How to open the trunk on a Nissan Primera: step-by-step instructions and lock secrets

trunk Nissan Primera (especially in P11 and P12 bodies) sometimes turns into a real puzzle for owners. Either the button on the key does not work, or the lock is jammed after washing, or the emergency opening cable has broken over time. If you find yourself in this situation, don't panic. In this article we will look at all possible ways to open the trunk, including little-known life hacks from auto electricians and mechanics.

It is important to understand that the design of the trunk depends on the year of manufacture and configuration. For example, in Primera P11 (1996–2002) a mechanical lock with a cable is often found, and in P12 (2002–2007) an electric drive and a button on the remote control already appear. We took these nuances into account and put together universal solutions that work on most modifications. If your case is unique, at the end of the article there is FAQ with answers to rare problems.

1. Standard methods of opening the trunk

Start with the obvious. In 80% of cases the trunk Nissan Primera opens using one of three basic methods. Check them out in order before taking drastic measures.

Method 1: Button on the key remote control. On most remote controls Primera P12 there is a separate button with a trunk icon (usually on the right or bottom). Press it once - if the battery in the remote control is alive and the electric drive is working, the trunk will open. If the button does not work, but the central locking works, the problem is in the relay or trunk wiring, and not in the remote control.

Method 2: Key in trunk lock. At all Primera (except some versions P12 with a button under the handle) there is a mechanical lock under a plastic cover. To get to it:

• 🔑 Pry the plastic cover over the lock with a flat screwdriver (carefully so as not to break the clips).
• 🔧 Insert the key into the lock and turn counterclockwise. If the key does not turn, do not apply force, otherwise you will break the cylinder.
• 🚗 If the trunk opens, but then jams again, lubricate the lock WD-40 or graphite lubricant.

Method 3: Button in the cabin. In some trim levels Primera P12 The trunk release button is located:

• 📍 On the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel (under the light control buttons).
• 📍 On the center console next to the gearshift lever (in versions with leather interior).
• 📍 In the glove compartment (rare, but found in European versions).

2. Emergency opening of the trunk from the passenger compartment

If standard methods do not work, and the trunk needs to be opened urgently (for example, to get a battery or tools), use emergency rope. He is in everyone Primera, but access to it depends on the model.

B Primera P11 The cable is located behind the rear parcel shelf. To get to it:

1. Fold down the rear seat (pull the hinges under the cushion).
2. Remove the plastic trim above the trunk (it is secured with 4 clips).
3. Find an orange or red cable with a loop - pull it towards you.

B Primera P12 The cable is hidden deeper. You will need:

• 🔧 Unscrew the two bolts securing the rear shelf (under the decorative plugs).
• 🔍 Find the cable next to the right headlight (it goes from the lock to the interior).
• ⚠️ Do not pull the cable sharply - it may break. It is better to pull with force several times.

If the cable is torn or missing (this happens after unqualified repairs), try open the trunk through the taillights. To do this:

1. Remove the plastic trunk trim from the canopy side (it is secured with clips).
2. Unscrew the flashlight mounting bolts (usually 3 pieces).
3. Place your hand into the hole and feel the lock mechanism. Pull the lever up.

What to do if the cable breaks?

If the cable breaks, it can be temporarily replaced with wire or fishing line. Pass it through the hole in the body (where the cable was) and secure it to the lock lever. This will allow you to open the trunk until you buy a new cable (part number for P11: 72501-4M000, for P12: 72501-6M000).

3. Opening the trunk when the battery is dead

If the battery is dead and the trunk is Primera opens only with an electric drive, it will help you direct nutrition from a donor or mechanical impact.

Method 1: Connect to donor battery. If you have access to the hood (for example, through the radiator grill), connect the cigarette lighter wires to the battery of another car. After this:

• 🔋 Wait 5-10 minutes for the keychain to charge.
• 🔑 Press the trunk open button on the remote control.
• ⚡ If the remote control does not work, try opening the trunk with a button in the cabin.

Method 2: Mechanical opening without power. If there is no access to the battery, proceed as follows:

1. Remove the rear parcel shelf (as described in the previous section).
2. Find the lock motor (black cylinder with wires).
3. Turn the motor gear counterclockwise by hand - this simulates the operation of an electric drive.

⚠️ Attention: If after recharging the battery the trunk does not open again with the button, check the fuse F30 (10A) in the block under the steering wheel. He is responsible for the electric drive of the lock.

4. What to do if the trunk is jammed

Trunk lock jammed Nissan Primera usually due to three reasons: mechanism corrosion, cover distortion or microswitch failure. Let's look at each case.

Reason 1: Corrosion or dirt in the lock. If the key does not turn or the trunk is difficult to open:

• 🧴 Treat the lock with penetrating lubricant (WD-40, Liqui Moly LM 40).
• 🔧 Tap the lock with a wooden hammer handle (not metal!).
• 🔑 Try swinging the key in the lock while pressing the trunk lid.

