Nissan Teana J32 (2008–2013) is a popular business sedan, but even in it the owners are faced with a banal problem: the cigarette lighter has stopped working. In 90% of cases, a blown fuse is to blame. However, finding it is not so easy - the manufacturer hid the fuse blocks in unobvious places, and the diagrams in the manual are often not detailed enough.
In this article you will learn where exactly the cigarette lighter fuse is located in Teana J32, what is its rating, how to properly check and replace it without damaging the car’s electrics. We will also look at the typical causes of burnout and give tips on how to avoid recurring problems. The information is relevant for all modifications J32 (including restyling 2011) with gasoline engines VQ25DE And VQ35DE.
Where is the cigarette lighter fuse located? Nissan Teana J32: exact location
B Teana J32 The cigarette lighter fuse is located in main passenger compartment fuse box, which is hidden behind the glove compartment. This is a typical solution for Japanese cars, but many owners waste time looking for it under the hood or in the trunk.
To get to the block:
- 🔧 Open the glove compartment (glove box) and completely remove it from the grooves by pulling it towards you. This may require a little force - the latches are tight.
- 🔍 Behind the glove compartment you will see a plastic fuse box cover. It is attached with two latches on the sides.
- 📄 On the inside of the cover there is a diagram indicating each fuse. We are looking for an inscription
CIGARorPWR OUTLET(depending on the year of manufacture).
In some trim levels Teana J32 (for example, with the option seat heating) the cigarette lighter fuse can be duplicated in an additional block under the steering wheel. If you do not find a blown fuse in the main block, check the second block - it is located to the left of the steering column, behind the plastic panel.
- From the manual
- From the owners forum
- From the master at the service station
- Searched on my own
- Another option
Fuse box diagram: which number is responsible for the cigarette lighter
B Nissan Teana J32 The cigarette lighter fuse is marked as CIGAR or ACC PWR (depending on the market for the vehicle). Its denomination is 15 Amps (yellow color). Below is a table with a breakdown of the key fuses of the cabin unit, which are often confused with the cigarette lighter:
| Fuse number | Purpose | Denomination (A) | Color |
|---|---|---|---|
F3 |
Cigarette lighter (CIGAR) |
15 | Yellow |
F10 |
12V socket in trunk (PWR OUTLET) |
20 | Yellow |
F15 |
Audio system (AUDIO) |
10 | Red |
F20 |
Heated seats (SEAT HEATER) |
15 | Yellow |
Please note: in restyled versions Teana J32 (2011–2013) the cigarette lighter fuse can be moved to the position F5. Always check the diagram on the unit cover! If there is no diagram or it has been erased, download the official manual for your VIN code on the website Nissan TechInfo.
What to do if the circuit on the block cover is erased?
If the writing is illegible, take a close-up photo of the block and enlarge the image on your phone. An alternative is to use a tester (multimeter) in continuity mode: with the ignition on, check the voltage at the contacts of each fuse. The one where there is no voltage when the circuit is working is the burnt one.
Why the cigarette lighter fuse blows: top 5 reasons
A blown fuse is not an accident, but a consequence of specific problems. B Nissan Teana J32 Most often the culprits are:
- Using powerful devices (more than 180 W). For example, car vacuum cleaners, compressors or inverters 12V→220V. The 15A fuse is designed for loads up to 180 W (15A × 12V). Excess leads to instant burnout.
- Short circuit in socket. The ingress of metal objects (coins, paper clips) or oxidation of contacts creates a short circuit. In this case, replacing the fuse will help temporarily, but the problem will return.
- 12V socket malfunction. Wear of the spring contacts or melting of the plastic inside the socket leads to poor contact and overheating.
- Wiring problems. Frayed or pinched wires (for example, under the driver's mat) can short to ground.
- Fuse defective. It is rare, but there are defective fuses even from well-known brands (Bosch, Hella). Always buy them from reputable stores.
If the fuse blows again after replacement, do not install a fuse of a higher rating (for example, 20A instead of 15A)! This can lead to melted wiring or even a fire. In this case, you need to diagnose the circuit with a multimeter or contact an auto electrician.
Before replacing the fuse, disconnect all devices from the cigarette lighter and remove the key from the ignition. This will eliminate the risk of a short circuit when installing a new fuse.
Step-by-step instructions: how to replace the cigarette lighter fuse
Replacing the fuse in Nissan Teana J32 takes no more than 5 minutes if you know the nuances. You will need:
- 🔧 Flat screwdriver (for removing the glove compartment).
- 🔍 Flashlight (fuse box lighting).
- 🔋 New 15A fuse (preferably original Nissan with catalog number
24430-JD00A). - 📱 Phone for photographing the diagram (in case the inscriptions are erased).
Next, follow the algorithm:
☑️ Procedure for replacing the fuse
If the cigarette lighter does not work after replacing, check:
- 🔌 Reliability of contacts in the socket (move the charging plug - if the LED on the device blinks, the problem is in the socket).
- 🔋 Check the presence of voltage at the fuse contacts with a multimeter (should be ~12V when the ignition is on).
