Nissan Note - a compact hatchback that has gained popularity due to its reliability and efficiency. However, even such machines have weaknesses, one of which is throttle relay. This small part can cause serious problems: from floating speed to complete engine failure. Unlike the throttle position sensor (TPS), the relay is responsible for powering the electric drive, and its malfunction is often disguised as other failures.
Owners Nissan Note (especially 2006–2013 models with engines HR15DE And HR16DE) are often faced with symptoms reminiscent of a failure of the throttle assembly, while the relay is to blame. In this article we will look at how accurately diagnose the problem, where the relay is located in the fuse box, how to check it with a multimeter and replace it without contacting service. We will also provide current prices for original and analog spare parts, and at the end - answers to frequently asked questions on the topic.
Where is the throttle relay located on Nissan Note
Depending on the year of manufacture and configuration Nissan Note, the relay can be located in different places. In most cases it can be found in fuse and relay box under the hood (next to the battery) or in the interior unit behind the glove box. The exact location depends on the modification:
- 🔧 Note E11 (2006–2013): The throttle relay is usually installed in the engine compartment (labeled as
ETC RELAYorTHROTTLE RELAY). Socket number -#37or#42(check the diagram on the block cover). - 🔧 Note E12 (2013–2020): in models with system e-Pedal the relay is integrated into the throttle control unit (located next to the air duct).
- 🔧 Diesel versions (K9K): The relay may be absent - a power transistor in the ECU is used instead.
To avoid confusion, focus on color and marking: original relay from Nissan has a black or dark gray body with a white label and inscription 25230-4M000 (or similar). If there is no diagram on the block cover, download it from official catalog (enter the VIN of your car).
How to find a relay if there is no diagram?
If there is no diagram on the fuse box cover, proceed as follows:
1. Remove the unit cover (usually it is secured with latches).
2. Look for a relay labeled ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) or THROTTLE.
3. Alternative method: turn on the ignition and listen - the throttle relay makes a slight click when activated (as does the fuel pump relay).
4. If you are not sure, remove the relays one at a time and check with a multimeter (the method is described below).
Signs of a bad throttle relay
Symptoms of relay failure often coincide with malfunctions throttle position sensor (TPS) or the throttle assembly itself. However, there are key differences:
| Symptom | Throttle relay | TPS or throttle assembly |
|---|---|---|
| Engine stalls at idle | ✅ Yes (often) | ✅ Yes (less often) |
| Floating speed | ✅ Yes (sharp jumps) | ✅ Yes (smooth vibrations) |
| Check Engine Lights On and Off | ✅ Yes (code P0601 or P0606) |
✅ Yes (codes P0120–P0123) |
| The car does not respond to the gas pedal | ✅ Yes (complete refusal) | ❌ No (there is a reaction, but weak) |
| Clicking noises from under the hood when the ignition is turned on | ❌ No (if the relay does not work) | ❌ No |
Feature of a faulty relay - the engine may suddenly go into emergency mode (speed limit to 2000–3000 rpm), while errors on the scanner are often absent or appear spontaneously. If you observe such symptoms, first check the relay, and do not rush to clean the throttle or change the TPS.
⚠️ Attention: If the dashboard lights up Check Engine and the engine stops responding to gas, do not try to “reboot” the system by removing the battery terminal. This can reset the throttle adaptations and make the problem worse. Check the relay first!
How to Test the Throttle Relay with a Multimeter
Checking the relay takes no more than 10 minutes and does not require special skills. You will need multimeter (or at least a test lamp) and a screwdriver for removing the relay. Algorithm of actions:
- Remove the relay from the socket (turn off the ignition first).
- Ring the winding: connect the multimeter probes to the terminals
85And86(usually these are control contacts). Resistance must be within50–120 Ohm. - Check your contacts: serve
12 Vto conclusions85And86(possible from battery). Between30And87there should be resistance0 ohm(closure). - Make sure there is no break: between
30And87without applying voltage, the resistance should tend to infinity.
If the relay does not click when voltage is applied or the winding resistance is equal 0/∞, the part is faulty. Also inspect the socket contacts in the fuse box - oxidation or burning may cause poor contact.
Remove the relay from the socket|Ring the winding (pins 85–86)|Apply 12 V to the control contacts|Check the closure of pins 30–87|Inspect the socket for oxidation
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Floating speed|Engine stalls at idle|Does not respond to the gas pedal|Check Engine for no apparent reason|Another symptom
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Step-by-step instructions for replacing the throttle relay
Replacing a relay is one of the simplest procedures that even a beginner can handle. The main thing is buy the right part and do not confuse it with the fuel pump or fan relay. Below are instructions for Nissan Note E11 (similar for other generations):
- Disconnect the battery (remove the negative terminal).
- Remove the fuse box cover under the hood (press the latches on the sides).
- Find the throttle relay (refer to the diagram or inscription
ETC RELAY). - Remove the faulty relayby pulling it up (a flathead screwdriver may be required to pry it open).
- Install a new relay (make sure the pins match).
