<em>Nissan Primera P12</em>hood: device, replacement and typical problems

Nissan Primera P12 (2001–2007) - a legendary sedan and hatchback that is still in demand on the secondary market. The hood of this model, despite its simple design, often becomes a source of problems: from banal corrosion to damage to the lock or hinges. In this article we will analyze all the nuances of working with the P12 hood - from the selection of spare parts to self-repair.

Hood feature Primera P12 - its aluminum construction (on some modifications), which is lighter than steel, but more susceptible to deformation. Owners also face fastening problems, wear of the seal and malfunctions of the gas stops. We have collected proven solutions that will help you save on service stations.

Hood design Nissan Primera P12: materials and features

Hood Primera P12 was produced in two versions:

• 🔹 Steel — installed on basic configurations (weight ~12 kg). More resistant to corrosion, but heavier.
• 🔹 Aluminum — installed on top versions (weight ~8 kg). Easier, but more expensive to repair and susceptible to oxidation.

Key design elements:

• 🔧 Hood lock — mechanical, with a cable drive. A common problem: cable breakage or jamming.
• 🔧 Gas struts - keep the hood open. Over time they lose pressure.
• 🔧 Loops - Attached to the body with 4 bolts. If corroded, they may require replacement.
• 🔧 Sealant — rubber contour around the perimeter. It wears out in 5–7 years.

Aluminum hoods Primera P12 often confused with composite ones, but this is a mistake: aluminum is used here in its pure form, without plastic additives. This means that with severe dents, such a hood is almost impossible to straighten - only replacement.

⚠️ Attention: On models with an aluminum hood, magnetic holders for covers cannot be used - this leads to microcracks!

How to remove the hood Nissan Primera P12: step by step instructions

Removal of the hood will be required to replace, paint or repair the hinges. You will need:

• 🔧 Key on 10 mm (for loops).
• 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for a lock).
• 🔧 Marker or masking tape (for marking).
• 🔧 Assistant (hood weighs 8–12 kg).

Procedure:

1. Open the hood and secure it with a stop (or prop).
2. Remove the plastic plugs from the hinges (pry them off with a screwdriver).
3. Mark with a marker the position of the hinges relative to the body - this will help with reinstallation.
4. Unscrew 2 bolts on each hinge (key on 10).
5. Carefully remove the hood along with the stops and lock.

If the hood jammed and it doesn't open:

• 🔧 Try pressing the hood in the lock area - sometimes this helps the mechanism work.
• 🔧 You can try to turn the lock through the radiator grill with a screwdriver.
• 🔧 As a last resort, cut off the lock cable (replacement will be required).

Disconnect the battery terminal (to avoid short circuit)

Take a photo of the location of the hinges

Prepare a support for the hood (table, chair)

Check that all tools are present -->

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to remove the hood alone - aluminum models can easily be bent if not handled carefully!

Typical hood problems Primera P12 and their solutions

Owners Primera P12 The most common problems encountered are:

Problem	Reason	Solution	Repair cost (RUB)
Hood won't open	Broken lock cable	Replacing a cable or lock	800–1 500
The hood sags	Wear of gas stops	Replacing stops (pair)	1 200–2 000
Creak when opening	Hinge corrosion or lack of lubrication	Cleaning + Lubrication WD-40 or lithol	200–500
Dents/Corrosion	Mechanical damage or lack of anti-corrosion treatment	Straightening, painting or replacing the hood	3 000–15 000

Deserves special attention hinge corrosion. On Primera P12 The hinges are attached to the body, and replacing them requires welding if rust has eroded the metal. In such cases, it is easier to buy a hood from a donor.

Another common problem is loose hood seal. This happens due to:

• 🔧 Deformation of hinges after an accident.
• 🔧 Wear of the rubber seal.
• 🔧 Warped lock.

