Removing the generator on a Nissan Note: disassembly without errors or breakdowns

Dismantling the generator Nissan Note - a task that frightens many car owners due to the cramped space under the hood and the fragility of the plastic elements. However, with the right approach, the procedure will take no more than 1.5–2 hours, even for a beginner. The main difficulty lies not in the mountings of the generator itself, but in access to the bottom bolt and the need to partially disassemble the front part of the car.

In this article we will analyze the process of removing the generator on models Nissan Note E11 (2006–2012) and E12 (2012–2020) with engines HR15DE (1.5 l) and HR16DE (1.6 l). We will pay special attention hidden fastenings, which are often missed in standard manuals, and we’ll tell you how to avoid damage to the timing belt during operation. If your generator whistles, does not charge the battery enough, or is completely out of order, these instructions will help you save money at the service station.

Preparation: tools and working conditions

Before you begin dismantling, make sure you have everything you need. Working in a garage requires not only tools, but also proper organization of space. For example, jack and stops will be needed to remove the right front wheel - without this it is almost impossible to reach the lower bolt of the generator.

Here is a complete list of tools and materials:

• 🔧 Set of sockets and ratchet wrenches (required) 10 mm, 12 mm, 14 mm)
• 🔧 Ratchet extension (minimum 15 cm)
• 🔧 Flexible head socket wrench (for bottom bolt)
• 🔧 Screwdriver with flat and Phillips blade
• 🔧 Alternator pulley puller (or belt puller)
• 🔋 Multimeter (to check the generator after removal)
• 🛠 Jack and wheel chocks
• 🧤 Rubber coated gloves (protection from oil and sharp edges)

Also prepare your workplace:

• 🚗 Place the car on a flat surface, tighten the handbrake.
• 🔌 Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (to avoid short circuit).
• 💡 Light up the engine compartment - standard light will not be enough.
• 📦 Prepare a container for small parts (bolts, washers, clips).

⚠️ Attention: If your Nissan Note equipped with a system Start/Stop, before disconnecting the battery, be sure to perform the “reset” procedure through the on-board computer menu (instructions are in the operating manual). Otherwise, after connecting the battery, errors in the operation of the electronics may occur.

Removing the right front wheel and fender liner

Access to the generator from the top of the engine compartment is limited, so the main manipulations will have to be carried out from below. To do this, you need to remove the right front wheel and the plastic fender liner. Many people skip this stage, trying to get to the bolts “by touch,” but this way you risk stripping the threads or damaging the belt.

Step by step instructions:

1. Loosen the wheel bolts (do not remove completely!).
2. Raise the car with a jack and place supports under the rear wheels.
3. Remove the wheel and set it aside.
4. Unscrew the plastic clips and screws securing the fender liner (see the photo below for their location).
5. Carefully fold back the fender liner to expose the alternator pulley and lower mount.

On models Nissan Note E12 (2012–2020) the fender liner is secured with additional pistons near the bumper. You can pry them out with a flathead screwdriver, but be careful - the plastic is fragile!

Make sure the jack is on a level surface|

Mark the location of the clips (so as not to confuse them during assembly)|

Check for dirt on the generator pulley (clean if necessary)|

Disable the ABS sensor (if it interferes) -->

Loosening and removing the alternator belt

Alternator belt on Nissan Note driven by the crankshaft and tensioned by an automatic tensioner. To remove it, you need to release the tension and then lock the tensioner pulley in the “relaxed” position. This is where many people make the mistake of trying to simply cut off the belt - this can result in damage to the crankshaft pulley.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Locate the tension pulley (located to the right of the generator, see diagram).
2. Insert socket wrench 14 mm into the roller hole and turn it clockwiseto loosen the belt.
3. When loose, remove the belt from the alternator pulley, and then from the other pulleys (crankshaft, pump, air conditioner).
4. Secure the roller in the weakened position by inserting a metal rod or a thick screwdriver into the tensioner groove.

If the belt is severely worn (cracks, delamination), we recommend replacing it immediately, even if the main purpose is to repair the generator. Cost of a new belt for Nissan Note — from 800 to 1500 rubles (original 11920-4M50A).

⚠️ Attention: On models with air conditioning, the belt also drives the compressor. When removing the belt Do not rotate the compressor pulley by hand - this can damage the internal valves and lead to freon leakage.

Belt brand	Article	Length (mm)	Service life (thousand km)
Original (Nissan)	11920-4M50A	1745	60–80
Gates	6PK1745	1745	70–90
Contitech	6PK1745	1745	65–85
Dayco	6PK1745	1745	60–80

Disconnecting the electrical connectors of the generator

Before unscrewing the generator, you must disconnect all electrical connections. On Nissan Note there are two of them: power terminal (thick wire from the battery) and voltage regulator connector (thin plug). Shutdown errors can result in short circuits or damage to the onboard electronics.

Disabling procedure:

1. Remove the plastic protective cap from the power terminal (it simply pulls up).
2. Unscrew the terminal securing nut with a wrench 10 mm and remove the wire. Don't pull the wire! - hold onto the metal part of the terminal.
3. Press the voltage regulator connector latch (small plastic latch) and carefully pull out the plug.

After disconnecting, inspect the contacts for oxidation or burning. If there is a green coating on the generator terminal, clean it with fine sandpaper or a special spray (for example, Liqui Moly Kontakt-Spray).

What to do if the terminal is stuck?

