Burnt out brake light bulb Nissan Note - a problem that many owners prefer to solve on their own. And for good reason: the procedure takes 15-20 minutes, does not require special skills and is several times cheaper than a service visit. However, even in such a simple operation there are nuances: from choosing the right lamp to carefully removing the trunk trim. In this article you will find step-by-step instructions with photos, a list of necessary tools, as well as tips on how to avoid common mistakes when replacing.

Feature Nissan Note (including restyled versions 2010-2020) - compact arrangement of rear lights, which complicates access to the cartridges. If on sedans like Almera or Teana If the lamps are changed through the trunk, then you will have to partially dismantle the trim. We will look at both options: standard (through technological hole) and alternative (with removal of the canopy). You will also learn how to check the functionality of a new lamp without an assistant and what to do if after replacing the brake light still does not light up.

Which brake light bulbs are suitable for Nissan Note

B Nissan Note first and second generation (2006-2020) are used two-pin lamps with P21/5W base - This is standard for most Japanese cars. However, there are important nuances:

  • 🔴 Original lamps: Nissan 26510-4M000 (5W/21W) - the best choice in terms of price/quality ratio, but they are often counterfeited.
  • 💡 Analogues: Osram 2825 (German quality), Philips 12362PRB1 (improved light transmission), Narva 48318 (budget option).
  • ⚡ LED lamps: CANBUS compatible models (eg Osram LEDriving STOP), but require checking for errors on the dashboard.
  • ⚠️ Incompatible options: Lamps with base BA15s or 1157 - will not fit the connector!

When purchasing, pay attention to power: a standard lamp has two filaments - 21W for the brake light and 5W for the marker. LED analogues usually consume 1-3W, but provide a comparable luminous flux. If you choose LEDs, make sure they have built-in resistor - this will prevent flickering and errors on the on-board computer.

📊 Which brake light bulbs do you prefer?
  • Original (Nissan)
  • Analogs (Osram/Philips)
  • LED lamps
  • I don't know which ones are better

Important: Nissan Note 2013+ with the system Intelligent Key When installing LED lamps, the malfunction indicator on the dashboard may light up. It can be solved by software disabling control or installing load resistors.

Tools and materials for replacement

To work, you will need a minimum set of tools, most of which can be found in a standard car kit:

Tool/material Purpose Alternative
Flat screwdriver (3-5 mm) Prying up the trim fasteners Plastic spatula
Phillips screwdriver (PH2) Unscrewing the screws of the lamp (with complete removal) Slotted screwdriver with adapter
Lint-free gloves Protecting the lamp from grease marks Microfiber cloth
Tester or multimeter Checking the voltage on the contacts 12V test light
WD-40 or silicone grease Processing rubber seals Soap solution

If you are planning complete removal of the canopy (for example, to replace the seal or clean the contacts), additionally prepare:

  • 🔧 Set of socket heads (10 mm) - for unscrewing the nuts securing the flashlight.
  • 🧴 Sealant for auto glass - if the seal is damaged.
  • 🔋 9V battery - for checking the lamp without connecting to the on-board network.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use metal screwdrivers to remove plastic trim fasteners - this will result in chipping. The best option: plastic spatulas or a screwdriver with a blade wrapped in electrical tape.

Step-by-step instructions: replacement through the technological hole

This method works for most versions Nissan Note and does not require removal of the lantern. Follow the algorithm:

  1. Open the trunk and remove the carpet on the right or left side (depending on which brake light is not working). Underneath you will see a plastic flashlight cover.
  2. Remove the cover: carefully use a screwdriver to pry it from the side (there is a groove there) and pull it towards you. It is held on by two plastic latches.
  3. Disconnect the power connector: press the latch (usually black) and pull the block out of the cartridge.
  4. Remove the lamp: Turn the chuck counterclockwise 45° and remove it. The lamp is fixed with a spring clip - press it down and pull out the burnt out lamp.
  5. Install a new lamp: insert it into the cartridge until it clicks (without touching the glass flask with your fingers!) and secure with a clamp. Reassemble everything in reverse order.

Check the integrity of the glass bulb|Make sure the lamp power is 21W/5W|Clean the socket contacts from oxidation|Apply dielectric grease to the connector (optional)-->

If the brake light does not light up after replacement, check:

  • 🔌 Connector contacts - often oxidize or bend.
  • 🔋 fuse (F24, 10A in the block under the steering wheel) - may burn out if there is a short circuit.
  • 🔧 Mass — loose contact on the body next to the lamp.
💡

Before buying a new lamp, check the old one with a multimeter in the “test” mode. Often the problem is not in the lamp, but in a broken wire or oxidized contacts.

Alternative method: replacement by removing the lamp

This method will be required if:

  • 🔧 The lamp is “stuck” to the socket and cannot be removed in the standard way.
  • 💧 Moisture has gotten into the lamp (you can see condensation inside the glass).
  • 🔌 It is necessary to clean or replace the contacts in the connector.

Algorithm of actions:

  1. Open the trunk and remove the trim around the light (it is secured with 4 plastic clips and 2 screws for a socket head screwdriver).
  2. Unscrew the 3 nuts securing the flashlight (10 mm wrench) - two on top and one on the bottom.
  3. Carefully pull the flashlight out, do not pull on the wires! Disconnect the power connector.
  4. Remove the back cover of the light (it snaps on) and replace the lamp as described in the previous method.
  5. Before installing the lamp back, check the condition rubber seal - if it is cracked, replace it (part number: 26150-4M000).
⚠️ Attention: When removing the flashlight, do not pull on the wires - there are fragile plastic guides in the connector. If they break, the block will not be fixed and the contacts will begin to oxidize.

