<em>Nissan March</em> air conditioning relay: where is it located, how to check and replace it yourself

Nissan March - a compact hatchback, popular due to its efficiency and reliability, but even its air conditioning system can malfunction. One of the common reasons for a non-working climate is air conditioner relay - a small but critical element that is responsible for turning on the compressor. If the air conditioner stops blowing cold air, makes clicking noises or does not respond to the button at all A/C, the problem with 90% probability lies precisely in the relay or its circuits.

In this article we will look at how to independently diagnose a relay malfunction on March K13 (2010–2017) and K12 (2002–2010), where it is located in the fuse box, how to check it with a multimeter and replace it without contacting service. We will also give typical symptoms of a breakdown, prices for original and similar spare parts, and give tips on prevention so that the air conditioning system lasts longer.

Where is the air conditioner relay located? Nissan March?

Depending on generation March The location of the relay may vary, but in most cases it is installed in fuse box under the hood. For an accurate search, refer to the table below:

Generation	Location	Relay number	Fuse number (for A/C circuit)
Nissan March K12 (2002–2010)	Fuse box in the passenger compartment (to the left of the steering wheel, under the cover)	R12 (or R14 on some versions)	F30 (10A)
Nissan March K13 (2010–2017)	Fuse box under the hood (next to the battery)	R2 (or R5 in versions with climate control)	F18 (10A)
March K13 restyling (2014–2017)	Block under the hood (near the air filter)	R3	F18 or F20 (10A)

To get to the block, on K13 Just open the hood and remove the cover of the mounting block (it is secured with latches). On K12 you will have to unscrew the two screws securing the panel under the steering wheel. The air conditioner relay is usually black or dark gray, with markings A/C COMP CLUTCH or COND FAN.

⚠️ Attention: On some versions March With an automatic transmission, the air conditioning relay can be combined with the radiator fan relay. In this case, if it fails, the engine will heat up, and not only the climate control will fail.

Symptoms of a bad air conditioning relay

A relay is an electromechanical device, and over time its contacts burn out, the spring weakens, or the winding burns out. You can recognize the problem by the following symptoms:

• 🔹 The air conditioner does not turn on when you press the button A/C (the lamp on the button does not light up).
• 🔹 Button A/C lights up, but the compressor does not work (there is no characteristic click or vibration).
• 🔹 The air conditioner works intermittently: it turns on and off for no apparent reason.
• 🔹 When turned on A/C Multiple clicks are heard from under the hood (the relay “rattles”).
• 🔹 The radiator cooling fan does not turn on together with the air conditioner (on models with a combined circuit).

It is important to distinguish a relay malfunction from other problems:

- If air conditioner fuse burnt out, then the button A/C will not light up at all.

- If not enough freon, the compressor will not turn on due to the pressure sensor triggering (but the relay clicks).

- If Compressor winding burnt out, the relay will click, but the clutch will not rotate.

💡 Helpful tip: To quickly check whether the relay is at fault, try temporarily replacing it with a known working relay with similar characteristics (for example, a fan or fuel pump relay). If the air conditioner starts working, the problem is in the relay.

How to test the air conditioner relay with a multimeter?

To diagnose the relay you will need multimeter (or a simple “diagnosis”) and a screwdriver. Check procedure:

1. Remove the relay from the fuse box. On its body there is usually a contact diagram (numbers 85, 86, 87, 30).

2. Check winding resistance: connect the multimeter probes to the contacts 85 And 86. On a working relay, the resistance should be within 50–120 Ohm. If the device shows 0 (short circuit) or ∞ (break) - the relay is faulty.

3. Check contact performance: Apply voltage 12V from battery to contacts 85 And 86 (polarity is not important). At the same time, a click should be heard - this is the contacts closed 30 And 87. If there is no click, the relay must be replaced.

4. Call power circuit: in a closed state (when 12V is supplied) between 30 And 87 there must be resistance 0 ohm.

⚠️ Attention: Do not test the relay for spark by connecting directly to the battery without load! This may lead to breakdown of the transistor in the climate control unit (on March K13 with automatic climate control).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the relay

If the relay is faulty, it must be replaced. The procedure takes no more than 10 minutes and does not require special skills. You will need:

• 🔧 New relay (original or analogue).
• 🔧 Flat screwdriver (for removing the block cover).
• 🔧 Flashlight (for easier searching).

Step 1: Turn off the power.

Remove the negative terminal from the battery to avoid short circuit.

Step 2: Locate the fuse box.

On K13 it is located under the hood next to the battery (see photo at the beginning of the article). On K12 - under the panel to the left of the steering wheel.

Step 3: Remove the unit cover.

On K13 The cover is fixed with latches, on K12 - two screws.

Step 4: Remove the faulty relay.

