Cigarette lighter fuse <em>Nissan Sunny FB15</em>: location, rating and DIY replacement

Nissan Sunny FB15 — a reliable car, but even it periodically has minor faults that can cause discomfort. One of the most common problems is the failure of the cigarette lighter. In 90% of cases, it is not the connector itself that is to blame, but a blown fuse. In this article we will look at where the cigarette lighter fuse is located on Sunny FB15, how to check and replace it, and also consider typical mistakes that car owners make when diagnosing.

If the cigarette lighter stops working, do not rush to disassemble the dashboard or buy a new unit. Check the fuse first - this will take no more than 5 minutes. We will describe the process in detail for Nissan Sunny FB15 2006–2012 model years, but most of the information is also relevant for other modifications of this model. You will also learn why a fuse may blow repeatedly and how to avoid it.

Where is the cigarette lighter fuse on Nissan Sunny FB15

B Sunny FB15 The cigarette lighter fuse is located in fuse box, which is located inside the car. Exact location - under the steering column, to the left of the brake pedal. The unit is closed with a plastic cover with latches. To get to it, you don't need tools - just pull the cover towards you.

Inside the block you will see several rows of fuses and relays. The fuse you are looking for is marked on the block cover as CIGAR or PWR OUTLET (depending on the year of manufacture). This is usually the fuse 15 Amps, but it is better to check the value according to the diagram on the back of the cover. On FB15 it is most often installed in a socket №15 or №20.

• 🔧 Mounting block - under the steering column, to the left of the brake pedal.
• 📌 Designation — CIGAR or PWR OUTLET (15 A).
• 🔢 Socket number - usually №15 or №20 (check the diagram).
• ⚠️ Attention - on some versions FB15 cigarette lighter and 12V socket protected different fuses.

If there is no diagram on the block cover or it has been erased, you can use the color of the fuse as a guide: 15 Amp usually blue. However, it is better to check the rating with a multimeter or visually - sometimes previous owners install fuses of the wrong rating, which leads to repeated combustion.

How to check the cigarette lighter fuse for Nissan Sunny FB15

Checking the fuse is a simple procedure that does not require special skills. You will need either a visual inspection or a multimeter (if the fuse appears intact, but a break remains suspected). Let's consider both methods.

Method 1: Visual inspection

Remove the fuse from its socket using plastic tweezers (usually attached to the block cover). Examine it against the light: if the jumper inside is burnt out or melted, the fuse must be replaced. Also look for corrosion or signs of overheating on the contacts - this may indicate problems in the circuit.

Method 2: Test with a multimeter

If the fuse appears intact, but the cigarette lighter does not work, check it with a multimeter in the calls:

1. Touch the fuse terminals with the probes.
2. If you hear a beep and the screen 0 ohm - the fuse is OK.
3. If resistance ∞ (infinity) - the fuse has blown.

You can also check the voltage at the fuse socket contacts with the ignition on. One of the contacts should have 12 Volt. If there is no voltage, the problem may be in the wiring or the fuse box itself.

What fuse is needed for the cigarette lighter Nissan Sunny FB15

For Sunny FB15 in 99% of cases a fuse is required 15 Amps (blue color). However, there are several nuances:

• 🔹 Original article — 28550-4M000 (fuse kit Nissan).
• 🔹 Analogues - standard fuses will do ATO/ATC 15A from Bosch, Hella or Valeo.
• 🔹 Material - it is better to choose fuses with silver contacts, they oxidize less.
• ⚠️ Attention - never install a fuse higher denomination (for example, 20 A instead of 15 A). This can lead to melted wiring or even a fire!

If you are unsure of the rating, look at the fuse box cover - there should be a diagram showing the amperage for each slot. You can also focus on color:

Fuse color	Rating (Ampere)	Application in Sunny FB15
Blue	15 A	Cigarette lighter, 12V socket
Yellow	20 A	Lighting circuits, heater fan
Red	10 A	Audio system, alarm
Green	30 A	Power windows, central locking

If you purchased a fuse but it is not the correct size, make sure you buy the correct fuse. ATO/ATC-type (standard for most Japanese cars). In rare cases, on FB15 There may be fuses like Mini, but this is rather an exception.

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

Replacing a fuse is one of the simplest operations on a car. All you need is a new fuse and 2-3 minutes of time. Follow the instructions:

1. Turn off the ignition and make sure all electrical appliances are turned off.
2. Remove the cover fuse box (pull it towards you).
3. Find the cigarette lighter fuse (usually №15 or №20, 15 A).
4. Remove the blown fuse tweezers (do not use metal tools to avoid damaging the socket).
5. Install a new fuse the same denomination.
6. Check the operation of the cigarette lighterby turning on the ignition.

Turn off the ignition and all electrical appliances

Check the rating of the new fuse (15 A)

Inspect the nest for oxidation

Make sure that the tweezers are not metal (so as not to short the contacts) -->

If after replacement the fuse burns out again, this indicates short circuit in the chain. In this case, you should not re-install a new fuse - you first need to find and eliminate the cause of the short circuit. Most often the problem lies in:

• 🔌 The cigarette lighter itself (short circuit inside the connector).
• 🔋 Wiring (frayed or melted wires).
• 📻 Connected devices (faulty inverter, compressor, etc.).

