Where is the cigarette lighter fuse in Nissan Qashqai J10 (2007–2013): diagram, number and replacement

Cigarette lighter in Nissan Qashqai J10 - one of the most popular electrical elements, especially if you actively use car gadgets: recorders, navigators or chargers. When it suddenly stops working, the first thought is that the fuse has blown. But where exactly to look for it in this generation of crossover (2007–2013 production)?

Unlike newer models, The fuse box in J10 is hidden in a non-obvious way, but the diagram under the hood and in the cabin is different. In this article you will find the exact coordinates of the cigarette lighter fuse, its number in the block, as well as the reasons why it may blow out more often than usual. We'll figure out how to check and replace it yourself, without resorting to the help of an auto electrician - with step-by-step photos and diagnostic tips.

Where is the cigarette lighter fuse in Nissan Qashqai J10: exact location

B Nissan Qashqai J10 The cigarette lighter fuse is located in car interior, and not under the hood, as many people think. Specifically - in main fuse box, which is hidden behind a plastic cover to the left of the steering column. To get to it:

1. Sit in the driver's seat and open the door (this is more convenient).
2. Lower the steering wheel to its lowest position if possible.
3. Remove the plastic fuse box cover by pulling it towards you (it is held in place by latches).
4. In front of you will be a block with fuses and relays. The fuse you are looking for is No. 20 at 15 Amps (in some configurations - No. 15, check the diagram on the back of the cover).

Important: on some versions Qashqai J10 (for example, with an additional 12V socket in the trunk) the cigarette lighter and socket can be protected different fuses. If only the cigarette lighter in the center console stops working, but the socket in the trunk is functioning, look for a separate fuse under the number #28 (15A).

Nissan Qashqai J10 fuse box diagram: how not to confuse it

On the back of the fuse box cover there is a diagram with the numbers and purpose of each element. However, the inscriptions are often erased or unreadable, so we will provide a current table for Qashqai J10 (2007–2013):

Fuse number	Denomination (A)	Purpose	Notes
15	15	Cigarette lighter / 12V socket (basic equipment)	May be duplicated #20
20	15	Cigarette lighter/socket 12V (main)	Most often it fails
28	15	Additional 12V socket (trunk)	Only in configurations with the option
30	10	Audio/navigation	Sometimes connected to the cigarette lighter via a relay

⚠️ Attention: If your fuse box cover has different numbers, check with electrical circuit of your specific modification. For example, in versions for the Japanese market (J10 right hand drive) numbering may vary. In this case, look for the fuse according to the inscription CIGAR or POWER OUTLET.

If there is no diagram or it is unreadable, use the universal rule: the cigarette lighter fuse is in Nissan Qashqai J10 always 15 Amps and is located in top of the block (first 30 positions). It can be identified by its characteristic yellow color (standard for 15A).

Why the cigarette lighter fuse blows: top 5 reasons

The cigarette lighter fuse does not blow out just like that - this is always a consequence short circuit or circuit overload. Here are the most common reasons for Nissan Qashqai J10:

• 🔌 Poor quality or powerful chargers. Cheap Chinese chargers for phones/tablets often produce current surges, which leads to a blown fuse. Devices with a declared power >2.4A are especially dangerous.
• 🚗 Connecting energy-intensive devices. Tire compressors, portable refrigerators or inverters (12V→220V) may exceed the load rating of the cigarette lighter circuit (maximum 180 W).
• 🔥 Oxidation of contacts. Over time, the cigarette lighter connector becomes oxidized or dirty, leading to poor contact and overheating. This is one of the main reasons frequent fuse blown.
• ⚡ Short circuit in the wiring. Damage to the wire insulation (for example, after unsuccessful tuning or an accident) can cause a short circuit. In this case, replacing the fuse will not help - you need to diagnose the wiring.
• 🔄 The cigarette lighter itself is faulty. If there is a short inside the socket (for example, due to metal debris), the fuse will burn out immediately after replacement.

💡 Advice: If the fuse blows immediately after replacement - the problem is definitely not in him, but in the circuit. In this case, you should not continue the experiments: contact an auto electrician to check the wiring with a multimeter.

How to check the cigarette lighter fuse: 3 reliable ways

Before changing the fuse, make sure it is actually blown. Here are three verification methods that work for Nissan Qashqai J10:

1. Visual inspection. Take out the fuse with tweezers (it is in the block) and look at the light: if the jumper inside is burned out (broken), the fuse is faulty. B Qashqai J10 fuses are used ATO (flat, with a transparent body).
2. Check with a multimeter. Switch the tester to circuit test mode (diode icon) and touch the fuse contacts with the probes. If the resistance tends to infinity, it burns out.
3. Replace with a known good one. Take a fuse of the same rating (15A) from another slot (for example, for the heated seats, if there is one) and temporarily install it in the place of the cigarette lighter. If the cigarette lighter works, the problem is confirmed.

⚠️ Attention: Never use for testing "bugs" (homemade jumpers made of wire or foil). B Nissan Qashqai J10 this could lead to wiring fire, since the cigarette lighter circuit is not designed to handle high currents without protection.

