<em>Nissan Qashqai J11</em>cigarette lighter fuse: location, rating and how to replace

Cigarette lighter in Nissan Qashqai J11 (2013–2021) - one of the most popular connectors in the cabin, especially if you actively use a DVR, phone charger or navigator. But what if it suddenly stopped working? In 90% of cases, the culprit is a **blown fuse** - a small but critical element of the electrical circuit. Finding it is not difficult if you know the exact layout of the fuse boxes in Qashqai J11.

In this article you will find not only exact location of the cigarette lighter fuse (with photos and numbers of sockets), but you will also understand the ratings, causes of burnout, and also receive step-by-step instructions for replacement. We have taken into account all modifications J11 - as with gasoline engines (HR16DE, MR20DD), and with diesel (R9M, K9K). Plus, we’ll tell you why sometimes replacing the fuse doesn’t solve the problem and what to check next.

Where is the cigarette lighter fuse located? Nissan Qashqai J11

B Qashqai J11 The cigarette lighter fuse is located in main passenger compartment fuse box, which is located to the left of the steering column, behind the plastic cover. Exact location:

• 🔧 Fuse box: Fuse Box (Passenger Compartment) - under the instrument panel on the driver's side.
• 📍 Socket number: F38 (for cigarette lighter) with nominal 20A (yellow color).
• 🔌 Additionally: In some configurations (with a rear cigarette lighter) the fuse may be duplicated F39 (also 20A).

To get to the block, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the driver's door and sit down to see under the steering wheel.
2. Find the plastic cover that says FUSES (or fuse pictogram).
3. Press the latch at the top of the cover and pull it towards you.
4. On the back of the cover you will see a diagram of the fuses.

If your Qashqai J11 released after 2017 (restyling), the location of the block remains the same, but the diagrams may differ slightly. For example, in diesel versions (R9M) sometimes an additional fuse is added for the socket in the trunk - F40 (15A).

Fuse box diagram Nissan Qashqai J11 (2013–2021)

So as not to guess where exactly to look F38, below is a current diagram of the main interior fuse box. Please note: the numbering on the cover of your unit may be different - always refer to nominal (20A) and inscription CIGAR or PWR OUTLET.

Fuse number	Denomination (A)	Color	Purpose
F38	20	Yellow	Cigarette lighter, 12V socket (front)
F39	20	Yellow	Rear 12V outlet (if equipped)
F40	15	Blue	Socket in trunk (optional)
F20	10	Red	Audio system, navigation
F15	10	Red	Body Control Module (BCM)

Important! If in your Qashqai J11 An additional cigarette lighter is installed in the trunk (optional for some trim levels), its fuse may be located in another block - under the hood, in Engine Compartment Fuse Box (usually F10, 15A). Check this in the manual for your modification.

Download the complete fuse diagram for Nissan Qashqai J11 in PDF can be found on the official website Nissan (section Owner’s Manuals) or by link (registration required).

Why the cigarette lighter fuse blows: top 5 reasons

If the fuse F38 burned out, simply replacing it is not enough - you need to figure out the reason, otherwise the problem will return. Here are the most common culprits:

• ⚡ Short circuit in the circuit: Most often it occurs due to damaged wire insulation or metal objects getting into the cigarette lighter socket (coins, paper clips).
• 🔌 Overcurrent: Connecting devices with a total power of >240 W (for example, a tire compressor + laptop charger).
• 🔋 Connected device malfunction: Cheap chargers or recorders with poor voltage regulation can cause current surges.
• 💧 Moisture ingress: If liquid (coffee, water) gets into the connector, this leads to corrosion of the contacts and a short circuit.
• 🔧 Removing the cigarette lighter connector: Over time, the contacts oxidize or become loose, increasing resistance and heating.

Critical Information: B Nissan Qashqai J11 with the system NissanConnect (multimedia with navigation) The cigarette lighter and 12V socket are sometimes powered from the same fuse with the audio system. If after replacement F38 The radio stops working - check the circuit for short circuit!

To diagnose the problem, run a simple test:

1. Remove all devices from the cigarette lighter.
2. Replace the fuse F38 to a new one (20A).
3. Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
4. If the fuse blows again, the problem is in the wiring or connector.
5. If not, connect the devices one by one to find the culprit.

What should I do if the fuse blows immediately after replacement?

If the new fuse burns instantly when the ignition is turned on, this indicates short circuit in the circuit. In this case:

1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.

2. Remove the fuse box and inspect the board for burnt tracks.

3. Check the wires going to the cigarette lighter (usually gray and black) for damage to the insulation.

4. If everything is visually normal, use a multimeter in the “continuity” mode to search for a short circuit.

Step-by-step instructions: how to replace the cigarette lighter fuse

Replacing the fuse in Nissan Qashqai J11 takes no more than 5 minutes if you know the procedure. You will need:

• 🔧 Flat screwdriver (for removing the cover if the latch is tight).
• 🔍 Flashlight (to better see fuse numbers).
• 🔋 New 20A fuse (yellow).
• 🧤 Gloves (optional to avoid leaving fingerprints on the contacts).

