How to properly remove the rear light on a Nissan Qashqai J11: instructions with photos and videos

Tail light on Nissan Qashqai J11 (2013-2021) - a unit that sooner or later requires attention: lamps burn out, plastic cracks, or condensation appears inside. Many car owners are afraid to remove it themselves for fear of breaking the latches or damaging the wiring. In fact, the procedure is simpler than it seems - with the right approach and knowledge of the nuances.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions with photos, which is suitable for both left and right lamps. We will look at the tools that are really needed (and which you can do without), typical mistakes made by beginners, and give tips on reassembly. Let us dwell separately on Hidden flashlight fixation for cars with a rear view camera - this point is often missed even by experienced craftsmen.

Preparing for work: tools and safety precautions

Before you begin dismantling, make sure you have everything you need. Most of the tools can be found in a car enthusiast’s standard kit, but some will have to be purchased or made yourself.

• 🔧 Flat head screwdriver (preferably with a thin tip) - for prying off the clips.
• 🔨 Phillips screwdriver or a screwdriver with a T20 bit (depending on the year of manufacture).
• 🧤 Gloves - so as not to leave prints on the plastic and not get hurt.
• 📦 Plastic pick (or an old bank card) - for carefully detaching the latches.
• 🔋 Multimeter (optional) - to check the circuit if the lamp does not light.

Important: if you plan replacing lamps with LEDs, check their compatibility with the on-board computer in advance Qashqai J11. Some LED modules cause an error CAN-bus, which will then have to be reset through the diagnostic scanner.

⚠️ Attention: Never start work with a wet flashlight! If condensation has accumulated inside, dry it with a hairdryer (temperature no higher than 50°C) or leave the car in a warm garage for 12 hours. Moisture may short the contacts during dismantling.

Step 1: Turn Off Power and Access Mounts

The first and most important stage is de-energizing the flashlight. Many people skip this step, risking a short circuit or setting off an alarm. On Nissan Qashqai J11 you can do this in two ways:

1. Through a fuse. Locate the fuse box in the trunk (under the floor, on the left) and remove the fuse F37 (10A) — he is responsible for the rear lights. On machines with LED optics may need to be disabled F42 (7.5A).
2. Removing the terminal from the battery. If you are not sure about the circuit, simply disconnect the negative terminal - this is guaranteed to de-energize the entire system.

Next, open the trunk and remove the plastic trim from the canopy side. It is attached to 4-5 pistons (depending on the configuration). Carefully pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver, starting from the bottom corner. Pistons often break if handled carelessly - if they are cracked, replace them with new ones (item no. Nissan 80510-4M000).

Power off (fuse or battery)|

Trunk trim removed|

Flashlight mounts checked for rust |

Tools and new lamps have been prepared (if replacement is required) -->

Step 2: Dismantling the lantern - step-by-step instructions with photos

Now we move on to the most important stage. Lantern on Qashqai J11 attached to two bolts (top and bottom) and three plastic latches. The main difficulty is not to break the latches when removing them. Follow the algorithm:

1. Unscrew the bolts. The upper bolt is hidden under a rubber cap (remove it), the lower one is open. Use a Phillips screwdriver or T20 bit. Tightening torque during reassembly: 1.5–2 Nm (do not overtighten!).
2. Disconnect the latches. Start with top (she is the most fragile). Insert the plastic pick into the gap between the light and the body and press gently until you hear a click. Then repeat with the side latches.
3. Remove the lamp. Pull it towards you, rocking it slightly from side to side. Do not use excessive force - if the flashlight does not budge, check that all latches are latched.

On machines with rear view camera (optional 360° View) there is an additional connector in the right lamp. You cannot pull it by the wires - just carefully press the lock and remove the block. If you damage the contacts, the camera will fail (replacement will cost 15–20 thousand rubles).

⚠️ Attention: On restyled Qashqai J11 (after 2017) there may be a hidden bolt in the left lamp under the decorative trim. If the lamp cannot be removed, check its presence!

Step 3: Disconnecting Wiring and Disassembling the Light

When the flashlight is removed, all that remains is to disconnect the electrical connector. On Qashqai J11 standard is used 3-pin connector (for brake lights, parking lights and turn signals). To remove it:

1. Press the plastic latch (it is located on top of the connector).
2. Pull the block towards you without tugging on the wires.
3. If the connector does not budge, spray it WD-40 and wait 5 minutes.

To replace lamps or repair the housing, the lamp must be disassembled. It consists of three parts: back cover (with cartridges), reflector And diffuser. Everything is secured with 4–6 latches around the perimeter. To pry them off, use two flat screwdrivers - insert them from opposite sides and carefully move them apart.

Replacing lamps: which ones are suitable for Qashqai J11

In the taillights Nissan Qashqai J11 Three types of lamps are used. Their parameters and article numbers of original parts are shown in the table below. Please note: on machines with LED optics (optional HID Package) the lamps are not replaced - there is a non-separable unit.

When replacing lamps, follow these rules:

• 💡 Do not touch the glass flask with your bare hands - oil from the skin will shorten its service life.
• 🔄 Install the lamp so that the base fits tightly into the socket (a click should be heard).
• 🔌 Before assembly, check the operation of the new lamp by connecting the connector to the flashlight.

⚠️ Attention: If the reverse lamp does not light after replacement, check the fuse F10 (10A) in the block under the steering wheel. It often burns out when there is a short circuit in the circuit.

Reassembly: nuances and verification

Assembling the lantern occurs in the reverse order, but there are several critical points:

1. Check the seal. The rubber gasket around the perimeter of the lamp should lie flat, without creases. If it is torn, replace it (part no. Nissan 26550-4M000).
2. Tighten the bolts in a crisscross pattern. First the top, then the bottom, then tighten both. This will prevent skewing.
3. Test before final build. Connect the connector and check all modes: brake light, turn signal, side marker and reverse.

After installing the light, do not rush to close the trunk trim. Start the engine and ask an assistant to turn on all lighting modes one by one. Please note:

• 🔴 Stop light: should light up brightly, without flickering.
• 🟡 Turn signal: check the blinking frequency (normal is 1–1.5 Hz).
• 🟢 Reverse: The lamp should light up immediately when the gear is engaged.

Tuning and modernization of rear lights

Many owners Qashqai J11 want to give the car individuality by upgrading the rear optics. Here are popular options:

• 💎 Tinting. Film 3M Scotchcal with a light transmittance of 30–50% will give the lanterns a “European” look. But remember: according to GOST, tinting rear lights is prohibited if it impairs the visibility of signals.
• 🔥 LED modules. Replacing standard lamps with LEDs (Osram LEDriving or Philips X-tremeUltinon) improves brightness and reduces the load on the generator. But it needs some work: you need to install decoy resistors (100 Ohm, 2 W), otherwise there will be an error on the device.
• 🔄 European lanterns. On Qashqai J11 fit lights from Nissan X-Trail T32 (article 26500-4M001/26500-4M000). They are wider and have a different pattern, but the fastenings are the same.

Before tuning, check the legality of the changes. For example, red turn signals (even if they are brighter than standard ones) are prohibited by traffic rules (clause 3.6 GOST R 51709-2001). For this you can get a fine of 500 rubles. or an order to return everything to its original state.

+12V ——[LED]——+
|
GND ——[Резистор]——+

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Qashqai J11 rear lights