Removing the rear light on a Nissan Note: step by step with photos and tips

Tail light on Nissan Note - a detail that sooner or later requires attention: be it replacing a lamp, repairing after an accident, or installing tuned LEDs. Many owners are afraid to remove it themselves for fear of breaking fragile fasteners or damaging the wiring. In fact, the procedure is simpler than it seems, if you know key points and avoid common mistakes.

In this article we will analyze the process of dismantling the rear light on Nissan Note first and second generations (bodies E11 And E12) taking into account their design features. You will learn what tools you will need, how not to damage the seals, and what to do if the light is “stuck” to the body. And also - a unique life hack for removing clips without a special remover, which will save you time and nerves.

Preparation: Tools and Safety Precautions

Before you get started, make sure you have everything you need on hand. The absence of even one tool can turn a simple procedure into agony. Here minimum setwhich will be required:

• ✅ Flat head screwdriver (preferably with a thin tip for prying off the clips)
• ✅ Phillips screwdriver (for bolts on some modifications)
• ✅ Plastic puller or pick (so as not to scratch the paint)
• ✅ Cloth or microfiber (to protect the body from scratches)
• ✅ Gloves (optional, but recommended to protect hands from sharp edges)

Pay special attention security measures:

• 🔋 Disable negative battery terminalto avoid short circuit when working with wiring.
• 🚗 Park the car on a flat surface and turn on hand brake.
• 💡 If you replace the lamp, do not touch the glass bulb with your bare hands - fatty traces will shorten the service life.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Note 2013+ model year in the tail light can be installed light sensor (to automatically turn on the headlights). If dismantled carelessly, it can easily be damaged, which will lead to an error on the dashboard. Check the presence of the sensor in advance!

Tail light design: what you need to know before removing

Tail lights on Nissan Note attached to the body using three main elements:

1. Snap clips (2–3 pieces, depending on the year of manufacture). They fix the lantern around the perimeter.
2. Bolts or screws (on some modifications, for example, in versions for Japan).
3. Sealing rubber, which seals the joint and prevents moisture from entering.

It is important to understand that Note E11 (2004–2012) and Note E12 (2012–2020) the design of the lights is slightly different:

Parameter	Nissan Note E11 (2004–2012)	Nissan Note E12 (2012–2020)
Number of clips	2 clips + 1 bolt	3 clips (no bolts)
Lamp type	Halogen (P21/5W)	Halogen or LED (depending on configuration)
Wiring Access	Through the technological hole in the trunk	Through a removable trim panel
Sealant	Rubber, glued to the lamp	Silicone, removable

On Note E12 often installed from the factory led lights, which are sensitive to voltage changes. If you plan to replace them, make sure the new lamps have a built-in current stabilizer, otherwise they will quickly fail.

What to do if the flashlight cannot be removed?

If the clips do not budge, do not apply excessive force - most likely, they are stuck to the body. In this case it will help WD-40 or similar composition. Apply it to the joints, wait 5-10 minutes and try again. If this does not help, try gently heating the lantern with a hair dryer (no higher than 60°C) to expand the plastic.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the tail light on a Nissan Note

Now let's move on to practice. Follow the instructions strictly in orderto avoid damage. Let's start with Nissan Note E12 (2012–2020) as this model is more common.

Step 1: Removing the trunk trim

Open the trunk and find the plastic panel that blocks access to the light. It is attached to 4–5 clips. Carefully pry it up with a plastic puller or a screwdriver (wrapped in cloth) and remove it. Under the panel you will see wiring connector and flashlight mounts.

Step 2: Disconnect Wiring

Press the connector lock (usually black or gray) and disconnect it from the flashlight. If the latch does not budge, do not pull the wires - this may damage the contacts. Instead, try rocking the connector left and right while pressing the latch.

Step 3. Removing the clips

Here is the most crucial moment. Clips on Note E12 arranged like this:

• 🔹 Top clip — closer to the roof of the car.
• 🔹 Two bottom clips - on the sides of the lantern.

Pry them off with a screwdriver or puller, starting with top. As soon as you hear a click, the clip is released. Do not pull the lantern towards you until all fastenings have been removed!

Step 4. Removing the flashlight

After all the clips are released, carefully pull the flashlight towards yourself and up a little (at an angle of ~15°). It should come out of the grooves. If you feel resistance, check that all clips have been removed. The rubber seal can be left on the body or removed along with the flashlight - it doesn’t matter.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Note E11 additionally there is fastening bolt under the plastic plug (next to the bottom clip). If you don't unscrew it, you'll break the clips when you try to remove the light!

