<em>Nissan Primera P12</em>cigarette lighter fuse: location, rating and DIY replacement

If in your Nissan Primera P12 The cigarette lighter stopped working, a blown fuse is to blame in 90% of cases. But where to look for it? In this article we will analyze three possible locations cigarette lighter fuse (depending on the year of manufacture and configuration), find out its rating, and also learn how to correctly diagnose and replace it without errors.

Many owners Primera P12 They are faced with a problem: the cigarette lighter shows no signs of life, but the backlight is on. This is a classic symptom of a blown fuse. However, there is a nuance in this car - on some versions the cigarette lighter fuse is combined with a socket for additional equipment in the trunk, which complicates the search. We will analyze all the options in detail.

Where is the cigarette lighter fuse on Nissan Primera P12

B Primera P12 The cigarette lighter fuse can be located in one of three places - it all depends on the year of manufacture and configuration. The main fuse blocks are located:

• 🔧 Main unit in the cabin — under the steering wheel, to the left of the pedals (behind the plastic cover). 80% of the fuses are located here, including the one responsible for the cigarette lighter in most versions.
• 🚗 Additional unit in the trunk — to the right of the battery (under the plastic panel). Found on cars with rich equipment (for example, Tekna or Sport).
• 🔌 Separate fuse in the glove compartment - rare, but on some European versions (for example, for the German market) the fuse is located separately.

To avoid guessing, check first main unit in the cabin - in 95% of cases the cigarette lighter fuse is located there. Its designation: F35 (15A) or F38 (20A) - depends on the year. On cars from 2002–2004. more often it costs F35, for 2005–2007 — F38.

Fuse box diagram Primera P12 with notations

Below is a current diagram of the main fuse box (located under the steering wheel). Please note: the designations may differ in different markets, but this scheme is suitable for Russian and European versions.

Designation	Rating (A)	Purpose	Note
F35	15	Cigarette lighter, 12V socket in trunk	On versions before 2005
F38	20	Cigarette lighter, audio system	On versions after 2005
F40	10	Cigarette lighter illumination	Separate fuse
F10	10	Body Control Module (BCM)	Affects the operation of the cigarette lighter indirectly

If your fuse is marked differently, check the sticker on the back of the block cover - there should be a current diagram for your modification. On some Primera P12 for the Japanese market, the cigarette lighter fuse may be called CIGAR or POWER OUTLET.

Why the cigarette lighter fuse blows: 5 main reasons

Cigarette lighter fuse Primera P12 It doesn't just fail - there's always a reason for it. Let's look at the most common ones:

• ⚡ Short circuit in socket — ingress of metal objects (coins, paper clips) or oxidation of contacts.
• 🔌 Overcurrent — connection of powerful devices (compressors, inverters) without protection.
• 🔋 Malfunction of the cigarette lighter itself — internal closure of the spiral or contacts.
• 🚗 Wiring problems — frayed or exposed wires under the panel.
• 🔧 Incorrect fuse rating — installation of a “bug” or a fuse with a higher amperage.

Most often to blame cigarette lighter socket — its contacts become loose over time, which leads to poor contact and overheating. If the fuse burns again after replacement, be sure to check the socket with a multimeter for a short circuit.

How to check the cigarette lighter socket with a multimeter?

1. Pull out the cigarette lighter fuse.

2. Set the multimeter to resistance test mode (200 ohms).

3. Connect the probes to the central and side contacts of the socket.

4. If the resistance is close to 0, there is a short circuit. If infinity is a break. Standard: 0.5–1.5 Ohm (cigarette lighter coil resistance).

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

Replacing the fuse with Primera P12 takes no more than 5 minutes if you know the sequence of actions. You will need:

• 🔧 Flat screwdriver (for removing the block cover).
• 🔍 Flashlight (to see the signs better).
• 🔋 New fuse (15A or 20A - see the diagram).
• 🧤 Gloves (optional to avoid leaving fingerprints on the fuses).