Reason 2: Trunk lid misalignment. If the trunk opens halfway and is stuck:

• 🚗 Have an assistant press the lid on top while you try to open the lock.
• 🔧 Inspect the trunk hinges - they may be bent after an accident or corrosion.
• 🛠️ Lubricate the loops Litol-24 or similar lubricant.

Reason 3: Microswitch failure. If the trunk opens with the key, but does not respond to the button:

• 🔍 Find the microswitch on the lock (small black box with wires).
• 📍 Check if the connector has come loose.
• 🔧 Replace the switch (part number for P12: 25230-4M000).

Symptom	Probable Cause	Solution
The button on the remote control does not work, the key opens	Motor or fuse faulty	Check F30 (10A), use a tester to test the wires to the lock motor
The trunk opens halfway and rests	Lid or hinge distorted	Adjust the hinges, lubricate the mechanism
The key does not turn in the lock	Corrosion or breakage of the larva	Process WD-40, if it doesn’t help, replace the larva
The trunk opens but does not close	Broken latch or microswitch	Check the fastening of the latch, replace the microphone (see article above)

5. How to open the trunk without a key

Lost your key or is it broken in the lock? The situation is unpleasant, but solvable. Here 4 ways to open the trunk Nissan Primera without the original key:

Method 1: Master key or duplicate. If you have access to the salon:

• 🔑 Order a duplicate key using the VIN code (contact the dealership Nissan or to a car mechanic).
• 🔓 Use a master key for the larva (if you have the skills). B Primera P11 locks are simpler P12 - more difficult.

Method 2: Disassembling the lock. If the key is broken in the lock:

1. Remove the plastic trim above the lock.
2. Unscrew the lock mounting bolts (usually 2 pieces).
3. Remove the lock along with the broken key and disassemble it to remove the key.

Method 3: Opening through the salon. If the trunk does not lock from the inside:

• 🚗 Fold down the back seat.
• 🔧 Put your hand into the trunk and feel the lock lever (usually on the right).
• 💡 Light it with a flashlight - this will simplify the task.

Method 4: Call a specialist. If all else fails:

• 📞 Call a car mechanic with a tool to open locks.
• 🚘 As a last resort, you can drill out the larva (but then you will have to change the lock).

⚠️ Attention: If you decide to drill out the lock, be prepared to replace the cylinder or the entire mechanism. For Primera P11 fits lock with article number 72500-4M000, for P12 — 72500-6M000. The cost of a new lock is from 2,500 to 5,000 rubles.

6. Prevention of trunk problems

To avoid encountering a jammed trunk at the most inopportune moment, follow these tips:

1. Regular lubrication of the mechanism:

• 🧴 Every 6 months, treat the trunk lock and hinges with lubricant (WD-40, CRC 2-26).
• 🔧 After washing, be sure to dry the lock with compressed air.

2. Electrical check:

• 🔋 Check the fuse once a year F30 and trunk lock relay.
• 📍 Inspect the wires for chafing (especially at the point of transition from the body to the trunk lid).

3. Careful handling:

• 🚗 Do not slam the trunk lid - this leads to skewed hinges.
• 🔑 Do not leave the key in the lock for a long time - the cylinder will wear out.

💡

If the trunk begins to open with difficulty, do not delay repairs. In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by lubrication or adjustment in 10–15 minutes. Ignoring the symptoms leads to breakdown of the lock or electric drive, and this is an expensive repair (from 5,000 rubles).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to open the trunk Nissan Primera P12 from the key fob if the battery in the car is dead?

No, if the battery is completely discharged, the key fob will not be able to send a signal to open. In this case, use the mechanical key in the trunk lock or the emergency cable from the passenger compartment. If the key does not turn, see the section on a jammed lock.

Where is the trunk fuse located? Primera P11?

The power trunk fuse (if your vehicle has one) is located in the main fuse box under the steering wheel. This is a fuse F20 (10A). Also check the relay K3 — it is responsible for the central locking and trunk.

How to remove the trunk trim to get to the cable?

B Primera P11 The casing is attached to 6 plastic clips. Carefully pry it off with a flathead screwdriver, starting from the corner. B P12 Additionally, you need to unscrew the two bolts under the decorative plugs (use a 10mm socket wrench).

What to do if the trunk does not open after an accident?

If the trunk lid is bent, first try opening it from the inside (through the back seat). If the lock mechanism is damaged, you may have to drill out the cylinder or cut off the hinges with a grinder (as a last resort). After this, the trunk will need to be restored by a body shop.

Is it possible to install an electric drive on Primera P11, if it was not there?

Yes, but it is a labor-intensive process. You will need:

• Buy an electric drive kit (article no. 25230-4M000 for P11).
• Route the wiring from the central locking control unit.
• Install the button in the car or connect it to the key fob.

The cost of service work is from 8,000 rubles.