<em>Nissan Note</em> radiator grille: selection, replacement and secrets of durability

Radiator grille Nissan Note - this is not just an element of the exterior, but a key component that affects engine cooling, aerodynamics and even the appearance of the car. Many owners are faced with the problem of its damage: from small cracks after an accident to complete destruction due to corrosion or mechanical stress. However, not everyone knows that an incorrectly selected or installed grille can lead to engine overheating, increased fuel consumption and even problems with electronics (due to impaired air circulation to the sensors).

In this article we will figure out how to choose a radiator grill for Nissan Note different generations (E11, E12), which materials to choose (plastic, ABS, aluminum), and why cheap analogs are often more expensive than the original. And also - detailed instructions for replacement with photos, tips on painting and restoration, as well as answers to common questions asked by owners on the forums. If you notice that your grille has lost its original appearance or cracks have appeared, do not delay repairs: the consequences may be more serious than it seems.

Why do you need a radiator grille and how does it work?

Radiator grille (or grill) performs several functions at once, which many drivers are not even aware of:

• 🔥 Engine cooling: Directs air flow to the radiator, preventing overheating. At speeds above 60 km/h, up to 30% of cooling is provided precisely by airflow through the grille.
• 🛡️ Radiator protection: protects honeycombs from stones, insects and road debris. B Nissan Note The radiator is located close to the front bumper, so without a grille the risk of damage to it increases 3 times.
• 🚗 Aerodynamics: the correct shape of the grille reduces air resistance, which saves up to 2% of fuel on the highway. For example, gratings for Note E12 (2012–2020) have an optimized design for better aerodynamics.
• 🎨 Aesthetics: gives the car a finished look. Even small chips or cracks spoil the appearance, especially on models with chrome elements.

Interesting fact: in Nissan Note the grille is integrated with an active cooling system. On some modifications (for example, with an engine HR12DE) she works in tandem with radiator shutters, which automatically open/close depending on the temperature. If the grille is warped, the louvers may become stuck, causing the fan to run constantly and increasing the load on the generator.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the grille you notice that the engine takes longer to warm up or the fan turns on frequently, check to see if the air flow is blocked. This often happens due to incorrectly installed fasteners or the use of a grille from a different model. Nissan (for example, from Micra or Juke).

Types of radiator grilles for Nissan Note: original vs analogues

There are three types of gratings on the market: Nissan Note:

1. Original (OEM) - are produced by the company Nissan or its official suppliers (for example, Calsonic Kansei). They have a perfect fit, but the price can reach 15–20 thousand rubles.
2. Premium analogues — brands Febi, Hella, Denso. The quality is comparable to the original, but 30–40% cheaper. Suitable for those who do not want to overpay for a logo.
3. Budget analogues - Chinese or Turkish manufacturers (for example, Starline, AutoVaz). They cost from 2 thousand rubles, but often have inaccurate fastenings and poorer resistance to UV radiation.

How to choose? Focus on article number And material:

Generation Nissan Note	Original article	Material	Compatible analogues
E11 (2004–2012)	62610-4M000 (basic) 62610-4M001 (with chrome)	ABS plastic	Febi 23626, Hella 8FL 355 009-121
E12 (2012–2020)	62610-JM00A (before restyling) 62610-JM00B (after 2016)	Reinforced plastic	Denso 550-0109, Starline SG-NOTE-12
E13 (2020–present)	62610-KM000	Composite plastic	AutoVaz AV-NT-20 (only for basic configuration)

Important: Grilles for Nissan Note E12 after restyling in 2016, they are incompatible with pre-restyling models due to the changed shape of the fasteners and the location of the temperature sensor. If you are purchasing a used grille, be sure to check the vehicle's VIN or a photo of the original part.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the radiator grille

Replace the grille with Nissan Note you can do it yourself in 30–60 minutes. You will need:

• 🔧 Screwdriver with Phillips bit (or bit PH2).
• 🔨 Plastic remover for clips (so as not to break the bumper mounts).
• 🧴 Silicone grease for seals (for example, Liqui Moly Silicon-Fett).
• 📦 New grille (check the contents: there must be clips and a seal).

Sequence of actions:

1. Open the hood and remove the negative terminal from the battery (this will prevent a short circuit when working with the sensors).
2. Unscrew the 4 bolts securing the upper part of the bumper (2 on the right and 2 on the left under the headlights).
3. Carefully unclip the lower bumper clips, starting at the corners. Use a puller to avoid breaking the fasteners.
4. Detach the bumper and set it aside (it is not necessary to remove it completely, just bend the top part).
5. Unscrew the 2 bolts securing the grille to the radiator frame and remove the old part.
6. Install the new grille, starting with the top fasteners. Make sure it sits on the guides.
7. Fasten the bolts and reassemble the bumper in reverse order.

- Tight fit of the grille to the frame (there should be no gaps)

- Operability of radiator shutters (if any)

- No squeaks when moving

- Correct operation of the temperature sensor (check the readings on the dashboard) -->

If you are installing a grille with chrome elements, avoid touching them with bare hands - greasy marks will be difficult to remove later. Use gloves or a microfiber cloth.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Note E12 with the system ProPILOT (adaptive cruise control) grille has an additional sensor at the bottom. When replacing, be sure to turn off the power to the system through the fuse. F37 (10A) in the block under the hood, otherwise an error may occur C1A10 ("Radar malfunction").

