<em>Nissan Note</em> brake light bulb: replacement, diagnosis and selection of the best options

Nissan Note - a compact and reliable hatchback, but even it has typical problems over time, one of which is a burnt out brake light lamp. If you notice that when you press the brake pedal the tail light does not light up or blinks intermittently, it's time to take action. In this article, we will look at how to independently diagnose a malfunction, select a suitable lamp (including LED analogues) and replace it without contacting service.

Feature Nissan Note (especially models E11 And E12) - non-standard access to the rear lights through the trunk, which raises questions among many owners. We will describe the disassembly process in detail, indicate articles of original lamps and we’ll tell you how to avoid common mistakes, such as mixing up contacts or damaging plastic latches. We will also touch on the issues of the legality of LED lamps and their compatibility with the car’s on-board computer.

Signs of a faulty brake light bulb

The first and most obvious symptom is lack of light when pressing the brake. However, the problem may manifest itself differently:

• 🔴 The lamp burns dimly or flickers - this is a sign bad contact or the thread will quickly burn out.
• 🚨 Lights up on the dashboard WARNING LIGHT (external lighting fault indicator).
• 🔄 The brake light works every once in a while - there may be a problem with mass or oxidation of contacts.
• 💡 Bulbs burn out too often (once every 1-2 months) - it’s worth checking on-board voltage (norm: 13.8–14.4 V).

On Nissan Note with 2006 to 2013 (first generation, E11) brake lights are combined with side lights in one block. If the marker works, but the brake light does not, the problem is in the lamp or its circuit. On models 2013–2020 (second generation, E12) the circuit is similar, but the flashlight block may differ in shape.

⚠️ Attention: If it doesn't light up both brake lights at the same time, the problem is most likely in the fuse (F35, 10A in the block under the steering wheel) or relay. If there is only one, the lamp, socket or wiring is to blame.

Which brake light bulbs are suitable for Nissan Note

B Nissan Note all generations are used double filament lamps type P21/5W (or 7528 according to American classification). This means that in one case the following are combined:

• 🔴 Filament 21W - for a stop signal.
• 🟡 Filament 5W - for side lights.

Original lamps from Nissan have an article number 26500-4M000 (or 26500-4M005 for some markets). However, they can be replaced with analogues from trusted brands:

Brand	Article	Type	Average price, ₽	Features
OSRAM	7528	Halogen	120–180	Standard durability, good brightness
Philips	12362PRB2	Halogen +30%	200–250	Increased brightness, lifespan up to 1000 hours
Narva	48318	Halogen	90–140	Budget option, suitable for occasional use
MTF Light	P21/5W-LED	LED	800–1200	No CAN-bus errors, brightness 150 lm

LED lamps (LED) require caution: cheap models can cause error on the dashboard due to low resistance. Optimal options - MTF Light, Philips X-tremeUltinon or Osram LEDriving with built-in stabilization driver.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the lamp

To replace the brake light bulb with Nissan Note No special tools are needed - just a flat screwdriver and a flashlight. The whole process will take no more than 15 minutes.

Step 1: Open access to the flashlight

1. Open the trunk and remove decorative overlay on the inside of the lid (it is attached to plastic clips).

2. Use a screwdriver to pry plastic plug on the back of the lamp (trunk side). It is located closer to the center of the car.

3. Carefully remove the plug - underneath you will see lamp socket with wires.

Step 2: Remove the cartridge

1. Rotate the chuck counterclockwise 45° and pull it out of the socket.

2. Click on the lamp and rotate it counterclockwise until it clicks, it will come out of the cartridge.

⚠️ Attention: Don't pull the wires! On Nissan Note Contacts often come off from the cartridge due to careless handling. If the wire comes off, you can solder it or replace the entire cartridge (article number 26150-4M000).

Step 3: Install a new lamp

1. Insert the new lamp into the socket and turn clockwise before fixation.

2. Make sure that the lamp contacts match the socket connectors (on LED lamps there is often a mark for correct orientation).

3. Insert the socket back into the flashlight and turn it into place clockwise.

Step 4: Check operation

1. Close the trunk and ask an assistant to press the brake pedal (or fix it yourself with a handy object).

2. Make sure the brake light lights up brightly and without flickering. If the lamp does not light up, check fuse or contacts in the socket.

LED lamps: pros, cons and legality

LED brake lights for Nissan Note are becoming more and more popular thanks to:

• ⚡ Instantaneous response (important for safety - the driver behind reacts faster).
• 💡 Service life up to 50,000 hours (versus 500–1000 for halogen).
• 🔋 Low power consumption (less load on the generator).

However, there are also disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Errors on the dashboard (if the lamp is without a resistor or driver).
• 💰 High price high-quality models (from 800 ₽ per pair).
• ⚖️ Legal risks - according to GOST R 41.48-2004, LEDs in brake lights are only allowed if they are certified for a specific vehicle model.