If condensation has accumulated inside the flashlight, before assembly:

  1. Dry it with a hairdryer (temperature no higher than 50°C).
  2. Treat the seal with silicone grease.
  3. Check the drainage hole at the bottom of the lantern - it often becomes clogged with dirt.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even in such a simple procedure, car owners make mistakes that lead to repeated burnout of the lamp or damage to the electrical system. Let's look at the most common ones:

Error Consequences How to avoid
Touching the glass bulb of a lamp with your fingers Fatty traces lead to local overheating and rapid burnout Wear gloves or wipe the flask with alcohol before installation
Installing a lamp with a power higher than 21W Circuit overload, cartridge melting, risk of fire Check the lamp markings (must be 21W/5W)
The lantern cover is not tightly closed Moisture ingress, contact corrosion, short circuit Check the fixation of the latches after assembly
Using LEDs without resistors Error on the dashboard, lamps flickering Choose lamps with built-in CANBUS compatibility

Another common problem is contact oxidation in the cartridge. If the lamp burns out more than once every 2 years, disassemble the socket and clean the contacts with fine sandpaper (P1000). After cleaning, apply dielectric grease (For example, Liqui Moly Electronic-Spray).

What to do if the lamp is on at full intensity?

This is a sign of poor contact in the socket or a break in one of the lamp filaments. Check:

1. Integrity of both lamp filaments (check with a multimeter).

2. Reliability of fixing the lamp in the socket - sometimes the spring contact bends.

3. Voltage at the connector contacts (should be 12V when the brake pedal is pressed).

If the problem persists, replace the entire cartridge (part number: 26520-4M000).

How to check the brake light without an assistant

After replacing the lamp, you need to make sure that it is working correctly. If there is no assistant nearby to press the brake pedal, use one of the following methods:

  • 🔑 Use a wooden block: Place it against the driver's seat so that it presses on the brake pedal. Close the door and walk around the car.
  • 📱 Video call: Place your phone in the back seat, point the camera at the brake pedal and control it through an app (eg. TeamViewer).
  • 🔧 Diagnostic scanner: Connect ELM327 and check brake light status via APP Torque Pro (section "Data Logger").
  • 💡 Mirror: If you're working in a garage, place a large mirror so you can see the taillights without leaving the car.

Also check side light (5W lamp filament): it should light continuously when the ignition is on. If the marker works, but the brake light does not, the problem is in the brake pedal (switch) or wiring.

💡

If after replacement the lamp lights up dimly or blinks, the reason in 90% of cases is poor contact in the connector or oxidation of the ground on the body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can LED bulbs be used in Nissan Note brake lights?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • Choose models with CANBUS compatible (For example, Osram LEDriving STOP or Philips X-tremeUltinon).
  • In vehicles with the system Intelligent Key (2013+) may require installation load resistors (50 Ohm, 5W) or software shutdown of lamp control.
  • LED lamps must have correct angle of light (360°), otherwise the light will shine to the sides and not back.

Before purchasing, check reviews for a specific model - some LED lamps flicker or display an error message on the dashboard.

How often should brake light bulbs be replaced?

Service life of standard halogen lamps - 1.5-2 years (or 30-50 thousand kilometers). However it depends on:

  • Quality of the lamp (the original lasts longer than its Chinese counterparts).
  • On-board network conditions (voltage surges reduce resource).
  • Operating conditions (frequent short trips with brake lights on accelerates wear).

It is recommended to check the operation of the brake lights every 10 thousand km or before a long trip.

What should I do if, after replacing the lamp, the brake light still does not light up?

The problem may be:

  1. fuse (F24, 10A in the block under the steering wheel) - check and replace if necessary.
  2. Brake light switch (located under the brake pedal) - it may be out of adjustment or broken.
  3. Broken wire — use a multimeter to test the wire from the fuse to the flashlight (orange wire is “+”, black wire is “ground”).
  4. Oxidation of the "mass" — clean the contact on the body next to the lamp (usually bolted to the metal).

If you are not confident in your abilities, contact an auto electrician - diagnosing a broken wiring requires experience.

Is it possible to replace the brake light bulb on a Nissan Note without removing the trunk trim?

On most versions Nissan Note (2006-2020) partial dismantling of the casing is required, since access to the lamp is blocked by a plastic cover. However:

  • On some restyled models (2016+), the canopy cover can be opened without removing the trim - try prying it off with a screwdriver from the side.
  • If you have Nissan Note e-Power (hybrid), access may differ - a different lamp design is used there.

In any case, it will not be possible to do without minimal removal of the trim (at least bending back the carpet).

What kind of brake light bulb does the Nissan Note come with from the factory?

On all versions Nissan Note (including Note E11 And Note E12) original lamps are installed:

  • Article: Nissan 26510-4M000 (or 26510-4M025 for restyled models).
  • Type: double thread, base P21/5W (21W for brake light, 5W for parking light).
  • Manufacturer: usually Koito or Stanley (Japan).

Original lamps last longer than analogues, but they are often counterfeited. When purchasing, pay attention to:

  • Quality of packaging (must be a branded box with a hologram).
  • Marking on the base (the original had "Nissan" engraved on it).
  • Price - the original cannot cost less than 300-400 rubles.