Replacement algorithm:

Turn off the ignition and make sure all devices are disconnected from the cigarette lighter

Remove the fuse box cover (press the latch at the top)

Find fuse F38 (20A, yellow) according to the diagram on the cover

Remove the old fuse with tweezers (available in the block) or pliers

Install a new fuse (focus on the contacts - the “legs” should fit tightly)

Close the unit cover and check the operation of the cigarette lighter

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If after replacing the cigarette lighter does not work:

1. Check to see if the new fuse has blown (visually or with a multimeter).
2. Make sure that no foreign objects have entered the connector.
3. Check the circuit from the fuse to the cigarette lighter for an open circuit (you need a multimeter for this).

Advice: B Qashqai J11 with diesel engines (R9M, K9K) sometimes there is an additional fuse for the socket in the trunk - F40 (15A). If your rear cigarette lighter is not working, check that too.

Which fuse to choose: ratings and types

For cigarette lighter in Nissan Qashqai J11 fuse is used nominal 20A (yellow color). But in auto parts stores you can find several types of fuses - which ones are suitable?

• 🔹 Standard blade (ATO/ATC): The most common type. Suitable for everyone Qashqai J11.
• 🔹 Mini-ATO: Smaller in size, but in a block J11 not used - don't buy!
• 🔹 Low-Profile ATO: Similar to the standard one, but flatter. Not suitable for Qashqai.
• 🔹 Glass (old style): Obsolete type, not compatible with block J11.

When purchasing, pay attention to:

• 📏 Size: Length ~19 mm, width ~5 mm (ATO standard).
• 🔢 Denomination: Only 20A (yellow). 15A (blue) or 25A (white) fuses will not work!
• 🏷️ Brand: It is better to choose trusted manufacturers: Bosch, Hella, Valeo, Nissan OEM.

Warning: Never install a fuse with an overrated rating (for example, 25A instead of 20A)! This may lead to fire in the wiring, since the cigarette lighter circuit is not designed for high currents.

If you are not sure about the choice, take the old fuse with you to the store - the seller will help you choose an analogue. The average price of a high-quality fuse is 50–150 rubles.

What to do if replacing the fuse does not help

If after replacing the fuse F38 The cigarette lighter still doesn't work, the problem lies deeper. Here is the diagnostic algorithm:

1. Check the cigarette lighter connector:
   • 🔍 Inspect the inside of the connector for oxidation or burnt contacts.
   • 🔌 Connect the tester (multimeter) in voltmeter mode to the connector contacts - when the ignition is on there should be ~12V.
2. Call the wiring:
   • 📡 Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
   • 🔧 Remove the plastic trim under the steering wheel to get to the wiring harness.
   • 🔍 Find the gray wire (power + 12V) and black (ground) going to the cigarette lighter and check them for a break.
3. Check the relay:
   • ⚡ Find the relay in the fuse box K3 (if any) - it is responsible for 12V sockets. Try replacing it with a known good one.
4. Diagnose the body control module (BCM):
   • 🖥️ If all the above steps did not help, the problem may be BCM (for example, the transistor for controlling the cigarette lighter circuit has burned out). In this case, you need a diagnostician with access to Nissan Consult.

Typical pitfalls:

• 🔌 Contact oxidation: Even if the fuse is intact, oxidized contacts in the connector can prevent current from flowing. Clean them with alcohol or a special spray (for example, Kontakt 60).
• 🔧 Ground break: The black wire from the cigarette lighter goes to the body. Check to see if it has become disconnected from the mass point under the dash.
• 📉 Voltage sag: If, when connecting a load, the voltage in the connector drops below 10V, the problem is in the wires (the cross-section is too thin or poor contact).

If self-diagnosis does not produce results, contact a service center with equipment to test the circuits. B Nissan- at dealer centers, the cost of such diagnostics starts from 1,500 rubles.

Frequently asked questions about the cigarette lighter fuse Nissan Qashqai J11

Can I use a 25A fuse instead of a 20A fuse?

No! A 25A fuse will not protect the wiring from overheating in the event of a short circuit. In the cigarette lighter circuit Qashqai J11 wires with a cross section of 0.75–1.0 mm² are used, which are not designed for current >20A. Exceeding the nominal value may result in fire.

Where is the rear cigarette lighter fuse located?

In the majority Qashqai J11 the rear cigarette lighter (if equipped) is protected by a fuse F39 (20A) in the same block. In diesel versions (R9M) there may be a separate fuse F40 (15A) under the hood.

Why does the fuse blow when the compressor is connected?

Bus compressors draw current up to 15-20A, which is close to the limit for a cigarette lighter circuit. If the fuse blows, possible reasons:

• 🔌 The compressor is faulty (short circuit inside).
• ⚡ The cigarette lighter wiring is not designed for such a load (you need to connect the compressor directly to the battery).
• 🔋 The battery is discharged and the compressor creates a voltage sag, which leads to a current surge.

How to check a fuse without a multimeter?

You can do this visually:

1. Remove the fuse from its socket.
2. Look under the light at the metal jumper inside - if it's blown, the fuse is bad.
3. You can also replace a suspicious fuse with a known good one with the same rating (for example, from a socket F20 for audio system).

Is it possible to put two fuses in parallel to increase the current?

Absolutely not! Connecting fuses in parallel compromises the circuit protection and may result in fire. If you need more power, install an additional 12V outlet with a separate wire from the battery through a separate fuse.