Starter relay on Nissan Qashqai: where is it located, how to check and replace

Owners Nissan Qashqai first (J10, 2006–2013) and second (J11, 2013–2021) generations often encounter engine starting problems associated with a faulty starter relay. Symptoms can range from no response at all when turning the key to clicking noises without turning the crankshaft. At the same time, many car owners waste time searching for this small but critical element - its location depends on the year of manufacture and equipment of the car.

In this article you will find exact starter relay location diagrams for different versions Qashqai, including models with petrol (HR16DE, MR20DE) and diesel (K9K, R9M) engines. We will also look into signs of trouble, diagnostic methods and replacement nuances - taking into account typical mistakes that are made during repairs. If you have already tried to jump start your car or suspect electrical problems, this information will help you save on diagnostics at a service center.

Where is the starter relay located on Nissan Qashqai J10 (2006–2013)

On the first generation Nissan Qashqai (J10) the starter relay is located in fuse and relay mounting block, which is located inside the car - under the instrument panel on the driver's side. To gain access you must:

1. Open the driver's door and remove the plastic cover under the steering column (it is secured with two latches).
2. Lower the steering column to the lowest position for convenience.
3. Find a black plastic block with a lid - this is the mounting block.

Starter relay in J10 has a standard size and marking R17 (on the block cover it may be marked as Starter Relay). It is important not to confuse it with main relay (usually R1), which is responsible for powering the entire ignition system. The photo below shows the exact location:

On diesel versions (K9K) the circuit is identical, but sometimes the relay can be duplicated in the engine compartment - it depends on the year of manufacture. For example, in models 2010–2013. an additional relay was installed to improve the reliability of the circuit.

⚠️ Attention: On Qashqai J10 with automatic transmission (CVT) the starter relay can be combined with a start blocking relay. When replacing, use only original parts (Nissan 25230-JM00A or analogues from Hella/Bosch), since non-original relays often cannot withstand the load.

Starter relay location for Nissan Qashqai J11 (2013–2021)

Second generation (J11) has undergone changes in the layout of electrical equipment. Here the starter relay is moved to engine compartment mounting block, which is located next to the battery. The exact location depends on the engine type:

• 🔧 Gasoline versions (HR16DE, MR20DD): The relay is located in the main fuse box (black box with cover, marked as Fusible Link Box). The required relay is marked R5.
• ⚡ Diesel versions (K9K, R9M): the starter relay can be duplicated - one in the engine compartment (R5), the second in the cabin block (R17, as in J10).
• 🔋 Hybrid versions (Qashqai 1.6 DIG-T Hybrid): the relay is integrated into the starter-generator control unit (ISG) and cannot be replaced separately.

To get to the relay in the engine compartment:

1. Open the hood and remove the battery cover.
2. Locate the black plastic block next to the positive terminal of the battery.
3. Unclip the unit cover clamps (a flathead screwdriver is required).
4. The starter relay will be located in the top row, third from the right (see diagram below).

On Qashqai J11 with the system Stop/Start The starter relay can be replaced with a solid state one (without mechanical contacts). In this case, checking it with a multimeter will not give accurate results - diagnostics with a scanner is required.

Signs of a bad starter relay

Starter relay on Nissan Qashqai rarely fails suddenly - it is usually preceded by characteristic symptoms. Here are the most common signs indicating a problem:

• 🔊 Click without scrolling: When turning the key, a single click is heard, but the starter does not rotate the crankshaft. This indicates an open circuit within the relay.
• 🔄 Multiple clicks: The relay rattles, but the starter does not operate. The reason is burnt contacts or low voltage on the coil.
• 🚗 Starting "the second time": Sometimes the starter only works after a few tries. The culprit is worn relay contacts.
• 🔥 Burning smell: When trying to start, you smell burnt plastic. This is a signal about a short circuit inside the relay.
• 🔋 Battery discharge: If the relay is “stuck” in the closed state, the starter may turn even after the key is released, quickly draining the battery.

It is important to distinguish a relay malfunction from problems with starter or solenoid relay. For example, if you hear a loud cracking sound when you turn the key, but the engine does not start, the retractor is to blame. And if the starter turns too slowly, the problem is in the battery or ground.

⚠️ Attention: On Qashqai with the system Nissan Intelligent Key (keyless entry) a faulty starter relay can prevent the engine from starting even if the battery is working. In this case, the indicator on the dashboard lights up KEY — the error must be reset via the diagnostic connector.

How to test the starter relay with a multimeter

To diagnose the starter relay on Nissan Qashqai You will need a multimeter and a screwdriver. Follow the step by step instructions:

1. Removing the relay: remove the relay from the mounting block (you will need to carefully pry it off with a screwdriver).
2. Checking the coil:
   • Set the multimeter to resistance measurement mode (200 ohms).
   • Connect the probes to the terminals 85 And 86 (coil contacts).
   • Resistance must be within 50–120 Ohm. If the readings tend to infinity, there is a break; if they go to zero, there is a short circuit.
3. Checking contacts:
   • Switch the multimeter to dialing mode.
   • Connect the probes to the terminals 30 And 87 (power circuit).
   • When voltage is applied to the coil (for example, from a 9V battery), a sound signal should be heard - this means that the contacts are closed.

If the relay fails at least one of the tests, it must be replaced. On Qashqai There are also cases when the relay works during testing, but fails under load. In this case, only replacing it with a new one will help.

Step-by-step replacement of the starter relay

Replacing the starter relay with Nissan Qashqai - a simple procedure that takes no more than 10 minutes. You will need:

• New relay (original or high-quality analogue from Hella, Bosch, Meat & Doria).
• Flathead screwdriver or tweezers to remove the relay.
• Contact grease (optional, for processing leads).

Instructions for Qashqai J10 (cabin block):

1. Включите зажигание (не запуская двигатель).
2. Нажмите педаль газа до упора и удерживайте 10 секунд.
3. Выключите зажигание и повторите запуск.