The trunk button on a Nissan Note does not work: 7 reasons and how to fix it

Owners Nissan Note (especially models E11 And E12) often encounter a problem when the trunk release button stops responding to pressure. This can happen either with a button on the key remote control or with a mechanical button on the door or in the passenger compartment. In most cases, the malfunction is associated with wear of the contacts, oxidation of the wiring, or failure of the actuator - but there are also less obvious reasons that only experienced auto electricians know about.

In this article we will look at all possible reasonswhy the trunk button Nissan Note does not work - from a banal low battery in the key fob to a breakdown of the central locking. You will learn how to check each element of the system yourself, what tools are needed for repairs, and in which cases it is better to contact the service. We also collected step by step instructions with photos and connection diagrams that will help you save on diagnostics.

1. Diagnosis of the problem: what exactly is not working?

Before disassembling the door or removing the trunk trim, you need to determine exactly what button exactly? stopped functioning. The troubleshooting algorithm depends on this:

• 🔑 Button on key fob — only the trunk opening does not respond, other functions (central locking, alarm) work.
• 🚗 Button in the cabin - usually located on a panel near the driver’s seat or on the ceiling (for station wagons).
• 🚪 Mechanical button on the tailgate - can be hidden under a plastic cover.
• 🔧 Electric drive (actuator) — if the trunk does not open with any button, the problem may be there.

If it doesn't work only one button (for example, on a key fob), and the rest open the trunk normally - the problem is local (battery, contacts, microswitch). If everything doesn't work — you need to look in the wiring, fuses or control unit.

Important nuance: on Nissan Note after 2010, the button on the key fob is often connected to the system Intelligent Key. If it does not work, but the other functions of the key fob are active, the problem may be in the signal receiver antenna, which is located in the rear of the body.

2. Reason No. 1: Dead battery in the key fob or faulty remote control

The most obvious but often ignored problem is dead battery in the key. On Nissan Note battery is used CR2032 (for key rings with Intelligent Key) or CR2026 (for standard remote controls). If the central locking button works but the trunk does not, this may indicate:

• 🔋 Low battery — the signal to open the trunk requires more energy than locking the doors.
• 📶 Poor contact between the battery and the key fob board (oxidation, deformation).
• 🛠️ Button wear — over time, the rubber contact wears off and ceases to close the circuit.

How to check:

1. Replace the battery with a new one (even if the old one “seems to be working”).
2. Try opening the trunk with spare key - if it works, the problem is in the main key fob.
3. Disassemble the remote control and check track integrity on the board (contacts near the button often oxidize).

If replacing the battery did not help, and you can see darkened or corroded tracks - they can be carefully cleaned with an eraser or restored with conductive glue. In 70% of cases this solves the problem.

3. Reason No. 2: Malfunction of the microswitch (limit switch) on the trunk door

On Nissan Note installed in the trunk lock mechanism microswitch (limit switch), which signals the control unit about the door position. If it fails or its contacts oxidize, the system may “think” that the trunk is already open and block the operation of the drive.

Signs of limit switch malfunction:

• 🔴 The button is pressed, but I can't hear the relay click (no attempt to open).
• 🔄 The trunk opens only after 5–10 attempts or after a strong slam on the door.
• 🚨 On the dashboard door open indicator flashes, although the trunk is closed.

How to check the limit switch:

1. Remove the plastic trim from the inside of the trunk door (it is secured with latches).
2. Find the microswitch - it is located next to the lock and has two wires (usually black And white/red).
3. Disconnect the connector and check resistance multimeter in dial mode. When you press the lock tongue, the resistance should change from ∞ on 0 ohm.

Where to buy a new limit switch for Nissan Note?

The original microswitch has the article number 28511-JM00A (for E11) or 28511-4M00A (for E12). Analogues: Hella 6RA 008 607-011 or Valeo 406558. Cost - from 300 to 800 rubles. You can order on Exist.ru, Emmegi.ru or AliExpress (but check the reviews!).

