How to remove the center console on a Nissan Note: instructions with nuances

Nissan Note - a compact and practical hatchback, but even with time, elements of the center console can wear out: scuffed plastic, faulty climate control buttons or cracks around the cup holders. Dismantling the console is also required when installing additional equipment (for example, multimedia system or heated seats), as well as for repairing wiring or replacing backlight bulbs. In this article - step-by-step analysis of the process taking into account typical mistakes and pitfalls that owners encounter Note first (E11, 2004–2012) and second (E12, 2012–2020) generations.

Important: the design of the console in the models before and after the 2016 restyling has differences. For example, in Note E12 appeared after 2016 new type clips under the decorative trim, and the climate control unit is attached differently. We will point out these nuances in the appropriate sections. If you plan to work with wiring - Disconnect the battery 10–15 minutes before disassembling to avoid short circuits if the contacts are accidentally touched.

Preparation: Tools and Safety Precautions

Before you begin dismantling, prepare your workspace and tools. You will need:

• 🔧 Plastic mounting blades (2–3 pcs.) - for removing clips without damaging the plastic.
• 🔨 Phillips screwdriver (usually PH2) — for the console mounting screws.
• 📦 Container for small parts - so as not to lose clips and bolts (they are easy to confuse!).
• 🔋 Multimeter (optional) - for checking circuits when diagnosing faults.
• 📸 Smartphone — take photographs of each stage, especially the location of wires and connectors.

Work in a well-lit area. If you are removing the console for the first time, set aside at least 2-3 hours for the process - haste often leads to broken clips or scratches on the plastic. Do not use metal screwdrivers to pry up panels. - they leave traces. If the clip does not budge, check whether a hidden screw has gone unnoticed (they are often hidden under decorative plugs).

⚠️ Attention: B Nissan Note E12 (2012–2020) system wiring harness runs under the glove compartment ESP. If you remove the lower part of the console carelessly, you can damage the insulation, which will lead to an error C1130 (rotation angle sensor malfunction).

Removing decorative trims and top panel

Start by removing the top of the console where the air ducts and climate control buttons are located. B Note E11 And E12 until 2016 the process is the same:

1. Open the glove compartment and remove all items from it. At the bottom of the glove compartment, find two screws - unscrew them.
2. Gently pull the trim up around the gear lever. It is held on by 4 clips. If it doesn’t budge, check if you forgot the screw under the cup holder (it’s hidden by a plug).
3. Remove the decorative frame around the radio. It is attached with latches - pry it off with a spatula on the left and right sides.

B Note E12 after 2016, a plastic trim was added under the multimedia system screen (if installed). To remove it:

1. Heat the edge of the pad with a hairdryer (temperature 40–50°C) - this will soften the glue.
2. Pry the spatula from the lower right corner and slowly move up.
3. There are 2 screws hidden under the cover - unscrew them.

Removing the climate control unit and radio

After removing the top panel you will have access to the climate control unit and radio. The main thing here is do not mix up the connectors during reassembly. B Note E11 The climate control unit is secured with 4 screws (two on top, two on bottom), in E12 - on 2 screws and two latches.

Removal instructions:

1. Disconnect the button backlight connector (it's usually orange).
2. Unscrew the screws securing the climate control unit. B E12 after 2016, the lower screws can be hidden under a plastic cover - it needs to be moved to the left.
3. Carefully remove the unit, do not pull on the wires! The connectors on the reverse side are secured with latches - press them before disconnecting.

For radio:

• 🎵 B Note E11 The radio is secured with 4 screws in the corners. B E12 - on metal brackets (special keys are needed for removal).
• 🔌 The antenna and power connectors may become stuck. Don't pull them - first swing them left and right.

Model	Radio mounting type	Number of connectors	Features
Note E11 (2004–2012)	4 screws	2 (power + antenna)	Power connector ISO 10487
Note E12 (2012–2016)	Metal staples	3 (power + antenna + CAN bus)	Requires keys to remove
Note E12 (2016–2020)	Brackets + screw from below	4 (power + antenna + CAN + USB)	Additional camera connector

⚠️ Attention: B Note E12 with the system NissanConnect When you turn off the radio, the pairing of Bluetooth devices may be reset. Write down your connection passwords in advance or make a backup copy of your settings through the system menu.

Removing the Lower Console and Cup Holders

The lower part of the console is the “dirtiest” in terms of accumulation of debris and dust. This is where clips often break due to accumulated dirt. Before removing, vacuum the cracks and wipe the plastic with a damp cloth - this will make removal easier.