If the power terminal nut cannot be unscrewed due to corrosion, do not apply excessive force - you risk stripping the threads on the generator. Try the following methods:

1. Treat the joint with penetrating lubricant (WD-40, PB Blaster) and wait 10–15 minutes.

2. Tap the edges of the nut with a small hammer to break up the oxides.

3. Use a socket wrench with an extension to distribute the force evenly.

If all else fails, you will have to cut off the terminal and install a new one (part number 24530-4M000).

Dismantling the generator: upper and lower fastening

Generator on Nissan Note It is attached to the engine with two bolts: top (available from above) and lower (requires access from below). The top bolt usually does not cause problems, but the bottom one often becomes a “headache” due to its inconvenient location.

Removal instructions:

1. Top bolt: Unscrew it with the head 12 mm with extension cord. The bolt is long, so once loosened, pull it out completely.
2. Bottom bolt:
   • Crawl under the car from the side of the removed wheel.
   • Use the head 14 mm with a flexible extension or cardan joint.
   • Rotate counterclockwise. If the bolt does not budge, try holding the generator by hand to prevent it from rotating.

After unscrewing both bolts, carefully pull the generator up, turning it for convenience.

On some models Nissan Note the lower bolt can be covered by the wiring harness mounting bracket. In this case, you will have to unscrew 1-2 more bolts 10 mmto move the bracket.

Checking the generator after removal

Before installing a new generator or repairing an old one, check its functionality. Often the problem lies not in the device itself, but in voltage regulator, diode bridge or bearings. Diagnostics will take 10-15 minutes, but will save money on unnecessary replacement.

How to test a generator with a multimeter:

1. Checking the field winding:
   • Connect the probes to the rotor contacts (rings on the shaft).
   • Resistance must be within 2.3–5.1 Ohm.
2. Checking the diode bridge:
   • Switch the multimeter to "diode" mode.
   • Ring each diode in both directions. There should be a break in one direction, resistance in the other 400–700 Ohm.
3. Bearing check:
   • Rotate the generator shaft by hand. It should rotate smoothly, without play or extraneous sounds.
   • If you hear a crunching or grinding noise, the bearings are worn out and require replacement.

If your generator is faulty but you want to save money, consider a repair option. The average cost of a repair kit (bearings + voltage regulator) is about 1,500 rubles, while a new generator will cost 8,000–12,000 rubles (original 23100-4M500).

Generator installation and assembly

Installing a new (or repaired) generator proceeds in the reverse order, but there are several critical nuances:

• 🔧 Before installation, apply to the bolt threads thread locker (For example, Loctite 243) - this will prevent self-unscrewing.
• 🔌 Connect the electrical connectors last of allwhen the generator is already secured. This will protect the contacts from damage.
• 🔄 The belt tension is adjusted automatically, but after installation, check its deflection: when you press your finger in the middle, the belt should deflect by 8–10 mm.
• 🛠 After assembly, start the engine and check the voltage on the battery with the engine running - it should be 13.8–14.5 V.

If the battery light on the dashboard comes on after installing the generator, follow these steps:

1. Check the reliability of the power terminal.
2. Reset errors via diagnostic scanner (eg ELM327).
3. If the light stays on, the problem may be relay regulator or wiring.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Note with the system Start/Stop after replacing the generator it may be necessary ECU retraining. To do this, you need to connect diagnostic equipment (for example, Consult-III Plus) and perform the procedure Idle Learn.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing the alternator on a Nissan Note

Is it possible to remove the alternator without removing the wheel?

Theoretically yes, but in practice it is extremely inconvenient. The lower bolt of the generator is located in such a way that it is almost impossible to reach it without removing the wheel and fender liner. The risk of stripping the thread or damaging the timing belt when unscrewing it blindly is very high.

Which generator is better to choose as a replacement: original or analogue?

Original generator (23100-4M500) more reliable, but more expensive (about 10-12 thousand rubles). Among the analogues, the following have proven themselves well:

• Denso (article 104210-5770) - high-quality assembly, service life comparable to the original.
• Bosch (article 0 986 041 920) - a little cheaper, but there are fakes.
• Valeo (article XGA5770) is a budget option, but the bearings last less.

When purchasing an analogue, be sure to check the article number with the VIN number of the car!

What happens if you don't disconnect the battery before removing the generator?

If you do not disconnect the negative terminal of the battery, when disconnecting the power cable of the generator, a short circuit. This is fraught with:

• Fuse burnout 100A (located in the block under the hood).
• Damage to the diode bridge of the generator.
• Failure of the ECU (up to the need for flashing).

At best, you will have to change the fuse, at worst, you will have to repair the electronics.

How long does it take to replace a generator?

Time depends on experience and conditions:

• Newbie: 2.5–3.5 hours (including searching for tools and studying instructions).
• Experienced car owner: 1–1.5 hours.
• STO: 40–60 minutes (but taking into account diagnostics and testing it will cost 3–5 thousand rubles).

Most of the time is spent on removing the wheel, fender liner and dealing with “stuck” bolts.

Is it possible to drive with a faulty generator?

Short-term - yes, but with reservations:

• The battery must be fully charged.
• Turn off all unnecessary consumers (heater, headlights, radio).
• Power reserve will be 30–50 km (depending on battery capacity).

Driving for a long time “on the battery” will lead to its deep discharge, which will reduce the battery life by 2–3 times. Additionally, if the engine suddenly stops (due to discharge), you will lose power steering and brakes, which is dangerous!