If the limit switch is faulty, it must be replaced. To do this:

1. Unsolder or disconnect the old switch.
2. Install a new one by connecting the wires in the same polarity.
3. Check the operation of the trunk button.

4. Reason #3: Problems with wiring or fuses

If the trunk button does not work either from the key fob or from the passenger compartment, and the limit switch is working, the next thing to check is fuses and wiring. On Nissan Note The following are responsible for the electric trunk drive:

• 🔌 Fuse F30 (10A) — in the fuse box under the steering wheel (responsible for the central locking and actuators).
• 🔌 Fuse F17 (15A) - in the same block (power supply to the body control unit BCM).
• 🔌 Relay K15 — controls the voltage supply to the trunk drive.

How to check:

1. Open the fuse box (located to the left of the steering wheel, under the cover).
2. Remove fuses F30 And F17, check them visually or with a multimeter.
3. If the fuses are intact, check voltage on their contacts when you press the trunk button (should be 12V).

If fuses blow again after replacement, there is short circuit. Most often it occurs in places where the wiring is chafed:

• 🚗 In the corrugation between the body and the trunk door.
• 🔧 Under the trim of the rear right arch (there are wires to the actuator).

To diagnose wiring:

1. Remove the trunk trim and visually inspect the harnesses for cuts or melting.
2. Ring the wires from the control unit (BCM) to the trunk actuator (diagram below).

Wire color	Purpose	Where is he going?
Black and yellow	Power (+12V)	From fuse F30 to relay K15
Green-white	Control signal	From BCM to actuator
Brown	Weight (–)	On the body near the actuator
Blue	Feedback (limit switch)	From trunk lock to BCM

5. Reason No. 4: Failure of the actuator (electric drive) of the trunk

If all the buttons, fuses and wiring are working, but the trunk still won't open, the problem is most likely electric drive (actuator). On Nissan Note a motor with a worm gear is used, which wears out or jams over time.

Signs of actuator malfunction:

• 🔊 Heard buzzing sound When the button is pressed, the door does not open.
• 🔄 The trunk opens only when pressed again or after helping with your hand.
• 🛠️ Drive works one way (for example, it only closes, but does not open).

How to check the actuator:

1. Remove the trunk door trim (it is secured with plastic clips).
2. Find the actuator - it is located next to the lock and has two connectors (power and control).
3. Disconnect the connector and apply direct power supply 12V to the motor contacts (the polarity can be reversed to check both sides).

If the motor does not respond, it needs to be replaced. Original actuator for Nissan Note E11/E12 has an article number 28501-JM00A (cost ~2500–3500 rub.). You can install analogues from Dorman or Febi, but check compatibility by VIN.

How to remove the actuator without damaging the casing?

Use a plastic clip remover (eg KUKKO 21/1). Start removing the trim from the bottom corner of the door, where the clips are less stressed. Don't pull too hard - Note Plastic is fragile and can crack!

If the actuator buzzes but does not open the door, the problem may be mechanical part (the plastic pusher is broken or the gearbox is jammed). In this case, you will have to disassemble the drive and clean/lubricate the gears or replace it completely.

6. Reason #5: Failure in the body control module (BCM)

Less often than not, the problem lies in body control unit (BCM), but this option cannot be excluded. On Nissan Note BCM is responsible for processing signals from all trunk buttons and controlling the actuator. If a block is "buggy", it may ignore commands or send them with a delay.

Symptoms of a problem BCM:

• 🔄Trunk button works every other time or after repeated presses.
• 🚨 Stop working at the same time other functions (central locking, power windows).
• 📊 Errors pop up during diagnostics B2100, B2101 or U1000 (CAN bus fault).

How to check BCM:

1. Connect a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431 or ELM327) and check for errors.
2. Reset the errors and check if they return after test pressing the trunk button.
3. If the errors are related to CAN bus, check wiring integrity from BCM to other blocks (especially ECM And ABS).