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when removing a tail light. Here TOP-3 problemsproblems that owners face Nissan Note, and ways to solve them:

• 🔧 Broken clips - the most common problem. Reason: attempt to remove the lamp without releasing all the fasteners. Solution: Buy clips in reserve (they cost pennies) and use a plastic puller instead of a screwdriver.
• ⚡ Short circuit when working with wiring. Reason: they forgot to disconnect the battery or damaged the insulation of the wires. Solution: Always check the circuit with a multimeter before connecting a new light.
• 💧 Water leak after installation. Reason: the seal is installed incorrectly or the rubber is damaged. Solution: Before assembly, apply to the sealant silicone grease (For example, Liqui Moly Silicon-Fett).

Another common mistake is mixed up wires when connecting a new flashlight. On Nissan Note the connector has key (protrusion to prevent misconnection), but if you are using a non-original part, the pins may not match. Always refer to the diagram:

Wire color	Purpose	Voltage (V)
Red	Stop light	12
Yellow	Side light	12
Green	Turn signal	12
Black	Weight	0

Lamp replacement vs. Replacing a flashlight: which is more profitable?

Many owners Nissan Note are faced with a dilemma: replace lamp or the whole lantern? Let's figure out what is cheaper and more practical in the long run.

Replacing the lamp will cost 200–800 rubles (depending on type: halogen or LED). Pros:

• ✅ Quickly (10-15 minutes).
• ✅ Low cost.

Cons:

• ❌ If the lamp is already old, the plastic may be fragile, and the next time you replace the lamp it will crack.
• ❌ On Note E12 With LED lights, replacing the lamp often requires soldering, since the LEDs are soldered into the board.

Replacing the flashlight costs from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles (original vs. analog). Pros:

• ✅ The new flashlight will last longer.
• ✅ You can install a tuned version (for example, with smoked glass or LED backlight).

Cons:

• ❌ More expensive and longer (you need to remove the bumper or part of the trim).
• ❌ Risk of buying a low-quality analogue with poor sealing.

If your lantern intact, but the lamp burned out - Definitely change the lamp. If there is one on plastic cracks, chips or signs of oxidation of contacts, it will be cheaper and safer to install a new lamp.

Tuning taillights: what you can do yourself

Tail lights are a great way to highlight your Nissan Note among others. Here are some tuning ideas that you can implement yourself:

• 🔦 Installation of LED lamps instead of halogen ones. For example, Osram LEDriving or Philips X-tremeUltinon. They are brighter and last longer, but require Canbus (coordination unit) to avoid errors on the device.
• 🎨 Window tinting special film. Important: according to GOST, light transmission must be at least 60% for dimensions and 35% for turn signals.
• 💡 Dynamic turn signals ("traveling wave" effect). To do this, you need a board with a microcontroller (for example, based on Arduino) and LED strip.
• 🔄 European interpretation of the lantern (two-section brake light). Requires board replacement or contact re-soldering.

Before tuning, check whether you are violating traffic rules requirements. For example, tinting lamps in Russia is allowed only if it does not impair the visibility of signals. Also remember that LED lamps Halogen headlights can dazzle other drivers if they are not correctly selected for the luminous flux.

⚠️ Attention: If you install non-standard LED lightsmay be required wiring modification (installation of resistors or canbus). Without this, an error will appear on the dashboard "Check Rear Lights".

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to remove the rear light Nissan Note without a puller?

Yes, but the risk of scratching the paint or breaking the clips increases. As a last resort, use plastic card (for example, a discount one) or a screwdriver wrapped in electrical tape. The main thing is not to apply force to the flashlight itself, but work with the clips.

Why does the flashlight not work after replacing the lamp?

There are several reasons:

1. Burnt out fuse (check F32 in the mounting block).
2. Oxidized contacts in the connector (clean them with sandpaper or WD-40).
3. The lamp is not installed correctly (check that it is seated tightly in the socket).
4. On LED lamps there may be wrong polarity (swap “+” and “-” in the connector).

What sealant should I use for the canopy seal?

Best fit silicone sealants without acetic acid (eg Dow Corning 7091 or Permatex 81160). They do not corrode plastic and remain elastic. Apply a thin layer to the sealant before installing the lantern.

Is it possible to drive with one working headlight?

Technically yes, but this traffic violation (Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). Fine - 500 rubles. In addition, it is unsafe: other drivers may not notice your braking or turning. If the lamp burns out while traveling, try to replace it as soon as possible.

Where to buy original flashlights for Nissan Note?

Original spare parts can be ordered:

• U official Nissan dealers (article for the right lamp Note E12: 26150-4M000, for the left: 26100-4M000).
• On verified sites (For example, Exist.ru, Autodoc, Emex).
• On showdown (cheaper, but no guarantee of quality).

Average price of an original flashlight - 8,000–12,000 rubles. Analogs (for example, TYC or Depo) are 2–3 times cheaper, but may have worse tightness.