Selection of spare parts: original vs analogues

When replacing the hood or its elements, it is important to choose quality parts. Original spare parts Nissan for Primera P12 are indicated by articles:

• 📌 Steel hood: 62100-4M000 (sedan) / 62100-4M001 (hatchback).
• 📌 Aluminum hood: 62100-4M010.
• 📌 Gas stops: 62210-4M000 (pair).
• 📌 Hood lock: 62200-4M000.

Cost of original parts:

• 💰 Steel hood: ~15,000–20,000 rub.
• 💰 Aluminum hood: ~25,000–30,000 rub.
• 💰 Gas stops (pair): ~1,800–2,500 rub.

Analogs (brands Febi, Meyle, Topran) are 30–50% cheaper, but quality varies. For example, gas struts Febi (article 22300) last an average of 3–4 years, while the original ones last 5–7 years.

When buying a used hood, pay attention to:

• 🔍 The condition of the hinges (is there any rust).
• 🔍 Seal integrity.
• 🔍 No dents on the inside (especially for aluminum models).

Where can I buy a hood for Primera P12 cheaper?

The most profitable options are showrooms in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg (prices from 3,000 rubles for a used hood). You can also order a new analogue at Exist.ru or Autodoc with delivery. Avoid shopping on Avito without a photo of the hinges and lock - they often sell a “pig in a poke”.

Hood repair and painting: nuances for Primera P12

If the hood is damaged but does not require replacement, it can be repaired. For Primera P12 relevant:

• 🔨 Dent straightening - Suitable for steel hoods. Aluminum is straightened only from the inside.
• 🔨 Local painting - if the corrosion is shallow. Use primer with zinc.
• 🔨 Anti-corrosion treatment - required for hinges and the inside.

For painting the hood Primera P12 you will need:

1. Remove the hood and clean off the old paintwork (sandblast or sander).
2. Treat with anticorrosive (for example, Dinitrol 4010).
3. Apply primer, paint (color code for Primera P12 — KH3 "Dark gray metallic" or BQ5 "Blue").
4. Apply varnish and polish.

Cost of painting in the service:

• 💰 Local (partial): ~5,000–8,000 rub.
• 💰 Full: ~12,000–20,000 rub.

⚠️ Attention: When painting an aluminum hood, do not use acidic primers - they corrode the metal!

Hood Adjustment: How to Get the Perfect Fit

If the hood Primera P12 closes with a pop or there is a gap left, it needs to be adjusted. To do this:

1. Loosen the hinge bolts (key on 10).
2. Adjust the position of the hood in height and horizontally.
3. Check the gap around the entire perimeter (should be the same, ~3–5 mm).
4. Tighten the bolts and check the operation of the lock.

Typical errors when adjusting:

• ❌ Pulling the bolts leads to deformation of the hinges.
• ❌ Ignoring the seal - even a new hood will not close well if the tires are worn out.
• ❌ Adjustment of only one loop - always adjust both!

If after adjusting the hood still won't close, the problem may be:

• 🔧 Lock (requires lubrication or replacement).
• 🔧 Cable (stretched or bent).
• 🔧 Deformed body frame (after an accident).

Frequently asked questions about the hood Nissan Primera P12

Is it possible to install a hood from Primera P11 on P12?

No, the hoods of these generations are not interchangeable. U P11 different shape and fastening of hinges. The exception is some modifications of the hatchback, but even there some modifications will be required.

How often should the hood latch be lubricated?

It is recommended to lubricate the lock every 10,000 km or once a year. Use WD-40 or lithium grease. Do not use graphite lubricants - they attract dirt.

What to do if the gas struts do not hold the hood?

If the stops have lost pressure, they need to be replaced in pairs (even if one is still working). Buy stops with a force of at least 50 N — weak ones will not withstand the weight of the hood.

How to protect the hood from corrosion?

Treat the inside of the hood with anti-corrosion agent (Dinitrol, Tectyl) every 2 years. Also install mud flaps on the front wheels - they will reduce the penetration of dirt onto the metal.

Is it possible to paint the hood without removing it?

Technically possible, but not recommended. Without removal, it is difficult to properly process the inside and hinges, which will lead to the rapid appearance of rust.