Why the trunk does not open on a Nissan Note: diagnostics and repair

trunk Nissan Note stopped opening, but you don’t know where to start? This problem occurs among model owners E11 (2006–2013) and E12 (2013–2020) more often than it seems. The reasons can be trivial - from a dead battery in the key fob to serious malfunctions of the electric drive or lock mechanics. In 80% of cases, repairs can be done independently, without resorting to the help of a car service.

In this article we will look at all possible reasonswhy won't the trunk open? Nissan Note, - from software failures to physical breakdowns. You'll learn how to diagnose a problem based on its symptoms, what tools you'll need for repairs, and when you should actually go to an authorized dealer. And for those who prefer visual instructions, at the end of the article there is video selection with step-by-step repairs.

The main causes of trunk malfunction

If the trunk Nissan Note does not open either from the key fob, or from a button in the cabin, or manually - the problem may lie in one of 5 systems:

• 🔋 Power supply - dead battery, blown fuse or oxidized contacts.
• 🔐 Central lock — failure in the control unit or broken wiring.
• 🔧 Lock mechanics - jammed drive, broken rod or deformed latch.
• 📱 Electronics — malfunction of the button, position sensor or microswitch.
• 🚗 Body deformations — after an accident or corrosion, the trunk lid may become warped.

According to statistics from service centers, the most common culprits are fuse F37 (10A) in the interior block or a wire break in the corrugation between the body and the trunk lid. These problems can be solved in 10–30 minutes without special tools.

Diagnosing the problem: where to start?

Before disassembling the lock, check 4 key points:

1. Does the central locking work? If the doors do not open with the key fob, the problem may be in the battery or control unit.
2. Is there a sound when you press a button? A clicking or buzzing sound indicates that power is being supplied to the drive, but the mechanics are stuck.
3. Can the trunk be opened with the key? If yes, there is an electrical problem; if not, there is a mechanical problem.
4. Is the trunk light on? Its absence may indicate a loss of mass or power supply.

If the trunk does not open not in any way, try emergency access through the back seat. To do this:

Fold the rear seat (lever under the cushion)

Insert your hand into the access hole behind the backrest

Feel for the emergency release cable (usually on the right)

Pull the cable with a force of 3–5 kg

-->

⚠️ Attention: On models Nissan Note E12 (2013–2020) the emergency opening cable can be hidden by a plastic panel. To get to it you will need a flathead screwdriver.

Electrical faults: fuses, relays, wiring

If the trunk does not respond to commands, but opens mechanically with the key, there is an electrical problem. Start by checking fuse and relay:

element	Location	Denomination	Symptoms of a problem
Fuse F37	Fuse box in the passenger compartment (under the steering wheel)	10A	Central locking and trunk not working
Relay K32	Same block (next to F37)	—	It clicks, but the trunk does not open
Fuse F20	Block under the hood	15A	All electric drives do not work

If the fuses are intact, check corrugated wiring between the body and the trunk lid. Over time, the wires fray, which leads to an open circuit. To diagnose:

1. Open the trunk manually (via emergency access).
2. Remove the plastic protection from the bellows (T20 screwdriver).
3. Check the integrity of the wires red (plus) And black (mass).
4. If there is a break, strip and solder the wires, insulating them with heat shrink.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Note E11 (2006–2013) often rubbed orange wire — he is responsible for the opening signal. If it is damaged, the trunk will not respond to the button, but will open with the key fob.

Mechanical failures: lock, drive, rods

If the trunk does not open no electronics, no key - the problem is mechanical. Most often they break:

• 🔧 Electric lock drive - the motor or gears burn out.
• 🔗 Lock rod — the plastic part bursts over time.
• 🔑 Castle cylinder — freezes or becomes clogged with dirt.
• 🚪 Latch - deformed after impact or corrosion.

To diagnose mechanics:

1. Remove the trunk lid trim (clips or T20 bolts).
2. Check integrity plastic rod from the drive to the lock.
3. If the rod is intact, remove the drive and check its operation on 12V (it should click).
4. Inspect lock cylinder - it should turn freely.

🔹 If the rod is broken: It can be temporarily replaced with wire or bought a new one (article no. 77010-4M000 for Note E11).

🔹 If the drive does not work: Check its resistance with a multimeter (should be 5-10 ohms). In the event of a break - only replacement (article no. 28530-4M000).

How to remove the trunk trim without damage?