- 🔧 Integrity of wiring from the fuse box to the cigarette lighter (visually inspect the wires for melting).
If the fuse is good, but the cigarette lighter does not work, the problem may be in the relay PWR OUTLET RELAY, which is located in the same block (position R12).
How to check a fuse without a multimeter: 3 ways
Not everyone has a tester at hand, but you can check the fuse using improvised means:
- Visual inspection. Remove the fuse and look at the light: if the metal thread inside is torn or melted, it has burned out. However, microcracks are not always visible in this way.
- Replacing with a known good one. Take a fuse of the same rating (15A) from another circuit (for example, from the heated seats or radio) and temporarily install it in place of the “suspect”. If the cigarette lighter works, the problem is confirmed.
- Continuous light bulb. Take any 12-volt light bulb (for example, from the dimensions) and two wires. Connect one wire to the vehicle ground, and the second one in turn to the fuse contacts. If the light does not light up on one of the contacts, the fuse has blown.
If you use the second method (replacing with a working fuse), do not forget to return the temporarily removed fuse to its place. For example, if you take a fuse from a radio, its circuit will remain unprotected, which can lead to damage to the audio system.
As a last resort, you can use a “bug” - a thin wire wound around the contacts of a burnt fuse. But this is a TEMPORARY solution! Prolonged use of the bug can lead to melting of the fuse box.
Common mistakes when replacing a fuse and how to avoid them
Even in such a simple procedure, the owners Nissan Teana J32 make mistakes that lead to new problems. Here are the most common:
⚠️ Attention! Never install a higher rated fuse (eg 20A instead of 15A). The cigarette lighter circuit is designed for a maximum current of 15A, and exceeding this may result in melted wiring or fire.
- 🔧 Using non-original fuses. Cheap Chinese fuses often have an undersized fuse section, which is why they burn out even under normal load. Buy fuses from trusted brands (Nissan, Bosch, Hella).
- 🔌 Ignoring the cause of burnout. If you simply replace the fuse without fixing the source of the problem (such as a short circuit), it will blow again. Always look for the root cause!
- 📱 Checking the fuse for spark. Some owners insert a fuse and see if a spark appears when the load is connected. This is dangerous and may result in an arc that can damage the unit.
- 🔍 Fuse confusion. B Teana J32 next to the cigarette lighter fuse (
F3) the trunk socket fuse is located (F10). It is easy to confuse them, since both are yellow (15A and 20A, respectively).
If after replacement the fuse blows again, do not repeat the procedure. This is a signal of a serious fault in the circuit. In this case it is necessary:
- Disconnect the cigarette lighter from the circuit (disconnect the connector from the back of the socket).
- Check the wires from the fuse box to the cigarette lighter for a short circuit.
- If you lack the skills, contact an auto electrician for diagnostics.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions from owners Nissan Teana J32
Can I use a 20A fuse instead of a 15A fuse if the 15A keeps blowing?
No, this is strictly prohibited! A 15A fuse protects wiring rated for a maximum current of 15 Amps. Installing a 20A fuse can lead to melted wire insulation and even a fire. If the 15-amp fuse blows frequently, look for the cause: a short circuit, a faulty outlet, or connecting too powerful devices.
Where is the cigarette lighter relay located in Teana J32?
Cigarette lighter relay (PWR OUTLET RELAY) is located in the same block as the fuse - behind the glove compartment. It is designated as R12 and is responsible for supplying power to the 12V outlet. If the fuse is intact, but the cigarette lighter does not work, check this relay: remove it and shake it - if it rattles inside, it means the contacts are burnt and the relay needs to be replaced.
Why does the cigarette lighter only work when the ignition is on after replacing the fuse?
This is normal behavior for Nissan Teana J32. In most configurations, the cigarette lighter is powered from a circuit ACC (accessories), which is only activated when the key is turned to ON or ACC. If you need constant power (for example, for a DVR), connect the device to an outlet in the trunk - it is usually powered directly from the battery.
Is it possible to repair the cigarette lighter socket yourself if it is loose?
Yes, but it requires caution. Most often, the spring contacts (“antennae”) in the socket wear out and lose their elasticity. To restore functionality:
- Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
- Remove the lining of the central tunnel (it is secured with latches).
- Disconnect the connector from the cigarette lighter socket.
- Remove the socket and bend the spring contacts with a flat-head screwdriver.
- Clean the contacts from oxidation with fine sandpaper.
If the plastic body of the socket is melted, it is better to replace it entirely (the article number of the original socket is 26520-4M000).
What devices cannot be connected to the cigarette lighter Teana J32?
Avoid connecting devices with a power consumption of more than 180 W (15A × 12V). The "black list" includes:
- Automotive compressors (most have a power of 200–300 W).
- Inverters 12V→220V (even low-power 150 W inverters can cause overload).
- Car vacuum cleaners (consume up to 250 W).
- Heating devices (for example, electric mugs).
For such devices, use the outlet in the trunk (if there is one) or connect directly to the battery through an additional fuse.