<em>Nissan Tiida</em>starter relay: where is it located and how to check it

Nissan Tiida is a popular car, but even it has problems starting the engine over time. One of the most common reasons is a malfunction starter relay. However, finding it in the fuse box is not so easy: the manufacturer does not always place the relay in obvious places, and in different generations Tiida (J10 and J11) its location may differ.

In this article you will find exact starter relay location diagrams for Nissan Tiida with photos, step-by-step instructions for checking, as well as answers to frequently asked questions. We will look at how to distinguish a starter relay from others (for example, a fuel pump relay), what tools are needed for diagnostics, and what to do if the relay fails.

Where is the starter relay located on Nissan Tiida J10 (2004–2012)

In the first generation Tiida (body J10) the starter relay is located in main fuse and relay box, which is located inside the car. The block is located under the instrument panel on the driver's side, to the left of the steering column. To access it, you must:

1. Open the driver's door and sit in the seat.
2. Press the latch on the fuse box cover (it is located on the bottom of the panel, under the steering wheel).
3. Gently pull the lid towards you - it will snap off.

Starter relay in Tiida J10 is marked STARTER RELAY or IGNITION RELAY (depending on the year of manufacture). It is installed in top row of the block, usually second or third from left. To avoid confusion, pay attention to the color: the starter relay is most often black or dark gray with white label.

Starter relay location on Nissan Tiida J11 (2012–2019)

In the second generation Tiida (body J11) the manufacturer moved the fuse and relay box. Now he is in the engine compartment, next to the battery. To find the starter relay:

1. Open the hood and locate the plastic fuse box (it is located to the right of the battery, if you look in the direction of travel).
2. Remove the unit cover by pressing the two latches on the sides.
3. Starter relay in Tiida J11 designated as ST RELAY and is located in bottom row, usually first or second from right.

Unlike J10, here the relay can be blue or green. Also in this block is Engine control system (ECU) main relay, which is sometimes confused with the starter relay. To avoid errors, please check the table below.

Model	Block location	Starter relay marking	Relay color
Tiida J10 (2004–2012)	Interior, under the instrument panel	STARTER RELAY / IGNITION RELAY	Black / dark gray
Tiida J11 (2012–2019)	Engine compartment, next to battery	ST RELAY	Blue/green
Tiida Latio (for some markets)	Salon, behind the glove compartment	START RELAY	Red/orange

How to distinguish the starter relay from other relays in the block

In fuse blocks Nissan Tiida There are up to 10–15 relays installed, and many of them are similar in appearance. To avoid confusing the starter relay with others (for example, a fan or fuel pump relay), pay attention to:

• 🔍 Marking on the block cover - usually the starter relay is labeled as ST RELAY, STARTER or IGSW.
• 🔌 Connector - at the starter relay 4 contacts (two thick ones for the power circuit and two thin ones for the control circuit).
• 🎨 Case color - in J10 it is black/gray, in J11 it is blue/green (see table above).
• 📏 Size - The starter relay is usually larger than the turn signal or windshield wiper relay.

If there is no marking on the cap, use multimeter in dialing mode:

1. Remove the suspect relay.
2. Connect the probes to the contacts 85 And 86 (managers). There must be resistance 50–120 Ohm.
3. Apply 12V to contacts 85 And 86 - a click should be heard (contacts closing 30 And 87).

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the starter relay with starter lock relay (immobilizer) - it is usually located separately and marked IMMO RELAY. Replacing it will not solve the problem if the main relay is faulty.

Step-by-step instructions: how to test the starter relay

If the starter does not turn over or operates intermittently, first check the relay. For this you will need:

• 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for removing the block cover).
• 🔌 Multimeter or 12 V test lamp.
• 🔋 Power supply 12 V (battery can be used).

Remove the fuse box cover|

Find relays by markings (see table)|

Remove the relay and inspect for melt marks|

Check resistance between pins 85 and 86|

Apply 12 V to pins 85 and 86 - there should be a click|-->

Step 1. External inspection

Remove the relay and inspect it for:

• 🔥 Melted or blackened contacts.
• 💧 Traces of corrosion or moisture inside the case.
• 🧲 Cracks on the plastic case.

Step 2. Check with a multimeter

Set the multimeter to dial mode and check:

1. Resistance between 85 And 86 - must be 50–120 Ohm.
2. Resistance between 30 And 87 - must be endless (open).
3. Apply 12V to 85 And 86 — contacts 30 And 87 should close (resistance ~0 Ohm).