1. Remove the two bolts under the light (T20).

2. Carefully pry up the clips with a plastic spatula, starting from the corners.

3. Do not pull too hard - the clips are fragile! If they are broken, replace them with new ones (part number 08835-4M000).

Software crashes and factory resets

Sometimes the trunk Nissan Note won't open due to malfunction in the central locking control module (BCM). It shows up like this:

• 🔄 The trunk opens every other time.
• 🔊 The relay clicks are heard, but the drive does not work.
• 📵 The key fob stops working after replacing the battery.

Solution - reset BCM settings. To do this:

1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for 10 minutes.
2. Plug it back in and try opening the trunk.
3. If it doesn't help, do it key fob training procedure:

1. Вставьте ключ в замок зажигания.
2. Поверните в положение ON (не заводите).
3. Нажмите кнопку открытия багажника на брелке 3 раза подряд.
4. Поверните ключ в OFF и выньте его.
5. Повторите процедуру 2–3 раза.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Note E12 (2013–2020) with system Intelligent Key Scanner diagnostics may be required Consult-III. Without it, resetting the settings is not always possible.

When to go to service: difficult cases

Not all breakdowns can be fixed on your own. Contact the service if:

• 🔌 BCM problem - Re-flashing or replacement is required.
• 🔧 Broken latch in trunk lid — Welding or part replacement is required.
• 📡 The system doesn't work Intelligent Key — Antenna diagnostics are needed.
• 🚗 The trunk lid is deformed - straightening is required.

Average cost of repairs in service:

Type of work	Cost (RUB)	Time
Electrical diagnostics	1 500–2 500	30–60 min
Replacing the lock drive	3 000–5 000	1–2 hours
BCM repair	8 000–15 000	2–3 days
Replacing the trunk latch	4 000–7 000	1.5–2 hours

💡 Advice: Before going to the service center, take a photo or video symptoms of malfunction. This will help the technician quickly determine the cause.

💡

If the trunk does not open after an accident, do not try to fix it yourself! Body deformation can lead to mechanism failure during forced opening.

Prevention: how to avoid problems with the trunk

To the trunk Nissan Note served for a long time:

• 🧴 Lubricate the lock silicone grease 2 times a year (especially before winter).
• 🔋 Check fuses once every 6 months - they can oxidize.
• 🚿 Wash the trunk from the inside — Dirt and moisture cause corrosion of mechanisms.
• 🔑 Don't slam the lid - this deforms the latch.

🔹 For winter use: Use WD-40 for processing the lock cylinder and rods. Do not use lithium-based oils - they thicken in the cold.

🔹 When replacing the battery: Always follow the key fob learning procedure (see section above).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the trunk of the Nissan Note

🔧 Is it possible to open the trunk if the key is broken?

Yes. Try it first emergency access through the salon (see section "Diagnostics"). If this does not help, remove the driver's door trim and pull the mechanical opening cable (it goes from the lock to the trunk). On Note E12 the cable may be hidden under a plastic panel - it must be carefully removed.

🔋 The trunk opens only when the engine is running. What's the matter?

Most likely the problem is ground or fuse. Check:

1. fuse F37 (10A) in the salon block.
2. The condition of the negative wire on the body (often oxidizes under the trunk).
3. Relay K32 - it may stick.

If everything is ok, check corrugated wiring (see section "Electrical faults").

🔊 The trunk clicks, but does not open. What to do?

This is a sign jammed drive or rod. Remove the trunk lid trim and check:

• Integrity plastic rod (often breaks at the base).
• Move latches - it should move freely.
• Job microswitch (is it pressed when opening).

If the rod is broken, replace it (part no. 77010-4M000). If the drive is stuck, try lubricating it WD-40 or replace with a new one.

📵 The key fob has stopped opening the trunk, but it opens the doors. Why?

Probably the problem is trunk antenna or BCM. On Nissan Note The antenna is located in the rear bumper or under the trunk trim. Check:

1. Integrity of antenna wires (often chafed).
2. Key fob settings (follow the learning procedure, see section "Software failures").
3. Operation of the button on the key fob (call with a tester).

If the antenna is working properly, but the trunk still does not open, diagnostics are required BCM scanner.

🚗 After an accident, the trunk does not open. Can I fix it myself?

❌ No! After a rear impact, the body may become deformed, leading to:

• The latch is skewed and cannot be opened.
• Damage to the wiring in the corrugation.
• Mechanism jamming during forced opening.

In this case it is required professional diagnostics with checking the body geometry. Trying to open the trunk on your own can make the problem worse!