Gently pry it off with a screwdriver or your fingers. Don't pull the wires!

Step 5: Install the new relay.

Follow the markings: the contacts must match. Press until you hear a click.

Step 6. Check the operation of the air conditioner.

Connect the battery terminal, start the engine and turn on A/C. There should be a click (the compressor turns on) and cold air should appear.

💡 Advice: If after replacing the relay the air conditioner still does not work, check fuse (it may burn out if short circuited) and freon pressure (if the level is low, the system blocks the compressor from turning on).

Original and similar relays: articles and prices

For Nissan March fit like original relays from Nissan, and analogues from trusted brands. Below is a table with article numbers and average prices (for 2026):

Relay type	Article	Manufacturer	Approximate price, ₽	Notes
Original (Nissan)	25230-4M000	Nissan	1 200–1 500	Suitable for K12 And K13
Analogue (Bosch)	0 332 019 150	Bosch	400–600	High quality, long service life
Analogue (Hella)	4RA 003 597-331	Hella	500–700	Suitable for most Japanese cars
Budget analogue	SRD-12VDC-SL-C	Meat & Doria	150–250	Low quality, frequent breakdowns are possible

🔍 How to choose?

Original relay 25230-4M000 guaranteed to fit, but its price is high. The best option is Bosch or Hella, which are not inferior in reliability, but cost 2–3 times cheaper. Cheap Chinese analogues (Meat & Doria) often fail after 1–2 years.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing, pay attention to rated current relay For March it must be no less 30A. Relays with lower current (for example, 20A) will burn out quickly due to the high compressor load.

Frequent mistakes during diagnostics and repairs

Many owners Nissan March make typical mistakes that lead to repeated breakdowns or damage to other components. That's what can't do:

• 🚫 Ignore verification fuse. If it is burned out, the new relay will burn out immediately after installation.
• 🚫 Install relays without checking freon pressure. If the refrigerant level is low, the compressor will not turn on, and you will think that the problem is in the relay.
• 🚫 Use relays from other systems (for example, starter or fan) without checking the characteristics. Different relays have different response time And switching current.
• 🚫 Try to repair the relay (solder contacts, clean with sandpaper). This is a temporary solution and often results in fires in the mounting block.

🔧 Correct diagnostic order:

1. Check the fuse.
2. Make sure there is enough freon in the system (using a pressure gauge or compressor operation).
3. Ring the relay.
4. Check the power supply at the relay connector (should be 12V on contact 86 with the ignition on).

What should I do if, after replacing the relay, the air conditioner still does not work?

If the new relay is OK, but the compressor does not turn on, check:

1. **Freon pressure sensor** (on the high pressure pipe). When the refrigerant level is low, it blocks switching on.

2. **Electromagnetic clutch of the compressor**. Apply to her directly 12V - if it doesn’t click, the clutch is burnt out.

3. **Climate control unit** (on K13 with climate control). The transistor or relay inside the unit may have burned out.

4. **Wiring** from the relay to the compressor. The wires near the radiator often fray.

Prevention: how to extend the life of the air conditioning relay?

The relay fails due to overloads, contact corrosion or power surges. To avoid damage:

• 🔧 Once a year, clean the contacts of relays and fuses from oxidation (use WD-40 or special lubricant for electrical contacts).
• 🔧 Monitor the freon level. When it leaks, the compressor works with increased load, which leads to overheating of the relay.
• 🔧 Do not turn on the air conditioner at maximum power immediately after starting the engine. Allow the system to stabilize for 1-2 minutes.
• 🔧 Check the compressor belt tension. If it slips, the load on the relay increases.

💡 Useful lifehack: In hot weather use air recirculation (a button with a car icon and a circular arrow). This will reduce the load on the compressor and extend the life of the relay.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the air conditioner relay Nissan March

Is it possible to drive without an air conditioning relay?

Technically it is possible, but the air conditioning will not work. However, you should not ignore the problem: if the relay burns out due to a short circuit, this may damage the climate control unit or wiring.

Why did the new relay burn out immediately?

Most likely there is in the circuit short circuit (for example, in compressor wiring) or the compressor itself is faulty (clutch jammed). Check the fuse and wiring with a multimeter.

How to distinguish a faulty relay from a burnt-out compressor clutch?

If the relay clicks, but the compressor does not turn on, the problem is in the clutch or winding of the compressor. If the relay does not click, it is faulty or is not receiving power.

Is it possible to install a relay from another car?

Yes, if it has the same characteristics: 12V, 30–40A, and fits true to size. For example, a relay from Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic often compatible.

How long does the air conditioner relay last?

Service life of the original relay - 5–7 years (or 100–150 thousand km). Cheap analogues fail after 1–2 years.