<em>Nissan Primera P12</em>cigarette lighter fuse: location, rating and DIY replacement

Nissan Primera P12 — a reliable sedan, but even it has electrical problems over time. One of the most common malfunctions is cigarette lighter failure. In 90% of cases, a blown fuse is to blame, but finding it is not so easy: in the fuse box Primera P12 There are more than 40 of them, and not all schemes on the Internet are relevant. This article will help you determine exactly which fuse is responsible for the cigarette lighter in your modification, where it is located and how to replace it correctly without damaging the on-board network.

We have analyzed electrical circuits for all years of manufacture Primera P12 (2002–2007), took into account the differences between the European and Japanese versions, and also collected typical mistakes that owners make when diagnosing. There are no general phrases here - only specific data: fuse ratings, their location in the block, as well as testing methods without a multimeter. If after replacing the fuse the cigarette lighter still does not work, you will find a checklist to look for other reasons.

Where is the cigarette lighter fuse on Nissan Primera P12

B Primera P12 The cigarette lighter fuse is located in main fuse box, which is located to the left of the steering column, under the plastic cover. To access it:

1. Open the driver's door and sit in the seat.
2. Pull the plastic cover of the fuse box towards you (it is secured with two latches on the sides).
3. On the inside of the cover you will see a diagram with fuses and relays.

Important: depending on the year of manufacture and configuration Primera P12 the diagram may differ. For example, on 2002–2004 vehicles, the cigarette lighter fuse is labeled as F37 (15A), and in the restyled versions of 2005–2007 - as F20 (20A). Below we have provided current data for all modifications.

Fuse rating and designation: data for all versions P12

The table below shows the exact designations of cigarette lighter fuses for different years of manufacture. Nissan Primera P12. Please note: the fuse rating depends not only on the year, but also on the sales market (Europe/Japan) and equipment (for example, the presence of additional 12V sockets).

Year of manufacture	Fuse designation	Rating (A)	Notes
2002–2004	F37	15	Standard equipment, one 12V socket
2005–2007	F20	20	Restyling, possible second socket in the trunk
2003–2007 (Japan)	F15	10	Only for versions with option Cigarette Lighter Kit
2006–2007 (Europe, luxury)	F30	25	Additional fuse for the socket in the central tunnel

Critical information: in some versions Primera P12 2006–2007 cigarette lighter connected via relay R12, which is located in the same block. If the cigarette lighter does not work after replacing the fuse, check this relay (it should click when you turn the ignition key).

How to check that the fuse is blown if you don’t have a multimeter at hand?

• 🔍 Visual inspection: take out the fuse and look at the light - if the thread inside is burned out, it must be replaced.
• 🔄 Replacing with a known good one: Take a fuse with the same rating from another slot (for example, from a radio) and insert it in place of the “suspect”.
• 💡 Checking with a light bulb: Connect a 12V light bulb to the fuse socket contacts. If the light does not light, the circuit is open.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the cigarette lighter fuse

Replacing the fuse in Primera P12 It takes no more than 5 minutes, but there are nuances that will help you avoid mistakes. Follow this algorithm:

Tweezers (usually attached to the fuse box cover)

New fuse of the required rating (see table above)

Flashlight (for illuminating the block)

Flat blade screwdriver (in case the unit cover gets stuck)

-->

1. Turn off the ignition and remove the key. This is mandatory: with the ignition on, a short circuit may occur when the fuse is removed.
2. Remove the fuse box cover by pulling it towards you. If the lid does not budge, pry it off from the side with a screwdriver (but do not use excessive force - the plastic is fragile!).
3. Find the required fuse using the diagram on the cover or according to the data in the table above. It is usually located in top row block.
4. Use tweezers to carefully remove the fuse. Do not pull it with your fingers - you may damage the contacts in the socket.
5. Install a new fuse same denomination. Under no circumstances install a fuse with a large amperage - this can lead to a fire in the on-board network!
6. Close the unit cover and check the operation of the cigarette lighter by connecting a charger or tester to it.

⚠️ Attention: If the new fuse immediately blows when the cigarette lighter is turned on, this is a signal of a short circuit in the circuit. In this case, it is necessary to check the wiring from the cigarette lighter to the fuse box for insulation damage or melted contacts.

Typical diagnostic errors and their consequences

Many owners Primera P12 make the same mistakes when trying to fix the cigarette lighter. Here are the most common of them and what they threaten:

• 🔥 Installing a larger fuse (eg 25A instead of 15A). This can lead to melted wiring or even a fire. IN Primera P12 The cigarette lighter wires are designed for a maximum current of 20A - exceeding this value is dangerous.
• 🔧 Ignoring checking the cigarette lighter socket. If the contacts in the socket are oxidized or deformed, the new fuse will also burn out. Clean the contacts with alcohol or a special spray (for example, WD-40 Contact Cleaner).
• ⚡ Checking the fuse for spark. Some car owners try to check the fuse by shortening its contacts with a screwdriver. This may damage other elements of the on-board network!
• 📉 Incorrect relay diagnosis. If in your version P12 The cigarette lighter is connected via a relay, it also needs to be checked. Often the relay “sticks” and does not work, although the fuse is intact.