- Replace the block cover and connect the battery.
- Start the engine and check the throttle operation (the speed should be stable, without jerking).
If the problem persists after replacing the relay, it may be faulty throttle control unit (ETC) or the throttle assembly itself. In this case, diagnostics with a scanner will be required (for example, Launch X431 or ELM327) to read errors.
⚠️ Attention: When replacing the relay with Nissan Note with the system e-Pedal (2018+ years) may be required reset throttle adaptations. To do this you need:
- Turn on the ignition (do not start the engine).
- Press the gas pedal all the way and hold for 10 seconds.
- Turn off the ignition, wait 5 seconds and start the engine.
If adaptation fails, contact the service for diagnostics using a scanner. Consult-III+.
Original and similar relays: articles and prices
Original throttle relay for Nissan Note has an article number
25230-4M000(or25230-4M00Afor models after 2013). Cost at official dealers - from 1,200 to 1,800 rubles. However, there are proven analogues that will cost less:
Manufacturer Article Price, rub. Notes Nissan (original) 25230-4M0001 200–1 800 12 month warranty Mitsubishi MR585777800–1 100 Complete analogue, used in Mitsubishi ASX Hella 4RA 003 563-121600–900 Above average quality, suitable for Renault Bosch 0 332 209 150700–1 000 Universal relay, check compatibility Febi 25230500–700 Budget option, resource ~50,000 km When purchasing an analogue, pay attention to rated voltage (must be
12 V) and contact type (the original has 4 legs with flat plugs). Avoid cheap Chinese relays without a brand - they often fail after 1-2 months.Before purchasing a relay, remove the old one and compare it with the photo in the catalog. Even if the article numbers are the same, the housing may differ (for example, for a relay for Nissan Juke And Note different latches).
Frequent mistakes during diagnostics and repairs
Many owners Nissan Note They waste time and money on unnecessary repairs, confusing relay failure with other problems. Let's look at typical mistakes:
- 🔧 Cleaning the throttle valve instead of checking the relay. If the problem is in the relay, cleaning will not help (maximum temporary effect).
- 🔧 Replacing TPS with code
P0606. This code often indicates a malfunction throttle control unit, not the sensor.- 🔧 Ignoring contact oxidation. Even a new relay will not work if the fuse box socket is dirty.
- 🔧 Buying a relay from a different model. For example, a relay from Nissan Almera N16 It looks similar, but has a different winding resistance.
Another common mistake is resetting errors without eliminating the cause. If
Check Enginecaught fire due to the relay, simply erasing the code will cause it to reappear. Always address the root cause!1. Integrity of the wiring from the relay to the throttle assembly (wires near the collector often fray).
2. The presence of voltage at the relay contacts (should be 12 V when the ignition is on).
3. Condition of the throttle valve (jamming, wear of the drive gear).
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Troubleshooting the throttle relay
The throttle relay is a permanent part, but its life can be extended if you follow simple recommendations:
- 🔋 Check your battery regularly. Voltage surges (below
11 Vor higher14.5 V) reduce the service life of the relay.- 🚿 Avoid pressure washing the engine compartment. Water entering the fuse box causes corrosion of the contacts.
- 🔌 Clean relay contacts periodically alcohol or special liquid (for example, Kontakt 60).
- 🔧 Do not install additional equipment (for example, an alarm or a subwoofer) connected to the inductor circuit.
The average life of the throttle relay is Nissan Note — 100,000–150,000 km. If your relay has already served this period, keep a spare one ready (it is inexpensive, but will save time in case of breakdown).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the throttle relay Nissan Note
Is it possible to drive with a faulty throttle relay?
Technically possible, but highly undesirable. The engine will operate in emergency mode (limited speed, increased fuel consumption). In addition, there is a risk that the car will stall at an intersection or when overtaking. If the relay has completely failed, the car may not start.
How to distinguish a relay failure from a throttle assembly failure?
If the problem is in the relay, then replacing it with a known good one will eliminate the symptoms. If not, the throttle assembly or TPS is to blame. Also, when the throttle malfunctions, errors often appear
P0120–P0123, and if there is a problem with the relay -P0601,P0606orP2101.What should I do if, after replacing the relay, the speed still fluctuates?
Possible reasons:
- Poor quality relay (check it with a multimeter).
- Contacts in the fuse box socket are oxidized (clean them).
- Malfunction of the throttle control unit (ETC).
- Air leaks through cracks in the air duct.
Start with diagnostics using a scanner (for example, ELM327 via the app Torque).
Where to buy a throttle relay for Nissan Note?
The original relay can be ordered from an official dealer or in trusted online stores:
Analogs (for example, Hella or Bosch) are sold in auto parts stores (AutoSpetsCenter, IXORA).
Can the throttle relay be repaired?
Theoretically, yes - if the problem is burnt contacts, they can be cleaned with sandpaper. However, in 90% of cases the relay fails due to winding breakage or mechanical wear, so repair is impractical. The cost of a new relay is low, and homemade repairs can lead to a short circuit.