Nissan Note — a compact and reliable car, but even it has problems with electrical problems over time. One of the most common problems is low beam failure, which is often associated with a faulty relay. If the headlights stop turning on, flicker or work every once in a while, this small but important element may be the culprit.

In this article we will look at where the low beam relay is located on Nissan Note (including models E11 And E12), how to check it with a multimeter, what symptoms indicate a breakdown, and how to replace the part yourself - without contacting service. We will also consider typical diagnostic errors and give recommendations on choosing a high-quality relay.

Where is the low beam relay located on Nissan Note?

Depending on the year of manufacture and modification Nissan Note, the low beam relay can be located in different blocks. In most cases it can be found in fuse and relay mounting block, which is located:

  • 🔧 Under the hood — in the engine compartment, next to the battery (typical for models E11 2006–2012). The block is closed with a plastic cover with the inscription FUSE & RELAY BOX.
  • 🚗 Inside — to the left of the steering column, under the instrument panel (relevant for E12 2013–2020). To gain access, you need to remove the decorative cover.
  • 🔦 In the additional block — on some versions the relay is installed in a separate module behind the glove compartment (rare, but found on export versions).

To accurately determine the location, pay attention to fuse box diagram, which is usually printed on the back of the lid. Low beam relay on Nissan Note most often denoted as:

  • HEADLAMP LO (or HEAD LOW)
  • LIGHT RELAY
  • R3 or R4 (depending on the block revision)

If there is no diagram, you can use the color of the wires as a guide: the low beam relay is usually connected to yellow-black And blue-red wires (but this is not a universal rule - it’s better to check the manual!).

📊 Where is your low beam relay located?
  • Under the hood
  • Inside
  • I don't know, I haven't looked yet
  • I have another problem

Signs of a faulty low beam relay

A relay is an electromechanical device that wears out over time. Its malfunction is not as obvious as, for example, a light bulb burning out. Here are the key symptoms that should alert you:

  • 💡 Headlights don't turn on at all - neither low beam nor high beam (if the problem is only with the low beam, but the high beam works, the culprit may be a relay or a blown fuse).
  • 🔄 Light flickers or turns off spontaneously - this is a sign of “burning” of the contacts inside the relay.
  • 🔊 Clicks from under the panel — if you hear frequent clicks when you turn on the headlights, the relay “rattles” and cannot maintain contact.
  • 🚗 The headlights only work after pressing the switch several times - a typical symptom of a worn relay.
  • 🔋 There is voltage on the lamps, but they do not light up — check the relay with a multimeter (more on this below).

Important: similar symptoms can be caused by other malfunctions - blown fuse (usually F10 or F15 at 10–15 A), oxidized contacts in a block or light switch problems. Therefore, diagnostics must be carried out comprehensively.

⚠️ Attention: If the headlights still do not work after replacing the relay, check mass on the body (often oxidizes at the attachment point under the battery) and the integrity of the wiring to the lamps. On Nissan Note The wires in the corrugation near the steering knuckle often fray.

How to test the low beam relay with a multimeter

Before replacing the relay, be sure to make sure that this is the problem. For this you will need multimeter (or at least a control lamp) and a screwdriver. Follow the step by step instructions:

  1. Remove the relay from the block (carefully pry it off with a screwdriver or your fingers).
  2. Inspect the contacts - if they are blackened or melted, the relay is definitely faulty.
  3. Check winding resistance:
    • Set the multimeter to mode 200 Ohm.
    • Connect the probes to the terminals 85 And 86 (usually these are control contacts).
    • Resistance must be within 50–120 Ohm. If the device shows 1 (break) or 0 (short circuit), the relay is faulty.
  4. Check the functionality of the contacts:
    • Connect the probes to the terminals 30 And 87 (power contact).
    • In mode 200 Ohm there must be resistance endless (open).
    • Apply voltage 12 V to conclusions 85 And 86 (can be from a battery through a light bulb).
    • When voltage is applied, the resistance between 30 And 87 should fall to 0 ohm (the contacts will close). If this does not happen, the relay is faulty.

If you don’t have a multimeter, you can test the relay “by ear” - when 12 V is applied it should be clearly audible click triggering. You can also temporarily install a known working relay (for example, from the high beams or fan) and check whether the headlights work.

