How to open the trunk on a Nissan Qashqai: 5 proven methods + emergency solutions

trunk Nissan Qashqai - one of the most popular areas in a crossover, but sometimes owners encounter problems opening it. Whether it's a dead battery, a jammed lock or a lost key fob, situations vary. In this article we will look at all official and alternative methods, including emergency unlocking, taking into account the characteristics of generations J10 (2006–2013), J11 (2013–2021) and J12 (from 2021).

We will pay special attention hidden emergency trunk opening mechanism on Qashqai J11/J12, which is not written about in the standard instructions. You will also learn how to avoid lock damage and what to do if the electronic button stops responding. Information is relevant for petrol and diesel versions, including hybrids e-Power.

1. Standard methods of opening the trunk

Let's start with the basic methods provided by the manufacturer. There are three of them, and they all depend on the configuration of your Qashqai.

• 🔑 Button on key fob: Press once to unlock the doors, twice to open the trunk. On key fobs with display (complete set Tekna, N-Connecta) there may be a separate trunk icon.
• 🚗 Button on the trunk door: located under the handle (on J12) or to the right of the license plate (on J10/J11). On some versions the button is hidden under a plastic plug.
• 🔄 Button in the cabin: located on the panel to the left of the driver (next to the door lock buttons). On Qashqai J12 may be sensory.

If the buttons do not respond, check:

1. Battery charge (at voltage below 11.8 V electronic systems are switched off).
2. fuse F37 (10A) in the block under the hood - is responsible for the trunk circuits.
3. Menu settings BCM (Body Control Module) - sometimes they get lost after flashing.

2. Emergency opening of the trunk when the battery is dead

Situation: the battery is discharged, the central locking does not work, but there is access to the interior. On Qashqai J10/J11/J12 provided mechanical emergency opening cable, but its location is different.

For J10 (2006–2013):

1. Open the rear door from the passenger compartment.
2. Remove the plastic trunk lining (it is secured with 4 clips).
3. Find orange cable with a plastic loop - pull it down.

For J11 (2013–2021) and J12 (from 2021):

• 🔧 Remove the trunk shelf lid (it is latched).
• 🔍 Under the trim on the right, find black lever with the inscription EMERGENCY.
• ⚠️ Pull it up (not down!), holding for 2-3 seconds.

⚠️ Attention: On Qashqai J12 with the system ProPilot The emergency cable may be blocked by the tilt sensor. If the trunk does not open, tilt the car forward (for example, by pressing on the bumper).

What to do if the cable breaks?

If the emergency opening cable is broken, the lock will need to be dismantled. To do this:

1. Remove the tailgate trim (8 clips + 2 T20 socket bolts).

2. Disconnect the lock's power connector (white connector).

3. Unscrew the 3 bolts securing the lock (head 10).

4. Remove the lock and manually turn the mechanism counterclockwise.

3. Opening the trunk without a key (lost key fob)

If you don't have a key fob, but have mechanical key (hidden in the key fob body), use it to unlock the driver's door. Next:

1. Sit in the passenger compartment and recline the rear seat back (lever on the right).
2. Make your way to the trunk trim and find the emergency release cable (see section 2).
3. If the cable is inaccessible, remove the plastic cover above the lock (it has 2 clips) and manually press microswitch (black button with spring).

If there is no key at all:

• 🔨 Call a tow truck - the safest option (cost ~1500–2500 RUR).
• 🔧 Opening the lock - only through the service center Nissan (Proof of ownership will be required).
• 📱 Mobile application - if you have NissanConnect with an active subscription, you can unlock the car through the application (function Remote Door Unlock).

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to open the trunk lock with a screwdriver or wire - Qashqai J11/J12 this will activate the alarm and lock BCM for 10 minutes.

4. Problems with the electronic lock: diagnosis and repair

If the trunk does not open either from the key fob or from a button in the cabin, the problem may be:

Symptom	Probable Cause	Solution
The button is pressed, but the trunk does not open	The lock drive is faulty	Replacing the drive (article no. 28501-JM00A for J11)
A click is heard, but the door does not rise	Lift cables are broken	Replacing cables (set 80850-4M000)
The key fob doesn't open the trunk, but it does open the doors.	Crash in BCM or key fob antenna	Flashing BCM or replacing the antenna (part number 28511-3M00A)
The trunk can only be opened with a button in the cabin	Broken wire in the door corrugation	Wiring test, insulation repair

For diagnostics, connect the scanner ELM327 and check for errors in the block BCM. Frequent codes:

• B210E — malfunction of the trunk lock drive.
• U1000 - loss of connection with BCM (check fuses F10 And F37).
• B2193 — short circuit in the trunk button circuit.

5. Features of opening the trunk on the Qashqai J12 (2021–present)

Third generation Qashqai received electronic lock with function Easy Fill (automatic opening when placing your foot under the bumper). For the system to work:

1. Make sure the function is activated in the menu Settings → Comfort → Keyless entry.
2. The key fob must be within the range (no further than 1.5 m from the trunk).
3. The motion sensor (located under the rear bumper) must not be dirty.

If Easy Fill doesn't work:

• 🧹 Clean the sensor from dirt (use compressed air).
• 🔋 Check the charge of the key fob (the green indicator should be on the display).
• 🔧 Reset settings BCM (disconnect the battery for 10 minutes).

On Qashqai J12 also appeared automatic trunk closing function. If the door does not close:

1. Check the rubber seal for damage.
2. Calibrate the door position sensors (you need to hold the close button for 10 seconds).
3. Lubricate the door hinges LIQUI MOLY Silicone-Spray.

6. How to prevent trunk lock damage

To avoid problems with opening the trunk, follow the recommendations:

• 🛢️ Lubricate the lock 2 times a year (use WD-40 Specialist Silicone or CRC 2-26).
• ❄️ In winter, clean the ice seal from the seal plastic scraper (not metal!).
• 🔌 Do not press the trunk release button while the engine is running - this creates voltage surges in BCM.
• 📱 Update your firmware regularly BCM through a dealer (relevant for J11/J12).

If the trunk is used frequently (for example, for transporting goods), install:

• 🔄 Gas struts instead of standard cables (item no. 80850-4M025).
• 🔒 Additional lock on the trunk hinge (for example, Multilock M206).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about opening the trunk of a Nissan Qashqai

Is it possible to open the trunk of a Qashqai if the battery is dead and there is no access to the cabin?

Yes, but the taillight will need to be removed. Remove the headlight (4 T20 bolts), insert your hand into the access hole and press the emergency release cable. On J11/J12 the cable is located closer to the center of the car.

Why does the trunk open only from a button in the cabin, but not from the key fob?

Most likely, the antenna for receiving the key fob signal (located in the rear bumper) is faulty. Check its connector (white connector under the trunk trim) and the power circuit (fuse F10).

How to disable Easy Fill function on Qashqai J12?

Go to menu Settings → Comfort → Keyless entry → Foot trunk release and deactivate the option. You can also disconnect the motion sensor by removing the connector from it (you need to remove the rear bumper).

What to do if the trunk opens but does not close?

Check:

1. Cleanliness of the sealing rubber (if there is dirt, the door will not fit into place).
2. Operation of the microswitch in the lock (in case of malfunction BCM does not record closure).
3. Automatic closing settings (calibration may have gone wrong).

If the problem is with the drive, replace it (part number 28501-JM01A for J12).

Where is the trunk fuse on Qashqai J10?

In the fuse box under the hood (next to the battery). Look for the fuse F37 (10A) - he is responsible for the trunk lock circuits and the license plate illumination.