Vehicle operation Nissan Note first generation (E11 body) often involves the need to replace the windshield due to cracks or chips characteristic of this model. This body, produced from 2005 to 2013, is distinguished by the specific geometry of the wind opening, which requires precise selection of the glass unit. Errors in selection can lead to problems with sealing, whistling at speed and even distortion of the view.
Owners Nissan Note E11 often face a dilemma: save on an analogue or overpay for the original. It is important to understand that the quality of glass directly affects passive safety. Upon impact, it should not crumble into sharp fragments, but should be held by a polymer layer, acting as a load-bearing element of the body frame.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the nuances of selection, consider trusted manufacturers and give instructions for proper installation. You will learn how to avoid mistakes with sensors and heating so that after repair the car looks and functions like new.
Features of the windshield design on the Nissan Note E11
Windshield on Nissan Note The E11 body has a unique shape that provides excellent aerodynamics and visibility, but makes it difficult to replace. The windshield has an increased angle of inclination and specific radii of curvature in the upper part, which often causes errors when selecting analogues. Incorrectly selected glass will either fall through the opening or fit loosely around the edges.
A critical point is the presence or absence of a heating system. On many trim levels Nissan Note E11 glass is installed with heating filaments, which are attached to the contact pads at the bottom. If you install non-heated glass on a car that has it, you will not only lose the defrost function, but you will also end up with unsightly "cold" contacts sticking out from under the trim.
It is also worth paying attention to the location of the sensors. Depending on the configuration, rain and light sensors may be located behind the rear view mirror. They require a special prismatic section on the glass. If the glass does not have this section or it is incompatible with your sensor, the system will not work correctly, and the sensor itself may fall off at the first vibration.
- Geometry: the specific shape of the opening requires precise matching of the radii.
- Heating: the presence of heating threads and their correct connection to the contacts.
- Sensors: Mandatory presence of a zone for a rain/light sensor in the upper part.
Manufacturer's choice: Original or high-quality analogue?
The aftermarket offers a wide selection of glass for Nissan Note E11. The original glass, supplied under the Nissan brand, is of excellent quality and precise geometry, but its price is often overpriced. In the event of damage to the original glass on a used car, many owners are looking for more affordable alternatives that are just as reliable.
Quality glass manufacturers such as Asahi Glass (AGC) or Central Glass, are often direct suppliers to Nissan assembly lines. These brands of glass may not have the Nissan logo on the glass, but they are identical in quality and performance to the original. Use of glass from Asahi or Yachiyo is a reasonable compromise between price and quality, ensuring durability and safety.
Budget analogues made in China, such as Fuyao or Xinyi, are also widely represented. They are much cheaper, but may have slight deviations in geometry, which complicates installation. Also, the quality of the polymer layer in cheap glasses is sometimes lower, which affects optical transparency and shock resistance.
⚠️ Attention: Never install glass if it has factory optical distortions. Test transparency by looking through the glass at a distant object at an angle. Distortion of lines is unacceptable.
- AGC / Asahi Glass: the best choice among non-original glasses, often without a car brand logo.
- Yachiyo: reliable Japanese manufacturer, often found as an OEM supplier.
- Chinese brands: Acceptable quality, but requires careful inspection before purchase.
- Original (Nissan)
- Japanese equivalent (AGC, Yachiyo)
- Chinese equivalent (Fuyao)
- Used glass from disassembly
Marking and decoding of glass parameters
Before ordering glass, you need to study the markings on it. On Nissan Note E11 the most commonly found glass is 3.8 or 4.0, which indicates its thickness and type. The numbers and letters on the glass contain encrypted information about the manufacturer, country of origin, safety class and the presence of additional options.
The key element of labeling is the certification mark. For glass sold in Europe and Russia, this must be an E sign (in a circle or square) with the number of the certifying country. The absence of this sign or the presence of only Chinese standards may indicate low quality products. Also look for markings AS1 or DOT for American standards, if the glass is imported from the USA.
Pay special attention to the indication of the presence of heating. Usually this is a symbol in the form of a wavy line or an inscription HEATED. If you plan to use glass with a rain sensor, make sure there is an area on the glass RAIN SENSOR or corresponding symbol. Ignoring these details will result in the electronics being unable to connect.
How to quickly check the presence of heating without documentation?
Visually inspect the bottom of the glass. If you see thin red or brown threads running all over the surface and two copper contact tabs at the bottom, this is heated glass. If there are no threads, then the glass is ordinary.
| Parameter | Original (Nissan) | Japanese equivalent (AGC) | Chinese equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geometry accuracy | Perfect | High | Average |
| Optical transparency | Excellent | Excellent | good |
| Service life | More than 10 years | 8-10 years | 5-7 years |
| Average price | High | Average | Low |
The process of dismantling old glass and preparing the body
Removing the windshield Nissan Note E11 requires caution, as the plastic mirror frame and trim elements break easily. Start by carefully removing the rear view mirror trim. Usually it is held on by latches, which need to be pryed off with a plastic card or a special tool without damaging the plastic.
Then you need to disconnect the connectors of the rain and light sensors. Be careful with wires: they are often glued to the glass or body. Carefully peel them off and disconnect the chip. After this, you can start cutting the old glue. Use a special knife or string. You need to cut smoothly, trying not to damage the paintwork of the body and the frame itself.
After removing the glass, be sure to remove any remaining old sealant. To do this, use a scraper and degreaser. The surface must be perfectly clean and dry. Apply new primer to the area where the glass will be bonded and let it dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will ensure a secure grip and prevent leaks.
☑️ Preparation for installation
- Removing the frame: Use plastic spatulas to remove the mirror cover.
- Disabling electronics: disconnect the sensor chips before the glass is completely cut off.
- Cleaning: remove all traces of old glue down to the metal surface.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use metal tools to remove old glue from the body paint! This will lead to scratches and subsequent corrosion.
Installing new glass and setting up sensors
Installation of new glass begins with fitting. Carefully apply the glass to the opening without glue to ensure a perfect fit all around. On Nissan Note E11 this is especially important, since misalignment can lead to a whistle at speed. If the glass sits level, you can apply a new layer of polyurethane sealant.
Apply sealant in a continuous line around the perimeter of the glass or body. The layer thickness should be sufficient to compensate for unevenness, but not excessive. Carefully insert the glass into the opening, pressing evenly over the entire area. Secure it to the body with masking tape to prevent it from moving when the glue dries.
After installation, you need to connect the rain and light sensors. Make sure the sensor pad is firmly in contact with the glass. Use special optical glue or silicone if required by the sensor instructions. After assembling the interior, allow the glue to dry completely (usually 24 hours) before driving.