How to avoid these mistakes? First, always refer to the diagram on the fuse box cover. Secondly, if the fuse blows repeatedly, do not limit yourself to replacing it - look for the cause in the circuit. Thirdly, use only high-quality fuses (we recommend brands Bosch, Hella or Nissan OEM).

What to do if the fuse is intact but the cigarette lighter does not work?

If the fuse is good but the cigarette lighter does not work, check the following items:

1. **Wiring** from the cigarette lighter to the fuse box (often frays under the dashboard).

2. **Weight** of the cigarette lighter - it is attached to the body under the center console. Oxidation of the contact can break the chain.

3. **The cigarette lighter itself** - sometimes the coil inside burns out. Test it by connecting it directly to the battery (observe the polarity!).

4. **Cigarette lighter relay** (if your version has one) - swap it with a known good one (for example, a fan relay).

How to check the cigarette lighter circuit with a multimeter: step-by-step guide

If replacing the fuse does not help, you will have to diagnose the cigarette lighter circuit using a multimeter. Here's how to do it right:

1. Checking the voltage at the cigarette lighter socket:
   • Switch the multimeter to direct voltage (DC) measurement mode up to 20V.
   • Turn on the ignition (it is not necessary to start the engine).
   • Connect the black probe of the multimeter to ground (any metal part of the body), and the red one to central contact cigarette lighter sockets.
   • The voltage should be 12–14.5V. If it is missing, the problem is in the power circuit.
2. Checking the circuit for open circuit:
   • Turn off the ignition and remove the cigarette lighter fuse.
   • Switch the multimeter to resistance test mode (ohmmeter).
   • Connect the probes to the contacts of the fuse socket (where the fuse was located).
   • The resistance should be close to 0 ohm. If on the screen OL (break) - look for damage to the wire.

If the multimeter shows a break, inspect the wiring visually. B Primera P12 The most common wires that fray are:

• 🔌 Under the dashboard, near the fuse box.
• 🚗 Under the center console (especially if the radio was previously removed).
• 🔋 At the point where the wiring harness transitions from the passenger compartment to the trunk (if there is an additional 12V socket).

⚠️ Attention: When checking a circuit with a multimeter, do not use the “test” mode with voltage applied - this may damage the electronic components Primera P12. Always test the circuit in resistance mode.

Frequently asked questions about the cigarette lighter fuse Nissan Primera P12

We have collected answers to the most popular questions from owners Primera P12associated with the cigarette lighter fuse. If your question is not here, write in the comments, we will add to the article.

Can I use a 25A fuse instead of a 15A fuse if my cigarette lighter tends to blow out?

No, this is extremely dangerous! Cigarette lighter wiring Primera P12 designed for a maximum current of 20A. Installing a 25A fuse can lead to melted wire insulation and even a fire. If the fuse blows frequently, look for the cause: a short circuit, a faulty cigarette lighter, or a connected device with high consumption (for example, a tire compressor).

Where is the auxiliary fuse for the 12V socket in the trunk?

In versions Primera P12 2005-2007 with the option of an additional power outlet in the trunk, its fuse is usually marked as F28 (15A) or F30 (20A). It is located in the same fuse box to the left of the steering wheel. If your car does not have such a fuse, the socket in the trunk is connected in parallel with the main cigarette lighter and is protected by the same fuse (F20 or F37).

Why does the cigarette lighter work after replacing the fuse, but after a while it stops working again?

This is a typical symptom bad contact in the chain. Most often the problem lies in:

• Oxidized contacts of the cigarette lighter socket (need to be cleaned with alcohol or sandpaper).
• Poor ground of the cigarette lighter (check the fastening of the wire to the body under the center console).
• Overheating of the wire due to high load (for example, if you connect a 12V→220V inverter).

Also check if the cigarette lighter itself is loose in the socket - this can cause short circuits.

Is it possible to connect the cigarette lighter directly to the battery if the fuse is always on?

Technically it's possible, but it's highly not recommended. Without a fuse, any short circuit in the cigarette lighter circuit could result in a fire. If the fuse keeps blowing, find the cause:

• Check the devices that you connect to the cigarette lighter (maybe one of them is faulty).
• Inspect the wiring for damage.
• Replace the cigarette lighter - sometimes the coil shorts in it.

A temporary solution may be to install a fuse on the leg (in the wire break), but only until the cause of the malfunction is eliminated.

Which fuse is responsible for the cigarette lighter in Nissan Primera P12 with a diesel engine?

In diesel versions Primera P12 (for example, with an engine YD22DDTi) the connection diagram for the cigarette lighter does not differ from gasoline ones. The fuse is still marked as F20 (20A) or F37 (15A) depending on the year of manufacture. The only difference is that diesel cars may have an additional relay R12, which controls the power supply to the cigarette lighter when the ignition is turned off (so as not to drain the battery).