Fog lights on Nissan Qashqai - not just a tuning element, but an important safety component, especially in poor visibility conditions. Crossover owners are often faced with the question: which fog lights to choose, how to install and connect them correctly so as not to disrupt the car’s electrical system?

In this article we will analyze all aspects - from the features of standard headlights to installation instructions for universal models. You will find out what fog lights fit for Qashqai J10, J11 and J12, how to avoid mistakes during installation and what nuances to consider when setting up the light beam. And also - how to extend the life of headlights and not run into fines for improper use.

Standard fog lights on Nissan Qashqai: features and disadvantages

Factory fog lights on Qashqai Not installed on all configurations. In basic versions they are often replaced with plugs, and in top versions they are integrated into a bumper with an original design. Standard headlights are usually marked H11 (for lamps) and comply with the standard ECE R19, which guarantees correct light distribution.

However, they have disadvantages: the luminous flux may not be bright enough for Russian roads, and plastic lenses become cloudy over time. In addition, in some modifications (for example, Qashqai 2014–2017) the fog lights are located too low, which reduces their effectiveness in fog.

  • ✅ Advantages of standard headlights: original design, easy replacement of lamps, compliance with GOST.
  • ❌ Cons: low brightness, risk of fogging, high price of original lamps.
  • 💡 Alternative: LED lamps with base H11, but require modification of the ignition unit.
⚠️ Attention: Installing LED lamps in standard fog lights without a light beam corrector can lead to blinding oncoming drivers. B Qashqai from 2021, automatic adjustment is provided for this, but older models do not have it.

Which fog lights are suitable for Nissan Qashqai: comparison of types

The choice of fog lights depends on the generation Kashkaya and your requirements. Let's look at the main options:

Headlight type Pros Cons Suitable for
Halogen (H11, H8) Low price, easy installation, compliance with traffic regulations Weak luminous flux, heating All generations
LED lamps Bright light, long life, low power consumption Needs improvement, can be blinding Qashqai J11/J12 (with corrector)
Xenon Maximum brightness, stylish look Prohibited traffic regulations, complex installation Only for offroad (illegal)
Universal (for bumper) Suitable for any design, cheaper than the original Requires drilling of bumper, risk of corrosion Qashqai J10 (pre-restyle)

For Nissan Qashqai J11 (2014–2021) the best choice is halogen headlights with a base H11 from Osram or Philips. They provide enough light for urban conditions and do not require modifications. If you want LED, pay attention to models with built-in driver (For example, Morimoto XB LED), but be prepared to adjust the angle.

📊 What fog lights do you have on your Qashqai?
  • Standard halogen
  • LED lamps
  • Universal for bumper
  • No fog lights
  • Other

How to install fog lights on a Nissan Qashqai: step-by-step instructions

Installation depends on the type of headlights. Let's look at the process using an example universal fog lights in the bumper Qashqai J10:

  1. Removing the bumper. Unscrew the bolts under the wings (2 on each side) and the screws from below. Carefully remove the bumper by disconnecting the clips.
  2. Marking. Place the headlights on the bumper and trace the outline with a marker. Drill the holes with a drill and a hole saw (usually Ø60–70 mm).
  3. Installation of headlights. Attach the fog lights to the bolts or clips (included in the kit). Seal the joints with sealant to prevent fogging.
  4. Connection. Route the wires through the access hole in the engine compartment. Connect to a relay or standard wiring (more on this below).

For standard headlights The process is simpler: just remove the plug in the bumper, insert the headlight and connect the connector. The main thing is not to confuse the polarity (on Qashqai “plus” is usually red, “minus” is black).

Is the terminal removed from the battery|Are there wiring diagrams for your model|Are the headlights the right size for the bumper|Are the joints coated with sealant-->

⚠️ Attention: When drilling the bumper, use anti-corrosion treatment edges of holes. On Qashqai With an aluminum bumper (rare, but it does occur), you cannot use self-tapping screws - only bolts and nuts.

Connection diagrams for fog lights: 3 proven options

Connect fog lights to Nissan Qashqai possible in three ways. The choice depends on whether your model has standard power button (usually near the light switch).

1. Connection via a standard button (if there is a connector)

The easiest way. On Qashqai J11 The connector for the fog lights is located behind the instrument panel (lower left corner). It is enough to connect the wires according to the diagram:

  • Red (12V) → plus from button
  • Black (GND) → body weight
  • Yellow (output) → plus for lamps

2. Connection via relay (universal method)

If there is no standard button, use a 4-pin relay. Scheme:



АКБ (+) → Контакт 30 реле → Предохранитель (10А) → Лампы


Контакт 85 реле → Масса


Контакт 86 реле → Кнопка включения (плюс от габаритов)


Контакт 87 реле → Лампы (плюс)

3. Connection to dimensions (not recommended)

You can power the fog lights from the dimensions, but this violates traffic rules (fog lights must be turned on separately). In addition, on Qashqai with CAN bus this may cause an error on the dashboard.