Repair and restoration of grilles: when you can do without replacement

Cracks or chips in the grille do not always require complete replacement. If the damage is not critical, the part can be repaired. Let's look at the main methods:

1. Repair cracks in plastic

Suitable for ABS plastic grilles soldering iron with plastic attachment or special glue (for example, 3M Scotch-Weld DP8005). Procedure:

1. Sand the edges of the crack with sandpaper P120.
2. Heat the soldering iron to 250°C and melt the edges of the crack, joining them.
3. Reinforce the seam on the reverse side with plastic mesh (can be cut from an old stationery folder).
4. Sand the repair area and paint it the same color as the body.

2. Restoration of chrome plating

If the chrome is peeling or tarnished, don't rush to buy a new grille. Can be used:

• 🖌️ Liquid chrome (For example, Spray Chrome from Alsa) - applied with a brush or spray.
• 🔧 Self-adhesive chrome film (suitable for flat surfaces).
• 🎨 Powder painting - the most durable option, but requires removal of the grille and professional equipment.

Critical information: If the grill has a built-in temperature sensor (on Note E12 climate controlled), do not use metal patches or conductive adhesives for repairs. This may distort the sensor readings and lead to improper operation of the cooling system.

How to care for your radiator grille: 5 rules

To make the grill last longer, follow these simple recommendations:

1. Pressure washing: Use a nozzle with a diffuser and keep a distance of at least 30 cm. A strong jet of water can damage the radiator honeycombs or bend the plastic lamellas.
2. UV protection: Once every 3 months, apply a protective spray to the plastic parts (e.g. Sonax Plastic Care). This will prevent fading and cracking.
3. Insect cleaning: Remove any remaining insects immediately after travel. Use special napkins (for example, 3M Bug Remover), rather than abrasive sponges.
4. Winter care: Before the cold weather, treat the grille fasteners with silicone grease so that they do not freeze to the bumper. This is relevant for regions with temperatures below –20°C.
5. Checking fasteners: Inspect the clips and bolts every six months. Vibration from driving on bad roads can weaken them.

If you often drive on gravel roads, install an additional radiator protection mesh (For example, Hecko Mesh). It traps stones and sand, extending the life of both the grille and the radiator itself.

What happens if you ignore cracks in the grill?

Even a small crack can lead to:

- Water getting on the radiator in winter (risk of honeycomb corrosion);

- Deformation of the grille at speed due to increased air pressure;

- Loss of bumper fasteners (if there is a crack near the fasteners).

In the worst case, a piece of plastic can damage the cooling fan, causing it to jam and break the alternator belt.

Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes, which later become costly. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Using the wrong bolts: B Nissan Note E12 The upper grille mounting bolts are long 20 mm, and the lower ones - 15 mm. If you mix it up, the grille will wobble or become skewed.
• 🔨 Force release of clips: Bumper clips are disposable. If you break them, you will have to buy new ones (item number 65130-4M000, ~500 rub. per set).
• 🎨 Painting without primer: If you paint the grill yourself, be sure to use a plastic primer (such as Motip Plastik-Grund). Without it, the paint will peel off in 2-3 months.
• 🚗 Failure to maintain clearances: There must be a gap between the grille and the radiator 10–15 mm. If not, the air flow will be turbulent, reducing cooling efficiency.

Another typical problem is color mismatch. If you are purchasing a painted grille, make sure the color code matches your vehicle. For Nissan Note most often used:

• KH3 — “Titanium gray” (the most popular);
• B52 — “Metallic blue”;
• J11 - "Black Pearl".

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to drive without a radiator grille?

Technically possible, but not advisable. Without a grille, the radiator will become clogged with debris and the engine may overheat at low speeds (such as in traffic jams). In addition, on Nissan Note The grille acts as a structural element - its absence weakens the bumper.

What glue is best for repairing plastic grilles?

Suitable for ABS plastic:

• 3M Scotch-Weld DP8005 (two-component, withstands up to +120°C);
• Loctite 406 (cyanoacrylate, for small cracks);
• Permatex Plastic Weld (with reinforcing fibers).

Do not use superglue (moment, Second) - it becomes fragile over time.

Why does it whistle at speed after replacing the grille?

The whistling occurs due to a loose fit of the grille to the body. Check:

1. Are all bumper clips secure?
2. Are there any gaps between the grille and the radiator frame;
3. Are the plastic slats deformed (they can be straightened with a hairdryer).

If the whistle remains, install sealing tape around the perimeter of the grille (for example, 3M Automotive Sealant).

How to remove the grille Nissan Note E13 (2020)?

On E13 the process is more complex due to the integrated camera system. Procedure:

1. Disconnect the battery;
2. Remove the front 360° camera (disconnect the connector J24);
3. Remove 6 bolts (4 on top, 2 on bottom);
4. Unclip the 4 plastic clips on the sides.

Without experience, it is better to contact a service center - the risk of damaging the camera wiring is high.

How much does it cost to replace a grille at a service center?

The cost depends on the region and type of grille:

• Replacing the original grille: RUB 2,500–4,000;
• Replacement + painting: RUB 5,000–7,000;
• Crack repair: RUB 1,000–2,000.

At official dealers Nissan the price may be 30–50% higher.