Removing the front headlight Nissan Note E11 (first generation, 2006–2013) is a task that owners face when replacing lamps, repairing optics or tuning. The design of the fastenings here has its own peculiarities: if on newer models it is enough to snap off a couple of clamps, then here you will have to tinker with bolts and hidden fasteners. The main difficulty is access to the bottom mount, which is often covered by a bumper or fender liner.

In this article we will break down the process step by step: from preparing tools to final assembly. Attention paid unique pitfalls of the E11 model - for example, the fragility of plastic guides on headlights of early releases (before 2009) and the peculiarities of fastening fog lights that interfere with dismantling. If you plan to work with the right or left headlight, please note: the algorithm is the same, but on the driver's side you may need to remove the battery for convenience.

Preparation: Tools and Safety Precautions

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need. The absence of even one key can stop the process halfway. Here minimal set of tools:

  • 🔧 Set of sockets with ratchet (required) 10 mm And 12 mm)
  • 🔨 Flat and Phillips screwdrivers (for clips and screws)
  • 🧲 Magnetic holder (so as not to lose bolts in the engine compartment)
  • 🔦 Flashlight or carrier (lighting fender liners)
  • 🧤 Cotton gloves (protection from dirt and sharp edges)

Pay special attention security:

  • ⚡ Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery - this will prevent a short circuit when working with the headlight wiring.
  • 🚗 Place the car on a flat surface and secure it with the handbrake. If you have a jack, lift the front end and install jack stands.
  • 🔥 Let the lamps cool down if the machine has been recently used - the risk of burns during dismantling is high.
⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Note E11 with xenon headlights (optional for top trim levels), the ignition unit maintains high voltage even after the battery is disconnected. You can only touch the wires after 10–15 minutes!
📊 Which headlight are you planning to remove?
  • Left (driver's side)
  • Right (passenger side)
  • Both
  • I don't know, I need to decide

Removing the bumper: a necessary step or can it be done?

Most instructions for Nissan Note E11 It is recommended to remove the bumper to access the lower headlight bolts. However, this is a labor-intensive process that takes up to 1.5 hours. Is there an alternative?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • 🔍 If you have small hands and flexible fingers, you can try to unscrew the lower bolt through the technological hole in the fender liner (you will need an extension for the head).
  • 🚗 On cars with fog lights (PFL-restyling 2009–2013) the lower mount is partially blocked by their body - here you cannot do without removing the bumper.
  • 🔧 If the headlight is removed for complete replacement, and not repair, you can take a risk and unscrew the bolts “blindly”, but there is a high chance of breaking the thread.

We recommend partial removal of the bumper — disconnect only the side clips on the side of the headlight being removed. This will save time and provide sufficient access. Algorithm:

  1. Unscrew the 2 bolts securing the bumper to the fender liner (head 10 mm).
  2. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry up the 3 plastic clips along the wing (be careful, they are fragile!).
  3. Bend the bumper outward - this is enough to get to the lower headlight bolt.
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Before removing the bumper, take a photo of the location of the clips on your phone - during reassembly, this will help to avoid mistakes with fixation.

Step-by-step dismantling of the headlight: from fastenings to wiring

When access to the headlights is open, we proceed to the main process. On Nissan Note E11 each headlight is mounted on 4 points:

  • 🔩 2 bolts on top (under the hood, head 10 mm)
  • 🔩 1 bolt from below (from the bumper side, head 12 mm)
  • 🔗 1 plastic fastener on the side (needs to be careful!).

Procedure:

  1. Disconnect the wiring connectors:
    • Press the main harness block retainer (usually black).
    • If there is a separate connector for headlight range control (white plastic plug), unclip it upward.
  • Unscrew the top bolts: they are located next to the radiator grille. Hold the headlight with your hand to prevent it from falling after loosening the fasteners.
  • Remove the bottom bolt: This is where the ratchet extension comes in handy. The bolt often sticks - do not use excessive force so as not to tear off the edges.
  • Release the side lock: pull it towards you and up. If it breaks, don’t worry - it can be replaced with a new one (part number 26510-JM00A).

    • After removing all fasteners, carefully pull out the headlight towards yourself and slightly up — it will come out of the grooves on the body. Do not pull too harshly; there may be fragments of sealing rubber left on the back.

    Battery terminal disconnected|Wiring connectors photographed|Tools prepared (10 mm and 12 mm heads)|Access to the bottom bolt freed (bumper bent)|-->

    Typical problems and how to avoid them

    Even with careful dismantling, the owners Nissan Note E11 face typical difficulties. Let's consider them and solutions:

    Problem Reason Solution
    The bolt does not unscrew (the edges are torn off) Corrosion or excessive force during previous dismantling Use an extractor or weld a nut onto a bolt
    The headlight is “stuck” in the grooves Deformation of plastic guides Apply silicone grease to the edges and swing the headlight left and right
    After installation the headlight shines crookedly Incorrect adjustment or damaged corrector Check the fixation of the corrector (part number 26560-4M000)
    Dimensions do not light up after assembly Contacts in the connector are oxidized or the wires are mixed up Clean the contacts with sandpaper or check the connection diagram

    They break down especially often plastic clips on the headlights of the pre-restyling version (2006–2009). If you feel that the latch is tight, do not pull by force - it is better to buy a spare one in advance (costs about 150–200 rubles).

    ⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Note E11 with bi-xenon headlights (optional for the European market) installed in the housing ignition unit, which is attached separately. When dismantling, do not pull on the wires of the unit - they are fragile and can come off!

    Adjusting the headlight after installation

    Even if you removed the headlight only to replace the lamp, after reassembly be sure to check the light adjustment. On Nissan Note E11 The headlight range control is mechanical, and its settings may be lost during dismantling.