Step 3. Test by ear

Return the relay to its place, turn on the ignition and try to start the car. If the relay is working properly, you will hear distinct click when turning the key. If there is no click, the relay is faulty or it is not receiving a control signal.

What to do if the relay clicks, but the starter does not turn?

If the relay clicks but the starter does not turn, the problem may be:

1. Broken power circuit (check the starter fuse, usually 10–15 A).

2. Malfunctions of the starter itself (brush wear, bendix jamming).

3. Poor contact at the battery terminals or "mass" of the engine.

4. Ignition switch malfunctions (no signal is sent to the relay).

Signs of a bad starter relay

The starter relay rarely fails suddenly - there are usually warning signs:

• 🚗 The starter turns "every once" - sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
• 🔊 Clicking noise without starter turning - the relay is activated, but no current flows to the starter.
• 🔥 Burnt smell from fuse box - a sign of burnt relay contacts.
• 🔋 Battery discharges when trying to start - the relay may “stick”, causing constant current to the starter.

If you notice any of these symptoms, do not delay diagnosis. A faulty relay can lead to:

• 🔥 Fires due to a short circuit.
• 🚗 Complete starter failure (winding burnout).
• 🔋 Deep discharge of the battery (if the relay is “stuck” in the closed state).

⚠️ Attention: If when you turn the ignition key, the starter relay doesn't click at all, the problem may be immobilizer or engine control unit (ECU). In this case, diagnostics with a scanner is required.

How to replace the starter relay with Nissan Tiida

If the relay is faulty, it must be replaced. For Tiida The following types of relays are suitable:

• 🔧 Original — Nissan 25230-3M200 (for J10) or Nissan 25230-4M000 (for J11).
• 🔧 Analogues — Bosch 0 332 019 150, Hella 4RA 003 507-261, Meat & Doria RLY-105.

Step by step replacement:

1. Disable negative battery terminal (to avoid short circuit).
2. Remove the fuse box cover.
3. Remove the faulty relay by carefully prying it off with a screwdriver.
4. Install a new relay strictly in the same slot (mixing the relay can damage other systems!).
5. Return the unit cover to its place and connect the battery.

After replacement, check the operation of the starter:

• 🔑 Turn the ignition key - there should be one clear click.
• 🚗 The starter must turn the engine without delays or extraneous sounds.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the starter relay

Many car owners Nissan Tiida make mistakes that lead to incorrect diagnosis:

• 🔧 Confused starter relay with fuel pump relay - they may look similar, but perform different functions.
• 🔌 Don't check the starter fuse - it often burns out during a short circuit.
• 🚗 Ignore engine mass - poor ground contact can simulate a relay malfunction.
• 🔋 Battery discharge is not taken into account - at low voltage the relay may not operate.

To avoid errors, follow the algorithm:

1. Check battery charge (must be at least 12.4 V).
2. Make sure starter fuse intact
3. Call relay control circuits (contacts 85 And 86).
4. Check engine "mass" (contact on the body or battery).

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the starter starts working, but after a while the problem returns, the cause may be short circuit in starter circuit or ignition switch fault. In this case, an in-depth diagnosis is required.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the starter relay Nissan Tiida

Is it possible to replace the starter relay with a non-original one?

Yes, but only for high-quality analogues (for example, Bosch or Hella). Cheap relays from unknown brands often fail after 1–2 months. Original relay Nissan lasts longer, but costs more.

Why does the starter relay click but the starter does not turn?

This may be caused by:

• 🔧 Broken power circuit (check the fuse and wires to the starter).
• 🚗 Starter malfunction (brush wear, bendix jamming).
• 🔋 Discharged battery (voltage below 11.5 V).

Where is the starter fuse located on Tiida?

The starter fuse is located in the same block as the relay:

• 🔧 B Tiida J10 - fuse 10 A with markings IGN or ST.
• 🔧 B Tiida J11 - fuse 15 A with markings ST FUSE.

Is it possible to drive with a faulty starter relay?

Technically it is possible, but it is not safe:

• 🚗 The car can won't start at any time.
• 🔥 Risk short circuit and fires.
• 🔋 Constant battery discharge due to a “stuck” relay.

It is recommended to replace the relay as soon as possible.

How to test the starter relay without a multimeter?

Can be used 12 V indicator lamp:

1. Connect the lamp to the contacts 85 And 86 - it should light up.
2. Apply 12V to 85 And 86 - between 30 And 87 voltage should appear (the lamp will light up).

If the lamp does not respond, the relay is faulty.