Procedure:

Unscrew the 2 screws under the glove compartment|

Remove the plastic trim around the gearshift lever (pry from behind) |

Disconnect the heated seat connector (if installed)|

Remove the fuse box (in E12 it is located on the left)|

Remove the cup holders (they are attached to 3 clips) -->

B Note E11 Cup holders often “stick” to the base. To remove them, heat the edge with a hairdryer and pull up, wiggling from side to side. B E12 The cup holders are mounted on guides - they need to be moved back and then removed.

Below the bottom panel you will find:

• 🔌 Diagnostic port connector (usually OBD-II located on the left).
• 🔋 Fuse box (in E12 it is larger than in E11).
• 📡 Antenna amplifier (on models with navigation).

What to do if the clip breaks inside?

If part of the clip remains in the slot, do not try to pry it out with a screwdriver - you will damage the plastic. Take a thin wire, bend a hook at the end and pick up the piece. If the clip is crumbled, drill a hole with a diameter of 3 mm and insert a new clip with a “leg” (part number 90410-1M000).

Working with wiring: do's and don'ts

If you remove the console for wiring repairs (for example, if the climate buttons do not work or the backlight flickers), remember:

• 🔍 Check circuits with a multimeter in "call" mode. The normal resistance for climate buttons is 0–5 ohms.
• 🔥 Don't use electrical tape for connecting wires - only soldering or crimp terminals.
• 📶 CAN bus (yellow and green wires in the radio connector) cannot be short-circuited - this will damage the unit BCM.

Typical wiring problems Nissan Note:

• 💡 Button backlight does not work - check the fuse F3 (10A) and lamps in the climate control unit (they often burn out from moisture).
• 🔊 No sound from speakers — the contacts in the radio connector have oxidized (clean with an eraser).
• ❄️ Climate control turns on spontaneously — short circuit in the harness under the glove compartment (check the wires for breaks).

If you are installing additional equipment (for example, rear view camera), use relay for connection to dimensions. Do not connect directly to the dash light wires as this will overload the circuit.

Reassembly: mistakes and how to avoid them

Assembling a console often takes longer than disassembling it. Main rules:

• ✅ Check all connectors for the presence of oxidation. If the contacts are green, clean them. WD-40.
• ✅ Do not overtighten the screws — the plastic of the console may crack.
• ✅ Make sure all clips are in place. If the panel “walks”, it means that one of the clips is not fixed.

Typical assembly errors:

• 🚫 Backlight connectors mixed up — The climate buttons are on at full intensity.
• 🚫 ESP connector not connected (in E12) - an error appears ABS.
• 🚫 Access to the diagnostic port is blocked — you won’t be able to connect the scanner.

After assembly, check:

1. Operation of all climate control buttons.
2. Dashboard and console lighting.
3. Sound in the speakers (if you removed the radio).
4. No errors on the dashboard.

⚠️ Attention: B Nissan Note E12 with the system Around View Monitor Cameras may need to be calibrated after removing the console. To do this, turn on the ignition, press and hold the button AVM on the radio for 10 seconds, then drive in a straight line for 100 meters.

Frequently asked questions and solutions to problems

❓ How to remove the console if all the clips are broken?

If the clips are broken, temporarily fix the panel with double-sided tape (for example, 3M VHB). For permanent repairs, buy a repair kit of clips (see article numbers above) and glue them with epoxy glue, after cleaning the seats with acetone.

❓ Why does the seat heating not work after assembly?

Most likely, the connector under the seat is not connected or the wire is frayed. Check the fuse F15 (15A) and the circuit with a multimeter. B Note E12 The heating connector is often confused with the seat occupancy sensor connector - they are located next to each other.

❓ Is it possible to remove the console without disconnecting the battery?

Technically yes, but highly not recommended. Even with the ignition off, some circuits (for example, CAN bus) remain energized. An accidental short circuit can burn the block. BCM or ECU. If the battery cannot be disconnected (for example, there is no key for the alarm), at least remove the negative terminal.

❓ Where to buy spare parts for the console Nissan Note?

Look for original parts (clips, buttons, linings) by VIN code on the sites:

• Nissan Parts Europe
• Amayama

Analogues (30–50% cheaper) are sold in stores like Exist.ru or Autodoc. For plastic parts, spare parts from Renault Kangoo (same platform).

❓ How to avoid squeaks after assembly?

Squeaks occur due to friction of plastic parts. Treat contact surfaces silicone grease (For example, CRC 2-26). Don't use WD-40 - it dries out and attracts dust. Also check for debris between the panels.