Starter relay <em>Nissan Qashqai</em>: where is it located, how to check and replace

Starter relay on Nissan Qashqai - a small but critical element of the engine starting system. Its malfunction can lead to the car refusing to start, despite a working battery and starter. Unlike the starter itself, which often “signals” problems with loud grinding or clicking noises, the relay fails almost silently, which complicates diagnostics.

In this article we will figure out where the starter relay is located on Qashqai first (J10, 2006–2013) and second (J11, 2013–2021) generations, how to check it with a multimeter, and also give step-by-step instructions for replacement. We will pay special attention to the typical “symptoms” of a breakdown, which are often confused with immobilizer or alarm malfunctions.

Where is the starter relay located on Nissan Qashqai?

The location of the relay depends on the crossover generation and engine type. On most Qashqai J10 (2006–2013) with gasoline engines HR16DE And MR20DE starter relay installed in fuse box under the hood. More specifically - in the block IPDM E/R (Intelligent Power Distribution Module), which is located to the left of the battery, next to the air filter.

On Qashqai J11 (2013–2021) the diagram is different: the starter relay can be located both in the engine compartment and in the passenger compartment fuse box (behind the glove box). To avoid guessing, use the table below or check wiring diagram for your modification (it can be found in the repair manual or on the website Nissan).

Generation	Engine	Starter relay location	Number in block
J10 (2006–2013)	HR16DE (1.6)	Engine compartment block IPDM E/R	R10 or R11 (check the diagram)
J10 (2006–2013)	MR20DE (2.0)	Engine compartment block IPDM E/R	R12
J11 (2013–2021)	HR16DE (1.6)	Cabin block (behind the glove compartment)	R27
J11 (2013–2021)	MR20DD (2.0)	Engine compartment block IPDM E/R	R10

⚠️ Attention: On diesel versions Qashqai (For example, K9K 1.5 dCi) the starter relay can be integrated into the engine control unit (ECU). In this case, replacing the relay separately is impossible - diagnostics are required ECU.

Signs of a bad starter relay

Starter relay on Nissan Qashqai it fails gradually, and its malfunction can be confused with problems with the battery, starter or even immobilizer. Here are the key “symptoms” that point specifically to the relay:

• 🔋 Starter clicking without cranking: When turning the key, a single click is heard, but the starter does not rotate. This is the most common symptom - the relay is activated, but the contacts do not close.
• 🔄 The starter works every once in a while: the car starts only after 2–3 attempts, and the problem manifests itself “when cold” or after a long period of parking.
• 🔥 The lamp is on Check Engine: on Qashqai J11 a relay malfunction can be recorded as an error P0615 (starter relay circuits).
• 🚗 The car starts only with a pusher: if you bypass the relay by closing the contacts directly, the engine starts - this is 100% confirmation of the malfunction.

⚠️ Attention: If you can't hear it when you turn the key no click, no Attempts to start the engine, the problem may be fuse (usually F10 at 10A per block IPDM E/R) or in immobilizer. Check them before replacing the relay!

On Qashqai J10 with mileage over 150 thousand km is often found burning of relay contacts due to increased load. This is due to the design of the starter. Mitsubishi, which was installed on early versions of the crossover. On J11 The problem is less common, but can occur after moisture gets into the engine compartment fuse box.

How to test the starter relay with a multimeter?

Checking the starter relay for Nissan Qashqai takes no more than 10 minutes and requires only a multimeter (or test lamp) and a screwdriver. Algorithm of actions:

1. Remove the relay from the fuse block. On its back there is a contact diagram (usually 85, 86, 87, 30).
2. Ring the winding: connect the multimeter probes to the terminals 85 And 86. Resistance must be within 50–120 Ohm. If the device shows a break, the relay is faulty.
3. Check your contacts: Apply 12V voltage to 85 And 86 (possible from battery). There should be a click and the contacts 30 And 87 shut up. Check this with a multimeter in dial mode.

💡 Helpful tip: If you don’t have a multimeter at hand, you can temporarily install a known-good relay (for example, from a cooling fan - they are often identical). If the car starts, the problem is confirmed.

On Qashqai J11 with the system Intelligent Key (keyless entry) the starter relay can be blocked by an alarm or immobilizer. If after checking the relay turns out to be working, but the car does not start, reset errors via diagnostic connector OBD-II or check for voltage on the contact 85 relay when turning the key.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the starter relay

Replacing the starter relay with Nissan Qashqai - a simple procedure that does not require special tools. You will need:

• 🔧 Flathead screwdriver (for removing the fuse box cover).
• 🔍 Flashlight (to see relay numbers).
• 🔋 New relay (original article number - 25230-JD00A or 25230-4M000 for J11).

