Trunk release button <em>Nissan X-Trail T31</em>: location, diagram and repair

Nissan X-Trail T31 (2007–2013) is one of the most popular crossovers on the secondary market, but even such a reliable car has electrical problems over time. One of the frequent headaches of owners is trunk release button not working. Either it’s jammed, or the electric drive has stopped responding, or you just don’t know where to look for it. In this article we will analyze all the nuances: from button location to diagnostics and repair.

Many drivers are faced with the fact that the trunk X-Trail T31 It can only be opened with a key or requires physical effort. The reasons can be different: from a dead battery in the key fob to oxidized contacts in the wiring. We have collected all the relevant information, including connection diagrams, typical malfunctions and methods for eliminating them - from the simplest (for example, cleaning a button) to complex (replacing the actuator).

If you are looking for an answer to the question “where is the trunk release button on the Nissan X-Trail T31? or trying to fix it yourself - this article is for you. We will also tell you how to open the trunk in emergency mode if the electronics have completely failed.

Where is the trunk release button located? Nissan X-Trail T31

B Nissan X-Trail T31 The trunk opening button can be located in several places, depending on the configuration and year of manufacture. Main options:

• 🔑 On the alarm key fob - standard place for most trim levels. Usually this is a separate button with a trunk icon or inscription TRUNK.
• 🚗 On the dashboard - to the left of the steering wheel, next to the buttons for adjusting the light or heating the seats. In some versions it is hidden under a plastic plug.
• 🔄 On the inside of the trunk hatch - a mechanical latch that duplicates the electric button. It is often confused with the main button.
• 🔧 In the glove compartment or center console - rare, but found in some modifications for the European market.

If you can't find the button, check instruction manual your X-Trail T31 — there should be a diagram with the exact location. Also note marking: sometimes the button is labeled as REAR GATE or TAILGATE.

In most cases, the button on the key fob works independently of the car's electronics, so if the trunk does not open from the passenger compartment, try using the remote control. If this does not work, the problem may be lock actuator or fuse.

Trunk button connection diagram Nissan X-Trail T31

Electrical circuit for opening the trunk in X-Trail T31 includes several key elements:

• 🔋 fuse - usually F37 (10A) in the fuse box under the steering wheel. Responsible for powering the trunk lock circuit.
• 🔌 Relay - located in the same block, the marking depends on the year of manufacture (for example, R12 for models 2010–2013).
• 🔄 Actuator (electric drive) - the mechanism that physically opens the lock. Located inside the rear door.
• 📡 Body Control Module (BCM) — processes the signal from the button and sends a command to the actuator.

element	Location	Typical faults
Fuse F37	Fuse box under steering wheel (left side)	Burnout due to a short circuit in the wiring
Relay R12	Same block as fuse	Contact oxidation, mechanical wear
Lock actuator	Inside the rear door, under the trim	Mechanism jammed, power cord broken
Panel button	To the left of the steering wheel or on the center console	Worn contacts, moisture ingress

If the trunk does not open, check fuse F37. To do this:

1. Open the fuse box cover (located to the left of the steering wheel, next to the clutch pedal).
2. Find the fuse F37 (10A) — he is responsible for the back door chain.
3. Remove it and check for integrity (test with a multimeter or visually inspect the thread).
4. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one same denomination.

Important: if the new fuse blows immediately, there is a short circuit in the circuit. In this case, wiring diagnostics are required - independent repairs without experience can result in a fire.

Why doesn't the trunk button work? Nissan X-Trail T31

If the button is pressed, but the trunk does not open, there may be several reasons. Let's look at the most common ones:

• 🔋 The battery in the key fob is dead — even if the central locking works, the signal to the trunk may not pass through. Try opening it with the key.
• 🔌 Button contacts have oxidized - a common problem after washing or in damp weather. You need to disassemble the panel and clean the contacts.
• 🔄 The lock actuator is broken — if you hear a click when you press the button, but the door does not open, the mechanism is to blame. Replacement required.
• 📡 Control module (BCM) faulty - if not a single button works, including the key fob, the problem may be in the “brains” of the car.
• 🚨 Broken wiring — the wires to the back door often fray in the corrugation. Check the circuit with a multimeter.

To diagnose, follow these steps:

1. Check if it works central locking. If not, the problem may be with the key fob or BCM.
2. Try opening the trunk key. If the door opens mechanically, the problem is electrical.
3. Listen, is there relay click when you press a button. If there is no click, check the fuse and relay.
4. If there is a click, but the door does not open, the actuator or the wiring to it is to blame.

Check the battery in the key fob|Try to open it with the key|Listen for the click of the relay when you press the button|Check fuse F37|Inspect the wiring for breaks-->

If you hear a click but the door does not open, try actuator is forced to operate. To do this:

1. Remove the rear door trim (you will need a plastic spatula and a screwdriver).
2. Find the actuator - it is attached to the lock with two bolts.
3. Disconnect the connector and apply to the actuator +12V directly from the battery. If it doesn't work, replacement is required.