If the fuse is intact but the cigarette lighter does not work, check:

• 🔋 Cigarette lighter relay (in the same block, usually K9 or K11).
• 🔌 Socket contacts - often oxidize or bend.
• 🚗 Power to fuse box (must be 12V at the input).

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

Replacing the fuse in Nissan Qashqai J10 takes no more than 5 minutes if you know the nuances. Follow this instruction:

1. Turn off the ignition. This is mandatory to avoid short circuit when removing the fuse.
2. Remove the fuse box cover. It is located to the left of the steering wheel and is secured with latches. Pull carefully so as not to break.
3. Find fuse #20 (or #15). Refer to the diagram or color (yellow = 15A).
4. Remove the blown fuse. Use tweezers from a block or a flathead screwdriver. Do not pull with your fingers - you may damage adjacent fuses.
5. Install a new fuse. It should go in without effort. If you have to press, check whether you have chosen the right denomination.
6. Check the operation of the cigarette lighter. Turn on the ignition and connect a known working device (for example, a phone charger).

🔧 Important: If after replacement the fuse burns out again - do not repeat the procedure. This is a sign of a serious fault in the circuit. Need to diagnose:

• 🔍 The cigarette lighter socket itself (disassemble and check for short circuit).
• 📡 Wiring from the fuse box to the cigarette lighter (often chafed under the torpedo).
• ⚡ Connected devices (try turning off all gadgets and check the fuse again).

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

If the fuse is good, but the cigarette lighter shows no signs of life, the problem may be:

1. **Cigarette lighter relay** (check relay K9 or K11 in the block, swap places with a known working one, for example, low beam).

2. **Oxidized socket contacts** - disassemble the cigarette lighter and clean the contacts with sandpaper or WD-40.

3. **Wiring break** - use a multimeter to check the presence of 12V at the input to the socket with the ignition on.

4. **Malfunctions of the cigarette lighter itself** - the backlight or the plug fixing mechanism often breaks.

Common mistakes when replacing a fuse: what not to do

Even something as simple as replacing a fuse can turn into problems if mistakes are made. That's what can't do in Nissan Qashqai J10:

• 🔥 Install a fuse of a higher rating. For example, instead of 15A put 20A or 25A. This will lead to melting wiring or even a fire, since the cigarette lighter circuit is not designed for high currents.
• 🛠️ Use metal objects instead of a fuse. Coins, paper clips, or wire can cause a short circuit and damage the fuse box.
• 🔌 Ignore checking the cigarette lighter socket. If the contacts inside the socket are shorted (for example, due to debris), the new fuse will burn out immediately after installation.
• 🚗 Do not turn off the ignition when replacing. This is fraught with a voltage surge and failure of other electronic components of the car.
• 🔍 Do not check the cause of the burnout. If a fuse blows for no apparent reason, simply replacing it is not enough - you need to find and eliminate the source of the problem.

⚠️ Attention: B Nissan Qashqai J10 with the system Nissan Connect (Navigation/Multimedia) The cigarette lighter fuse may be connected to the audio system circuit. If the radio stops working after replacing the fuse, check the fuse. №30 (10A) in the same block.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the cigarette lighter fuse in the Nissan Qashqai J10

Can I use a 20A fuse instead of a 15A fuse for the cigarette lighter?

No, it's dangerous! Cigarette lighter circuit Qashqai J10 designed for a maximum current of 15A. A 20A fuse will not blow if overloaded, but the insulation on the wires may melt or the fuse box may fail. If you need to connect powerful devices (for example, an inverter), install an additional outlet with a separate fuse and relay.

Where to buy a fuse for the Qashqai J10 cigarette lighter?

Fuse type ATO 15A (yellow) for sale:

• In any auto store (cost 10–30 rubles).
• At gas stations (usually in the auto parts department).
• In online stores (for example, Wildberries or Ozon).

When purchasing, pay attention to quality of contacts - cheap fuses may have poor contact and overheat.

Why does the cigarette lighter work after replacing the fuse, but after a while it burns out again?

This is a sign hidden fault in the chain. Most likely reasons:

1. Short circuit in the cigarette lighter socket (disassemble and check).
2. Damage to the wiring under the dashboard (frayed or exposed wires).
3. The connected device is faulty (try without it).
4. Problems with the cigarette lighter relay (check K9 or K11 in the block).

If you cannot find the cause yourself, contact an auto electrician for diagnostics with a multimeter.

Is it possible to change the cigarette lighter socket in the Qashqai J10 yourself?

Yes, you can really do it yourself. You will need:

• New cigarette lighter socket (suitable from Nissan Qashqai J10/J11 or Renault Koleos first generation).
• Phillips head screwdriver.
• Pliers for removing fasteners.

Algorithm:

1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
2. Remove the plastic trim of the center console (held on by latches).
3. Disconnect the power connector from the socket.
4. Unscrew the socket from the seat and install a new one.

⚠️ Attention: When installing a new socket, make sure that the contacts did not touch the body - this will lead to a short circuit.

Is there a difference in the cigarette lighter fuses for Qashqai J10 with petrol and diesel engines?

No, location and rating of the cigarette lighter fuse independent of engine type. In both cases it is a fuse №20 (15A) in the salon block. However, in diesel versions there is sometimes an additional 12V socket in the trunk, protected by a separate fuse №28 (15A).