not working?

Technically yes, but this traffic violation (clause 7.1 of the “Basic Provisions”). When stopping on the side of the road or in the event of an accident, you are required to warn other drivers with your emergency lights on. An alternative is to use warning triangle, but this does not eliminate the need for repairs.

Fine for faulty emergency lights - 500 rubles (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code).

How to check whether the hazard warning button is working without removing it?

Take a multimeter and follow these steps:

1. Set the multimeter to mode calls.
2. Remove negative battery terminal.
3. Disconnect the connector from the button and ring the contacts when pressed. If the resistance changes with ∞ on 0 ohm - the button is working.

If the resistance does not change, the button is faulty and requires replacement.

Why do the lights turn on dimly when the emergency lights are turned on?

This is a sign:

• Discharged battery;
• Oxidized contacts in the lamp power supply circuit;
• faulty generator (does not provide sufficient charge).

Check the voltage on the battery with the engine running - it should be 13.8–14.4 V. If less, the problem is in the generator.

Video instructions and additional materials

For clarity, we recommend that you watch the video on the topic:

• 🎥 "Replacing the hazard warning light button for Nissan Terrano 2015" — step-by-step analysis with comments.
• 🎥 "Diagnostics of the alarm relay" - how to test a relay without special tools.
• 🎥 "Hidden features of Nissan Terrano" — one of the videos shows an alternative activation of the emergency lights via the steering column switch.

It is also useful to download electrical diagram for your version Terrano (available on the forums Nissan Club or Drive2). The diagram shows:

• Exact numbers of fuses and relays;
• Colors of wires in the emergency signal circuit;
• Location of BCM connectors.

If you haven't found the answer to your question, ask it in the comments, indicating year of manufacture And modification your Terrano (For example, Terrano 2.0 MT 2016). This will help you give accurate advice.