⚠️ Attention: When feeding directly to the actuator, make sure the polarity is correct. Incorrect connection may damage it.

How to open the trunk Nissan X-Trail T31 without button (emergency method)

If the electronics have completely failed and you need to open the trunk urgently, use mechanically. B X-Trail T31 An emergency cable is provided that allows you to open the door manually.

Instructions:

1. Open the rear passenger door (driver or front passenger).
2. Remove the plastic trim on the threshold - it is secured with latches. Pry it off with a spatula or flathead screwdriver.
3. Under the overlay you will see orange cable (sometimes red or yellow) with a loop at the end.
4. Pull the cable towards the trunk - the lock should open.

If there is no cable or it is broken, you will have to remove the rear door trim:

1. Remove the two screws at the bottom of the door (under the decorative trim).
2. Carefully pry up the trim around the perimeter, starting from the bottom corner.
3. Locate the lock and manually slide the latch (a screwdriver may be required).

What to do if the cable is broken?

If the cable is broken or missing, try the following method:

1. Remove the rear light (unscrew the two bolts from the trunk).

2. Put your hand through the resulting hole and feel for the lock.

3. Pull the metal tab of the lock or slide the latch with a screwdriver.

This method requires skill, but often saves in emergency situations.

⚠️ Attention: Forcibly opening the trunk may damage the lock. If the door opens with difficulty, be sure to check the mechanism for damage.

Repair and replacement of the trunk release button

If the problem is in the button (does not respond to pressing, is jammed), you can try to repair or replace it. Let's consider both options.

Button repair

Most often the button stops working due to contact oxidation or dirt. To fix it:

1. Remove the panel on which the button is located (usually it is secured with latches).
2. Disconnect the connector with wires from the button.
3. Disassemble the button (carefully pry off the housing latches).
4. Clean your contacts alcohol solution or special contact liquid (for example, Kontakt 60).
5. Assemble the button and check its operation.

If the contacts are badly worn or burnt, it is better to replace the button. The cost of a new button for X-Trail T31 - from 500 to 1500 rubles depending on the supplier.

Replacing a button

To replace a button on the instrument panel:

1. Disconnect the battery (remove the negative terminal).
2. Remove the decorative trim around the button (usually it is secured with snaps).
3. Disconnect the connector from the old button.
4. Install the new button and connect the connector.
5. Check functionality, then reassemble the panel.

Article numbers for buttons Nissan X-Trail T31:

• 🔘 Button on the instrument panel - 28521-JM00A or 28521-JM00B (depending on the configuration).
• 🔑 Button on the key fob - depends on the alarm model (original key fob Nissan has an article number 285E3-JM00A).

Troubleshooting the trunk button

To make the trunk release button last longer, follow these simple recommendations:

• 🚿 Avoid moisture — after washing, check whether water is leaking under the door trim or instrument panel.
• 🔧 Clean your contacts regularly — once a year, remove the button and treat the contacts with protective lubricant (for example, Liqui Moly Electronic-Spray).
• 🔋 Monitor the charge of the key fob - A dead battery can cause the button to not work.
• 🔄 Lubricate the trunk lock - Use silicone lubricant to prevent jamming.
• 🚨 Check fuses — at the first sign of a malfunction (for example, the central locking works, but the trunk does not), inspect the fuse box.

It is also worth paying attention to wiringwalking towards the back door. B X-Trail T31 it often frays at the transition from the body to the door. To avoid a break:

• Periodically inspect the corrugation in which the wires are laid.
• If you notice cracks, insulate the problem area or replace the corrugation.
• When installing additional equipment (for example, a rear view camera), do not lay the wires under tension.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the trunk button Nissan X-Trail T31

Is it possible to open the trunk if the battery is dead?

Yes, but this requires a mechanical key. Insert it into the rear door lock (located under the handle) and turn it counterclockwise. If the lock is stuck, try the emergency cable (see section above).

Why does the button on the key fob work, but the button in the car doesn't?

Most likely the problem is button contacts on the panel or in the wiring from it to the control unit. Check the fuse F37, clean the button contacts and inspect the connector for oxidation.

How much does it cost to replace the trunk lock actuator?

Cost of a new actuator for Nissan X-Trail T31 - from 2000 to 4000 rubles. Replacement work at the service center will cost 1,500–3,000 rubles. If you have experience, you can replace it yourself (see instructions above).

Is it possible to install an additional trunk release button?

Yes, but this will require running wires from the existing button or BCM. It is better to entrust this work to specialists, since incorrect connections can damage the electronics.

What should I do if the trunk opens by itself?

This is a sign of a problem control unit (BCM) or limit switch in the castle. Also check if the wiring is shorted to ground. A temporary solution is to turn off the fuse F37, but this will also disable other functions (for example, heated rear window).