Why does the cigarette lighter fuse burn out? Nissan Sunny FB15

If a fuse blows regularly, this is a signal of a fault in the electrical circuit. Let's look at the main reasons:

1. Short circuit in the cigarette lighter

The most common problem is short circuit inside the connector itself. This happens due to:

• 🔥 Metal objects (coins, paper clips) getting into the nest.
• 💧 Corrosion or oxidation of contacts (especially if the cigarette lighter is often used in a humid environment).
• 🔌 Wear of the spring contact, which begins to “dangle” and short-circuit.

2. Circuit overload

The 15 A fuse is rated for loads up to 180 Watt. If you connect devices with higher power (for example, a car vacuum cleaner or a powerful inverter), the fuse will blow. Overload can also be caused by:

• 🔌 Splitters with several consumers.
• 📱 Fast chargers for smartphones (especially cheap Chinese models).
• 🚗 Car refrigerators or compressors with a starting current higher than 15 A.

3. Wiring problems

If the wiring is frayed or melted (for example, due to friction against metal parts of the body), this may cause a short circuit. Particularly vulnerable places:

• 🔌 Under the dashboard (where the wires go to the cigarette lighter).
• 🚪 In doorways (if the wiring goes through the rack).
• 🔥 Next to the stove (overheating may damage the insulation).

To diagnose the problem, you can temporarily unplug the cigarette lighter and check to see if the fuse blows without a load. If yes, the problem is in the wiring. If not, the cigarette lighter itself or the connected devices are to blame.

How to check a cigarette lighter without a fuse?

If you have a spare fuse, you can temporarily connect the cigarette lighter directly to the battery via alligator wires. If it works, the problem is in the circuit. If not, the cigarette lighter is faulty. Be careful: do not short-circuit!

What to do if replacing the fuse does not help

If the cigarette lighter still does not work after replacing the fuse, the reasons may be:

1. The cigarette lighter itself is faulty

Over time, the cigarette lighter contacts oxidize or burn out. To check this:

1. Remove the trim around the cigarette lighter (usually it is secured with snaps).
2. Disconnect the connector and check the voltage on the wires with the ignition on (should be 12 V).
3. If there is voltage, but the cigarette lighter does not heat, replace it.

2. Break or short circuit in the wiring

If there is no voltage on the cigarette lighter wires, check:

• 🔌 Wire integrity from the fuse box to the cigarette lighter.
• 🔧 Quality of contacts in connectors (often oxidize or come off).
• 🔍 Presence of reflows on the wires (indicates a short circuit).

To check the wiring, you can use a multimeter in calls. If a break is found, the damaged area must be replaced or insulated.

3. Problems with the relay or fuse box

In rare cases, it is not the fuse that is to blame, but relay, responsible for the cigarette lighter circuit. On Sunny FB15 it is usually located in the same block as the fuses. Test its functionality by swapping it with a known good relay (for example, a fan relay).

If this does not help, the problem may be in the fuse box itself (for example, the tracks are burnt). In this case, it will need to be replaced or repaired.

Typical mistakes when replacing the cigarette lighter fuse

Many car owners make mistakes that lead to repeated breakdowns or even serious electrical problems. Let's look at the most common ones:

• ❌ Installing a larger fuse (for example, 20 A instead of 15 A). This may cause the wiring to melt.
• ❌ Using "bugs" (wire instead of fuse). Fire hazard!
• ❌ Replacing the fuse without turning off the ignition. This may cause a short circuit.
• ❌ Ignoring the cigarette lighter check after replacement. If the problem is in the connector itself, the new fuse will blow again.
• ❌ Buying cheap fuses with bad contacts. They can heat up and melt.

⚠️ Attention: If the cigarette lighter sparks or gets hot after replacing the fuse, turn it off immediately! This is a sign of a short circuit that may cause a fire.

Also, do not forget that on some versions Sunny FB15 cigarette lighter and 12V socket (if present) are protected different fuses. If you replace the cigarette lighter fuse and it still doesn't work, check to see if you have the circuits mixed up.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the cigarette lighter fuse Nissan Sunny FB15

Can I use a 20A fuse instead of a 15A fuse?

No, it's dangerous! A 15 A fuse is installed to protect wiring that is not designed to carry a large load. Installing a 20 A fuse may result in melted wires or even a fire.

Why does the fuse burn out immediately after replacement?

This indicates a short circuit in the circuit. Most often the problem is in the cigarette lighter itself (short circuit contacts) or in the wiring. Do not install a new fuse until you find and eliminate the cause!

Where to buy a fuse for the cigarette lighter Sunny FB15?

Standard fuses ATO/ATC 15A sold in any auto store (for example, Bosch, Hella). They can also be found in online stores by article number 28550-4M000 (original Nissan).

Is it possible to drive without a cigarette lighter fuse?

Technically it is possible, but the cigarette lighter will not work. However, it is not recommended to drive with an empty fuse socket - dust or moisture may get in there, which will lead to corrosion of the contacts.

How to check if the cigarette lighter is working without a multimeter?

You can connect a known working device (for example, a phone charger with an indicator). If it doesn't work, the problem is either the cigarette lighter or the fuse. You can also visually inspect the cigarette lighter for melting or oxidation.