Sequence of actions:

1. Disconnect the battery (remove the negative terminal) to avoid short circuit.
2. Remove the fuse box cover:
   • On J10: pry the latches on the block IPDM E/R (near the battery).
   • On J11: Open the glove compartment and remove it by releasing the latches.

Find the starter relay according to the table above or according to the diagram on the block cover.

Remove the faulty relay, pulling it up (you can pry it off with a screwdriver).

Install a new relay and put everything back together in reverse order.

⚠️ Attention: On Qashqai J11 with the system Stop/Start after replacing the relay it may be necessary starter adaptation reset via a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431 or Delphi). Without this, the automatic engine start function may not work correctly.

Common mistakes when diagnosing and replacing

Many owners Nissan Qashqai make typical mistakes that lead to unnecessary expenses on replacing serviceable parts. That's what can't do:

• 🔧 Change the starter instead of the relay: If you hear a click, but there is no cranking, in 80% of cases the relay is to blame, not the starter. Check it out first!
• 🔋 Ignore fuse: on Qashqai J11 starter circuit fuse (F10) often burns out due to power surges.
• 🔌 Forget about the mass: a poor negative contact on the body or engine can simulate a relay failure. Clean the terminals!
• 📱 Use cheap scanners: they often do not see the error in the starter relay circuit (P0615).

On Qashqai J10 With a mileage of more than 200 thousand km, a problem often occurs when the starter relay “sticks” due to oxidation of the contacts in the block IPDM E/R. In this case, it is not enough to replace the relay - you need to clean all the connectors of the unit with a special liquid (for example, CRC Contact Cleaner).

Another common mistake is buying a non-original relay without checking the current characteristics. Cheap analogues (for example, from NoName-manufacturers) may not withstand starter inrush currents Qashqai (up to 200–250A), which leads to their rapid failure.

Starter relay cost and where to buy it?

Starter relay price for Nissan Qashqai depends on the type (original or analogue) and place of purchase. Below are the current prices for 2026:

Relay type	Article	Price, ₽	Where to buy
Original (Nissan)	25230-JD00A	1 200–1 800	Official dealers, Exist.ru
Analogue (Bosch)	0 332 014 156	600–900	Autodoc, Autosphere
Analogue (Hella)	4RA 003 507-331	700–1 100	Emex, Auto49
Used (from disassembly)	—	300–500	Local showdowns, Avito

💡 Advice: When purchasing an analogue, pay attention to switching current - it must be no less 30A. Relays with lower characteristics will quickly fail.

On Qashqai J11 with the system Stop/Start the original relay may cost more (up to 2 500 ₽), since it is integrated with the control unit. In this case, it is advisable to buy a relay from an official dealer or trusted suppliers (for example, Nissan Parts Europe).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the starter relay Nissan Qashqai

Is it possible to drive with a faulty starter relay?

Technically yes, but it is inconvenient and dangerous. If the relay is “stuck” in the closed state, the starter will rotate constantly, which will lead to its overheating and failure. In addition, if the relay is faulty, the car may stall while driving (for example, due to blocking by the immobilizer).

How to distinguish a relay failure from a starter failure?

If you hear when you turn the key click, but the starter does not turn - the problem is in the relay or its circuit. If no click — check the fuse, immobilizer or the starter itself. You can also close the contacts 30 And 87 on the relay with a screwdriver - if the starter starts working, the relay is faulty.

Which starter relay is suitable for other cars?

On Qashqai J10 suitable relays from:

• Renault Megane 2 (article 7700847447),
• Renault Scenic 2 (same article),
• Suzuki Grand Vitara (starter relay with the same connector).

But before installation, check the pinout!

Does the new starter relay need to be programmed?

On most Qashqai (except versions with Stop/Start) no programming required. However, on J11 With a keyless entry system, you may need to reset errors through the diagnostic scanner.

What should I do if, after replacing the relay, the car still does not start?

Check:

• Starter circuit fuse (F10),
• Contact voltage 85 relay when turning the key (should be 12V),
• Condition of the mass on the engine and body,
• Immobilizer (the lamp on the dashboard should not flash).

If the problem remains, diagnose the starter or ECU.