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Before connecting, check the voltage at the button contacts with a multimeter. On Qashqai 2020+ plus can only be supplied when the ignition is on.

Adjusting the light beam: how to avoid fines and glare

Incorrectly configured fog lights are a common cause of fines (Article 12.20 of the Administrative Code, 500 rubles) and road accidents. On Nissan Qashqai the light beam must be directed down and a little to the left (for right-hand drive models - to the right).

To adjust:

  1. Place the car on a flat area 5 meters from the wall.
  2. Place marks on the wall at the level of the centers of the headlights.
  3. Turn on the fog lights and adjust the screws on the headlight housing so that the upper boundary of the beam is 5–10 cm below the marks.

On Qashqai J12 (2021–) with LED fog lights, adjustment is carried out through the on-board computer menu (Settings → Lighting → Headlight range control). If this option is not available, you will need a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431).

What happens if you drive with incorrectly configured fog lights?

In addition to fines, an incorrect angle of inclination can lead to dazzling of oncoming drivers (especially LED lamps). In fog, this impairs visibility even more, as light reflects from moisture droplets and creates a “white wall”. On Qashqai with automatic headlight leveling (optional Intelligent Auto Headlight) incorrect settings may cause an error C1130 (malfunction of the lighting system).

Care and repair: how to extend the life of fog lights

Fog lights on Nissan Qashqai require regular maintenance, especially in Russian conditions. Main problems:

  • 💧 Fogging. Occurs due to depressurization or clogged drainage holes. Solution: clean the holes with a needle and dry the headlights with a hairdryer (do not overheat!).
  • 💡 Burnt out lamps. Halogen lamps last 1–2 years, LED lamps last up to 5 years. When replacing, do not touch the flask with your hands (grease marks will shorten its service life).
  • 🔧 Oxidation of contacts. Check connectors once a year, clean for corrosion and lubricate lithol.

To clean the lenses, use special polishes (For example, 3M Headlight Restoration Kit). Do not use abrasives - they scratch the plastic, which accelerates clouding. On Qashqai J10 With plastic bumpers, avoid high pressure washers - water can get into the headlight through the drain.

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Regular cleaning of the drain holes (located at the bottom of the headlight) will prevent fogging and corrosion of the contacts. For the winter, it is recommended to treat them with silicone grease.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when working with fog lights. Here are the most common:

  • 🔌 Wrong polarity. On Qashqai this causes the fuse to blow F37 (10A) in the block under the hood. Always check with a multimeter!
  • 🔧 Using Scotch Locks. Such connectors are unreliable and may melt. Better to solder or use terminals Wago.
  • 🚗 Installation without sealant. After a year, water will begin to enter the headlight, which will lead to corrosion of the reflector.
  • 💡 Buying cheap LED lamps. They often flicker and blind. The best option is Philips X-tremeUltinon or Osram LEDriving.

Another typical problem is power button not working. On Qashqai J11 this may be due to a broken wire under the steering wheel (check the connector C101). If the fog lights do not light up even though the button is working, check the relay K35 in the interior fuse box.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Qashqai 2018+ with the system ProPilot Installing LED fog lights yourself may cause the cameras to malfunction. In this case, the unit needs to be re-flashed IPMA (only in the service).

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to install xenon in Qashqai fog lights?

Technically yes, but this prohibited by traffic rules (fine 3,000 rubles with confiscation of lamps). Xenon in fog lights blinds oncoming drivers due to the high temperature of the light (4300K–6000K). The exception is factory bi-xenon headlights (installed on Qashqai Tekna until 2017).

Which lamps are better for Qashqai: halogen or LED?

Depends on generation:

  • Qashqai J10 (2007–2013): halogen ones are optimal H11 (For example, Osram Night Breaker).
  • Qashqai J11 (2014–2021): You can install LED, but with a light beam corrector.
  • Qashqai J12 (2021–): only original LED or certified analogues (Philips Ultinon Pro9000).

LEDs provide brightness of up to 3000 lumens (versus 1200 lumens for halogen), but require improvement.

Where is the fog light fuse located?

B Nissan Qashqai J11 fuse (10A) located:

  • For left headlight: F37 in the block under the hood (next to the battery).
  • For the right headlight: F38 in the same block.
  • Relay: K35 in the cabin block (behind the glove compartment).

On J12 the circuit is different - the fuses are combined into F20 (15A).

How to remove the headlight to replace the lamp?

Instructions for Qashqai J11:

  1. Remove the negative terminal from the battery.
  2. Unscrew the 2 headlight mounting bolts (under the hood, next to the radiator).
  3. Disconnect the power connector by pressing the latch.
  4. Turn the lamp counterclockwise and remove it.
Important: Do not touch the halogen lamp bulb - use gloves or a napkin.

Is it possible to drive with the fog lights on during the day?

According to traffic regulations (clause 19.4), fog lights can be used only:

  • In conditions of poor visibility (fog, rain, snow).
  • At night on unlit sections of the road along with low beam.

Turn them on during the day prohibited (fine 500 rubles). The exception is fog lights DRL (if they are certified as daytime running lights).