    To adjust you will need:

    • 📏 Tape measure or ruler
    • 🎯 Marker or adhesive tape for marking
    • 🚗 Flat wall at a distance of 5 meters from the car
    • 🔧 A screwdriver for rotating the adjusting screws (they are located on the top and side of the headlight).

    Algorithm:

    1. Park the car on a level surface perpendicular to the wall.
    2. Place marks on the wall at the level of the center of the headlights and 5 cm below (for low beam).
    3. Turn on the low beam and adjust the screws until the upper limit of the light spot coincides with the lower mark.

    If the light still “goes” to the side, check:

    • 🔧 Headlight mounting - perhaps one of the bolts is not tightened.
    • 🔄 Corrector functionality (the switch on the dashboard should click when changing position).
    • 💡 Lamp base - if it is inserted crookedly, the light will be uneven.
    How to check the headlight range control without a stand?

    Turn on the low beam and press the body above the front wheel with your hand (simulating load). If the light border rises and falls synchronously, the corrector is working. If not, the micromotor needs to be replaced (part number 26560-AL50A).

    Replacing lamps vs. Complete headlight replacement: which is more profitable?

    Many owners Nissan Note E11 are faced with a dilemma: repair the old headlight or buy a new one. Let's compare the options:

    Criterion Lamp replacement/repair Complete headlight replacement
    Cost From 300 rub. (lamp) up to 3000 rub. (glass restoration) From 8000 rub. (used) up to 25,000 rub. (new original)
    Time 1–2 hours (depending on the type of lamps) 3–4 hours (removal/installation + adjustment)
    Light quality Depends on the condition of the reflector (may be worse than a new headlight) Optics like new, but requires adjustment
    Difficulty Electrical skills required (risk of blown fuses) Precise adjustment required, otherwise it will blind oncoming cars

    If your headlight:

    • 💡 The lamp just burned out - just replace it (for example, H7 for low beam).
    • 🌫️ The glass is cloudy - try polishing or varnishing (will cost 1500–2000 rubles).
    • 🔦 If the housing or reflector is damaged, it is cheaper and more reliable to buy a used headlight in good condition.

    For Nissan Note E11 Headlights with article numbers are suitable:

    • Left (driver's): 26010-JM00A or 26010-JM00B (restyling).
    • Right (passenger): 26060-JM00A or 26060-JM00B.
    ⚠️ Attention: There are many counterfeits of original headlights on the market. Nissan. The original ones have a logo engraved on the glass and metal guides inside the case. Counterfeits often suffer from poor sealing - after a year or two, condensation appears inside.
    💡

    If you buy a used headlight, be sure to check its functionality BEFORE installation. Connect to the battery and make sure that all the lamps are on and the corrector is moving the reflector.

    Common mistakes and how to avoid them

    Experienced craftsmen identify several typical mistakes that owners make Nissan Note E11 when removing headlights yourself:

    1. Ignoring wire markings:

      On the headlights with halogen lamps the connectors are the same, but on xenon It is easy to confuse the corrector and ignition wires. Always take a photo of the original connection!

    2. Excessive force when unscrewing bolts:

      Headlight mounting bolts Note E11 they often stick, but if the thread is broken, you will have to drill out and cut a new one. Use a penetrating lubricant (eg WD-40) and let it run for 10–15 minutes.

    3. Incorrect installation of the seal:

      The rubber seal around the perimeter of the headlight should lie flat, without creases. If you twist it, moisture will get inside and the headlight will quickly fog up.

    4. They forget about adjustments:

      Even if you simply removed the headlight to replace the lamp, its position could be lost. Always check the light beam after assembly!

    Another common problem is loss of bumper clips. They often fall out during dismantling and get lost in the grass or dirt. Stock up in advance (item 08915-94016), so you don't have to go to the store in the middle of the process.

    FAQ: answers to popular questions

    Is it possible to remove the headlight Nissan Note E11 without removing the bumper?

    Yes, but only if you have thin hands and have a head extension. The lower bolt can be unscrewed through the hole in the fender liner, but this is inconvenient. On cars with fog lights, you cannot do without removing the bumper.

    What kind of bulbs are in the headlight? Nissan Note E11?

    Standard equipment:

    • Low beam: H7 (55 W)
    • High beam: H1 (55 W)
    • Dimensions: W5W (5 W)
    • Turn signal: PY21W (orange base)

    On versions with xenon, low beam - D2S (no base, only bulb).

    Why does the headlight shine dimly after replacing the bulb?

    Possible reasons:

    • Poor contact in the connector (oxidation or contamination).
    • Poor quality lamp (especially important for cheap LED analogues).
    • Problems with the generator (voltage in the on-board network is below 13.5 V).
    • Cloudy headlight glass (light scatters).

    Check the voltage at the connector pins with a multimeter with the light on.

    How to remove headlight glass for polishing or replacement?

    Glass on Nissan Note E11 glued to the body with sealant. To remove it:

    1. Heat the headlight with a heat gun (temperature 60–80°C) around the perimeter of the glass.
    2. Carefully pry the glass with a plastic spatula, starting from the corner.
    3. Remove old sealant with solvent (eg White spirit).
    4. When reassembling, use new sealant (for example, ABRO WS-904).

    ⚠️ Do not use metal tools - they will scratch the glass!

    Where to buy an original headlight for Nissan Note E11?

    Options:

    • Official dealers Nissan (guaranteed, but expensive).
    • Online stores (for example, Exist.ru, Autodoc — there is a filter by VIN code).
    • Disassembly (cheaper, but check the condition of the optics on site).
    • Groups on social networks (for example, “Nissan Note E11 Russia” on VKontakte).

    Average price of a new headlight: 12,000–18,000 rubles. Used in good condition - 4,000–8,000 rubles.