On Nissan Note 2013+ LED lamps work without errors only with models that have a built-in current stabilizer (for example, MTF Light Pro or Philips X-tremeUltinon with CAN-bus adapter). Cheap Chinese analogues often cause the brake light to blink or turn off completely after 5-10 minutes of operation.

How to check the compatibility of an LED lamp with a Nissan Note?

Before purchasing, check with the seller whether the model supports CAN-bus. If not, you will have to buy additional resistors (resistance 6 Ohms, power 50 W) and mount them parallel to the lamp. An alternative is to choose lamps with a built-in driver, e.g. Osram LEDriving STOP.

Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even a simple lamp replacement procedure can result in problems if you do not take into account the following nuances:

1. Mixed up contacts. On the cartridge P21/5W two contacts for the brake light and one for the marker. If the polarity is reversed, the lamp will not work. On the original cartridge Nissan contacts are marked:
• 🔴 R (or STOP) - brake light (21W).
• 🟡 T (or TAIL) — dimensions (5W).
• ⚫ GND — mass.

Damage to plastic latches. When removing the flashlight plug, many people break the latches, after which it does not stay in place. The solution is to use plastic pick instead of a screwdriver.

Touching the glass of a halogen lamp. Fatty fingerprints lead to local overheating and rapid burnout. Always wear gloves or wipe the flask with alcohol.

Another typical problem is contact oxidation in the cartridge. If the lamp burns out too often, clean the contacts fine sandpaper or a special spray (for example, Kontakt 60). In advanced cases, it is better to replace the cartridge (article no. 26150-4M000, price ~300 ₽).

Diagnosis of faults: if replacement does not help

If the brake light still doesn't work after installing a new bulb, the problem lies deeper. Let's look at possible causes and ways to eliminate them:

Symptom	Possible reason	Solution
Both brake lights do not light up	Fuse blown F35 (10A)	Replace the fuse (block under the steering wheel, on the left). If it burns out again, look for a short circuit.
One brake light is not on	Contact oxidation or wire breakage	Test the wire from the socket to the fuse box with a tester. Clean the contacts.
The lamp is flashing or dimly lit	Bad weight on the body	Check the fastening of the ground wire to the body (usually under the rear bumper).
The brake light works, but there is an error on the panel	LED lamp without resistance	Install resistors 6 Ohm/50 W parallel to the lamp or replace it with a compatible model.

To check the brake light circuit you will need multimeter or control lamp. Diagnostic algorithm:

1. Remove the lamp socket and turn on the ignition.
2. Connect one multimeter probe to mass, second in order to the contacts R And T.
3. Have a helper apply the brake. On contact R should appear 12 V.
4. If there is no voltage, the problem is in the wiring or the brake light switch (located under the brake pedal).

Video instructions and additional resources

For clarity, we recommend that you watch the video on replacing the brake light bulb with Nissan Note:

Video 1: Replacement with Nissan Note E11 (2006–2013) — link.

Video 2: Installation of LED lamps on Nissan Note E12 (2013–2020) — link.

It is also useful to download wiring diagram for your modification Nissan Note (available on websites Nissan Club or Drive2). It states:

• 📍 Exact location of fuses and relays.
• 🔌 Color coding of wires (for example, a brake light usually goes along red-yellow wire).
• 🔧 Places for attaching mass.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about brake light bulbs Nissan Note

Is it possible to install LED lamps without errors?

Yes, but only supported models CAN-bus, for example:

• Philips X-tremeUltinon (article 12962BWX2).
• Osram LEDriving STOP (article 62210CWB).
• MTF Light Pro (article P21W-LED-CAN).

Cheap lamps without a driver will cause an error Check Bulb on the dashboard.

Which fuse controls the brake lights?

B Nissan Note The fuse is responsible for the brake lights F35 face value 10Alocated in the fuse box under the steering wheel (driver's side). Also check the relay K3 (if the brake lights do not work together with other lights).

What should I do if the lamp burns out again after replacing it?

The reasons may be as follows:

1. Overvoltage in the on-board network (check the generator).
2. Poor contact in the cartridge (oxidation or burning).
3. Vibrations (for example, due to faulty shock absorbers).

Solution: replace the socket, check the voltage on the battery and install a lamp with increased vibration resistance (for example, Philips LongLife).

Do I need to remove the bumper to replace the bulb?

No, on Nissan Note lanterns are accessible through the trunk. It is necessary to remove the bumper only when replacing the entire lamp unit (for example, after an accident).

Is it possible to use higher wattage lamps (for example, 38W instead of 21W)?

Absolutely not! Higher wattage lamps 21W will lead to:

• 🔥 Melting cartridge and wiring.
• 🚨 Overload fuse and its burnout.
• 📝 Problems during technical inspection (non-compliance with GOST).

Use only lamps marked P21/5W.