Replacement algorithm:

1. Turn off the ignition and remove the key from the lock.
2. Remove the fuse box cover (under the steering wheel) - pry it off with a screwdriver from below.
3. Find the fuse F35 or F38 (see diagram above).
4. Use tweezers (or your fingers) to remove the burnt fuse.
5. Install a new fuse same denomination.
6. Check the operation of the cigarette lighter.

If after replacement the fuse burns out again, do not install a fuse of a higher rating - this may cause a fire! In this case, it is necessary to diagnose the cause (see section above).

⚠️ Attention: On some Primera P12 with audio system Bose The cigarette lighter fuse is connected to the amplifier. If the music stops working after replacement, check the fuse F30 (10A) in the same block.

What to do if the fuse is intact but the cigarette lighter does not work

If the fuse is good, but the cigarette lighter still does not heat, the problem may lie in the following:

• 🔌 Broken wire — check the wiring from the fuse box to the socket (orange wire - “+”, black - “-”).
• 🔥 Cigarette lighter coil burnt out — disassemble the cigarette lighter and inspect the heating element.
• 📉 Oxidation of contacts — clean the contacts of the cigarette lighter socket and plug with sandpaper.
• 🔧 Relay faulty - in rare cases, a relay is responsible for the operation of the cigarette lighter K3 in the same block.

To check the power supply to the socket:

1. Turn on the ignition.
2. Multimeter in mode DC 20V measure the voltage between the center and side contacts of the socket.
3. Norm: 12–14.5V. If there is no voltage, the problem is in the wiring or fuse box.

If there is voltage, but the cigarette lighter does not heat - take it apart and check the heating coil circuit. Often it burns out over time or due to mechanical damage.

How to prevent the fuse from blowing again

To ensure that the cigarette lighter fuse is on Primera P12 did not burn again, follow these recommendations:

• 🚫 Don't use bugs - homemade fuses made of wire or foil lead to a fire.
• 🔌 Connect only certified devices — cheap charges or compressors often cause short circuits.
• 🔍 Clean the nest regularly - Dust and debris can cause a short circuit.
• 🔋 Do not exceed power — maximum load on the cigarette lighter Primera P12: 120W (10A).

If you often need to connect powerful devices (such as a portable refrigerator), install an additional 12V socket with a separate fuse. This will relieve the standard circuit and protect it from burnout.

⚠️ Attention: On Primera P12 with diesel engines (2.2 dCi) The cigarette lighter fuse may be connected to the glow plug circuit. If after replacing the fuse the engine becomes harder to start, check the spark plug relay (K7 in the block under the hood).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the cigarette lighter fuse Nissan Primera P12

Is it possible to put a 25A fuse instead of 15A?

No! Installing a larger fuse may result in melting wiring or even a fire. If a 15A fuse blows, look for the cause (short circuit or overload) rather than increasing the rating.

Where to buy a fuse for Primera P12?

Standard size fuses (mini blade) are sold at any auto shop or AliExpress. For Primera P12 will fit:

• 15A — blue color.
• 20A — yellow color.

Cost: from 10 to 50 rubles per piece. Take extra - they will come in handy often.

Why does the cigarette lighter work but not heat?

If the backlight is on, but the cigarette lighter does not heat up, the problem is burnt out spiral inside it. Disassemble the cigarette lighter (by carefully prying up the metal rim) and check the spiral circuit with a multimeter. If it breaks, replace the cigarette lighter (part number for P12: 28550-4M000).

Is it possible to connect a second cigarette lighter in the trunk?

Yes, but you need:

1. Lay a separate wire with a cross-section of at least 1.5 mm² from the battery through a fuse (15–20A).
2. Install a 12V socket with grounding on the body.
3. Connect via a relay if you want it to work only when the ignition is on.

The connection diagram is standard - can be found in auto electrician manuals.

Which fuse is responsible for the cigarette lighter on Primera P12 with engine 2.0T (QR20DE)?

On versions with engine QR20DE (2005–2007) cigarette lighter fuse - F38 (20A) in the main block. Also check F40 (10A) — he is responsible for the lighting.