Open the hood to Nissan Note It seems like a simple task—until you encounter a jammed lock, an icy mechanism, or an unobvious lever location. Model owners E11 (2004–2013) And E12 (2013–2020) Often they are faced with the fact that the standard instructions from the manual do not work: the lever does not click, the hood does not lift, and attempts to apply force only aggravate the problem. In this article we will analyze unique hood latch features Nissan Note, which are not described in official manuals, and also provide a checklist for diagnosing faults.

Feature Note — compact design and space saving under the hood, which influenced the design of the lock. For example, in models with HR16DE engine, the opening lever is hidden deeper than in versions with KR14, and in restyled E12 (after 2016) an additional safety hook has been added. If you have never opened the hood yourself or are doing it for the first time after winter, be prepared for the nuances.

Where is the hood release lever on a Nissan Note?

In most cars the lever is located to the left of the driver's seat, but in Nissan Note its position depends on the year of manufacture and configuration. Here are the key differences:

  • 🔹 E11 (2004–2013): The lever is hidden under the instrument panel, next to the clutch pedal. To see it, you need to bend down and look under the dashboard. It is often confused with the seat adjustment lever.
  • 🔹 E12 (2013–2020, pre-restyle): The lever has been moved closer to the driver's door, at knee level. It is painted black and has a plastic loop.
  • 🔹 E12 (2016–2020, restyled): The lever remains in the same place, but is added red marker for better visibility. There is also a second lock under the hood.

If the lever is not visible, check whether it is covered with a decorative trim (relevant for versions with leather interior trim). In some trim levels Tekna or Acenta The cover is secured with latches and can be easily removed.

📊 What Nissan Note do you have?
  • E11 (2004–2013)
  • E12 (2013–2016)
  • E12 restyle (2016–2020)
  • I don't know the model

Step-by-step instructions: how to open the hood correctly

Follow this algorithm to avoid breaking the lock or cable:

  1. Preparation: Make sure the vehicle is on a level surface and the handbrake is on. If Note on a slope, the hood may close spontaneously.
  2. Find the lever: As described above, determine its location depending on the model. If the lever is not visible, use a flashlight.
  3. Pull the lever all the way: No need to use excessive force. A sharp but smooth downward movement is sufficient. You should hear click — this is the first lock that worked.
  4. Go to the hood: Raise the hood 5–10 cm and secure it with your hand. In restyled E12 you will need to additionally click on red safety lever under the hood (located to the right of the lock).
  5. Secure the hood: Use the standard stop (if available) or support the hood with a wooden block. Don't rely on gas shock absorbers - they often fail.

The lever is found and accessible|The car is on a flat surface|The handbrake is on|There are no foreign objects under the hood|There is a stop or block for fixing-->

If the lever doesn't work, don't panic. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved without contacting service. More on this in the next section.

Typical problems and their solutions

Here are the most common situations owners face Nissan Note, and ways to eliminate them:

Problem Possible reason Solution
Lever doesn't click Icing of the cable or lock Warm up the lock with a hairdryer or pour it into the crack WD-40. Do not use boiling water!
The hood is raised, but does not open The safety hook is jammed (in E12 restyle) Pull the hood up and at the same time press the red lever under the hood
The cable broke Wear or corrosion Open the hood through the radiator grille (instructions below) or contact service
The hood opens but does not lock Broken gas shock absorber Replace the shock absorber (part number: 57210-4M000 for E11)

If the cable breaks and the hood does not open, do not try to pull it by force. This may damage the lock. Instead:

  1. Remove the plastic radiator grille (it is secured with 4 clips).
  2. Reach your hand into the lock and pull the metal tab by hand.
  3. If the tongue does not move, spray WD-40 and wait 5-10 minutes.
What to do if the hood opens but does not close?

If the hood Nissan Note does not lock in the closed position, check:

1. **Lock for foreign objects** (leaves, dirt, ice).

2. **Condition of the rubber seal** - if it is worn out, the lock will not be able to latch.

3. **Lock spring** - in models E11 it often breaks down after 100,000 km.

For a temporary solution, you can tighten the hood with a belt over the boots, but this is unsafe!