Critical Information: On Nissan Note 2013-2016 model years, the BCM often "flies" after the battery is disconnected or the firmware is updated incorrectly. In this case, the unit must be reflashed in the service (you cannot do this yourself!).

If BCM is really faulty, it can be:

• 🔧 Reflash (cost ~3000–5000 rub.).
• 🆕 Replace with new one (original ~15,000–20,000 rub., used ~5,000–8,000 rub.).
• 🔄 Restore (if the problem is in soldered contacts or capacitors).

7. Reason No. 6: Mechanical locking of the trunk lock

Sometimes the problem lies not in the electrical system, but in mechanics. For example:

• 🔒 The lock is frozen or jammed (especially after washing or in cold weather).
• 🔧 The drive cable is broken from the actuator to the lock.
• 🚗 The trunk door is deformed after an accident, and the lock cannot work.

How to check the mechanics:

1. Try opening the trunk key manually (on some versions Note there is a hole under the cover).
2. If the key does not turn, treat the lock WD-40 or LIQUI MOLY LM-40.
3. Remove the trim and check cable integrity from the actuator to the lock.

If the cable breaks or jumps off the guides, it needs to be replaced. Article number of the original cable for Nissan Note E11 — 28520-JM00A, for E12 — 28520-4M00A. Cost ~1000–1500 rub.

8. Reason No. 7: Software failure or immobilizer errors

On Nissan Note with the system Intelligent Key The trunk button may stop working due to software errors or immobilizer conflicts. This happens after:

• 🔧 Incorrect battery connection (reset).
• 📱 Unit firmware updates BCM or ECM.
• 🚗 Installation of non-original alarm or autostart.

How to fix a software glitch:

1. Execute error reset through a diagnostic scanner.
2. If the trunk button does not work after disconnecting the battery, perform key learning procedure:

1. Вставьте ключ в замок зажигания.
2. Включите зажигание на 5 секунд, затем выключите.
3. Повторите шаг 2 ещё 5 раз (всего 6 циклов).
4. Нажмите кнопку блокировки на брелке — сигнализация должна пискнуть 2 раза.
5. Повторите для всех ключей.

If after training the trunk button still does not work, the problem may be immobilizer conflict with alarm. In this case, only flashing will help BCM in the service.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Note trunk button

❓ Why does the trunk button only work when you press the brake?

This is a security feature Nissan Note. On some versions the block BCM blocks trunk opening while driving. If the button only works when the brake is pressed, this is normal. If it doesn't work at all, check brake limit switch (located under the pedal) - its signal can influence the logic BCM.

❓ Is it possible to open the trunk if the battery is dead?

Yes, but the method depends on the model:

• On Note E11 - remove the plastic trim under the tailgate handle and pull the emergency cable (usually red).
• On Note E12 — use the key to open the hole under the door trim (if there is one) or disconnect the actuator terminals and manually turn the lock mechanism.

❓ How much does it cost to repair the trunk button in the service?

The cost depends on the reason:

Type of repair	Price (RUB)
Replacing the battery in the key fob	Free (do it yourself)
Cleaning the key fob contacts	300–500
Replacing a microswitch (limit switch)	800–1500 (with work)
Replacing the trunk actuator	3500–5000 (with work)
Diagnostics and flashing of BCM	3000–6000

❓ Is it possible to repair the trunk actuator with your own hands?

Yes, if the problem is contamination or wear of gears. Disassemble the actuator, clean the parts from old grease, and check the integrity of the plastic pusher. Lubricate the mechanism LIQUI MOLY Silicone-Fett and put it back together. If the motor burns out or the worm gear breaks, just replace it.

❓ Why doesn’t the trunk button work after replacing the actuator?

Probable reasons:

• 🔌 The connectors are connected incorrectly (check the polarity).
• 📊 Block BCM the new actuator does not “see” - an error reset is required.
• 🔧 The new actuator is defective (check it separately by supplying 12V).

Try disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes - sometimes this helps reset the settings BCM.