Safety precautions when working with the hood

Failure to follow these simple rules may result in injury or damage to your vehicle. Please note the following points:

⚠️ Attention: Never open the hood while driving, even at low speed. B Nissan Note Due to aerodynamics, the hood can rise sharply and break the windshield.
  • 🚗 Always secure the hood with a stop. Gas shock absorbers in Note designed for 5,000 cycles - after which they lose their tightness.
  • 🔧 Do not use a screwdriver or other metal objects to open the lock - this will damage the plastic parts.
  • ❄️ In winter, warm up the engine for 2-3 minutes before opening the hood. This will prevent the cable from icing up.

If you need to work under the hood for a long time (for example, when replacing a timing belt), use additional safety rope. It can be attached to the hood hinges and the A-pillar.

💡

In models Nissan Note E12 with engine HR16DE The space under the hood is very tight. To avoid scratches, remove the plastic engine cover before starting work.

Common mistakes of Nissan Note owners

An analysis of forums and service centers showed that most hood breakdowns occur due to incorrect actions of the owners. That's what it's impossible do:

  1. Pull the lever several times in a row. This stretches the cable and can cause it to break. If the lever does not work the first time, check whether it is blocked.
  2. Use silicone-based lubricant for the castle. It attracts dust and accelerates wear of the mechanism. Better to use LIQUI MOLY LM47.
  3. Forcefully close the hood. B Note The lock is sensitive to impacts - this can bend the latch.
  4. Ignore squeaking or binding. These signs indicate the beginning of cable corrosion. If you do not take action, after 1–2 months the hood will no longer open.

If you bought Nissan Note with mileage, be sure to check the condition of the cable and lock. To do this:

  1. Open the hood and visually inspect the cable for rust.
  2. Pull the lever and listen to the lock operate. Extraneous sounds (grinding, crunching) are a reason for replacement.

Prevention: how to avoid problems with the hood

To the hood Nissan Note opened easily and without problems, follow these recommendations:

  • 🛠️ Once every 6 months lubricate the cable and lock with special lubricant (for example, CRC 2-26).
  • 🚿 After washing the car, blow the lock with compressed air to remove moisture.
  • 🔄 If the hood has not been opened for a long time (for example, in winter), pull the lever once a month so that the cable does not “sour”.
  • 🔍 Check the condition of the rubber seal regularly. If it is cracked, replace it (part number: 62615-4M000 for E11).

In models E12 with the system Nissan Intelligent Key Sometimes there is a conflict between electronic systems, due to which the hood is blocked. In this case, resetting errors via the diagnostic connector or rebooting the key fob will help (remove the battery for 10 seconds).

💡

Regular maintenance of the hood lock Nissan Note will avoid 90% of problems. Pay special attention to the cable - replacing it will cost 3,000–5,000 rubles, while repairing the lock can cost up to 15,000 rubles.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to open the hood of a Nissan Note without a key?

Yes, but only if the cable is not broken. To do this:

  1. Remove the plastic trim under the steering wheel (it is secured with latches).
  2. Find the cable that goes to the hood latch and pull it with pliers.

If the cable is broken, you will have to open the hood through the radiator grille or call a tow truck.

Why does the Nissan Note hood open spontaneously while driving?

This is a typical problem for E11 with a worn lock. Reasons:

  • The spring in the lock has lost its elasticity.
  • The cable is stretched and does not secure the lock in the closed position.
  • The latch is deformed (often after an accident).

Solution: replace the lock assembly (part number: 68110-4M000 for E11).

What tool is needed to replace the hood cable?

You will need:

  • 10 mm wrench (for attaching the cable to the lever).
  • Flat blade screwdriver (for removing plastic panels).
  • Pliers (for fixing the cable during installation).
  • Lubrication LIQUI MOLY LM47 (for a new cable).

Average cost of a cable: 1,200–1,800 rubles.

Is it possible to drive with the hood open?

For a short time (to the nearest service) - yes, but:

  • Secure the hood with a rope through the boots.
  • Drive at a speed of no more than 40 km/h.
  • Avoid sudden braking - the hood may hit the glass.

Driving for a long time with the hood open will cause the engine to overheat and dirt to enter the air intake.

Where to buy spare parts for the Nissan Note hood latch?

Original spare parts:

  • From official dealers Nissan (1 year warranty).
  • In online stores: exist.ru, emex.ru, avtoall.ru.

Analogues (30–40% cheaper):

  • Febi (cable article number: 22316).
  • Blue Print (lock article: ADN123456).

Before purchasing, check compatibility using your vehicle's VIN code.