☑️ Checking the low beam relay

Done: 0 / 5

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the relay

If the diagnostics confirm that the relay is faulty, it must be replaced. The procedure is simple and takes no more than 10 minutes. You will need:

  • 🔧 New relay (see table below for suitable part numbers).
  • 🔨 Flat screwdriver (for removing the block cover).
  • 🧤 Gloves (optional to avoid leaving fingerprints on the contacts).

Sequence of actions:

  1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal (required! This will prevent short circuit).
  2. Remove the fuse box cover:
    • If the unit is under the hood, press the latches on the sides.
    • If the unit is in the cabin, pry off the cover with a screwdriver (it is held on by clips).
  • Find the low beam relay (see section "Where is it located").
  • Remove the faulty relay - Pull it up, shaking it slightly. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the latches!
  • Install a new relay - it should stand up with a slight click.
  • Check the headlights — turn on the low beam. If everything works, reassemble everything in reverse order.

    • If the headlights still do not light up after replacing the relay, check:

    • 🔌 fuse (it can burn out during a short circuit).
    • 💡 Light bulbs (even if they are apparently intact, the filament could burn out).
    • 🔧 Contacts in the block - sometimes they oxidize and require cleaning.
    ⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Note with xenon headlights (optional for top trim levels) the low beam relay works differently - it controls ignition unit. In this case, if the relay malfunctions, the lamps may light up with a delay or flicker. It is better to entrust the replacement of the xenon relay to a specialist, since diagnostics of the high-voltage part is required.

    Which relay to buy: original vs analogues

    For Nissan Note Several types of relays are suitable. The main thing is to choose a part with the right parameters:

    • Contact type — 4-pin (standard ISO 280).
    • Rated current - no less 30 A (preferably 40 A for reliability).
    • Operating voltage — 12 V.

    The table below contains verified relay articles for Nissan Note:

    Type Article Manufacturer Notes Price, rub.
    Original 28470-4M000 Nissan Suitable for all modifications Note. Complete with fuses. 800–1200
    Analogue RBU-40 Bosch High-quality replacement, current 40 A. Often installed from the factory. 300–500
    Analogue 90029-80001 Panasonic A budget option, but less durable. 150–250
    Universal 12V 30/40A Hella, Febi Suitable if you can't find the original. Choose one with metal contacts. 200–400

    Selection tips:

    • 🛒 Original - more reliable, but more expensive. If your budget allows, take it Nissan or Bosch.
    • 💰 Budget analogues - suitable for temporary replacement, but may last less (especially Panasonic).
    • ⚠️ Avoid "no-name" - cheap relays without a brand often have poor contacts and quickly burn out.
    • 🔍 Check the packaging — the original must have a hologram or sticker with the article number.
    💡

    Before buying a relay, remove the old one and compare it with the new one - sometimes even original parts from different batches may differ slightly in the size of the contacts.

    Typical mistakes when diagnosing and replacing

    Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to unnecessary expenses or repeated breakdowns. That's what can't do when working with the low beam relay on Nissan Note:

    • ❌ Ignore fuse - if the relay burns out, check the fuse (usually F10 at 10 A). Replacing it without finding the cause of the short circuit will lead to re-combustion.
    • ❌ Install the relay "by eye" - even if it looks similar, the parameters may not match. For example, a relay from Nissan Almera not always suitable for Note.
    • ❌ Check relay without load — some relays operate when tested with a multimeter, but “sag” under real load (for example, when two headlights are turned on).
    • ❌ Forget about the mass - on Nissan Note The “mass” of the headlights under the battery often oxidizes. If it is not cleaned, the new relay will quickly fail.
    • ❌ Use relays from other circuits - for example, fan or starter relays are designed for a different current and may not work correctly.

    Critical: If after replacing the relay it burns out again within a short time, the problem lies in the wiring or an overload in the circuit. In this case, you need to check the entire headlight power circuit, including the switch, lamps and wiring harnesses.

    Another common mistake is mix up the low beam and high beam relays. On some modifications Note they are located next to each other and are identical in appearance, but have different markings. Always check the diagram!

    Prevention: how to extend the life of the low beam relay

    A relay is a consumable item, but its service life depends on operating conditions. To avoid frequent replacements, follow these guidelines:

    • 🔌 Check your contacts - once a year, remove the relay and clean its legs, as well as the sockets in the fuse box (use contact lubricant, for example, Liqui Moly Kontakt-Spray).
    • 💡 Keep an eye on the light bulbs — burnt out or “burnt out” lamps increase the load on the relay. Change them in pairs.
    • 🚗 Avoid moisture — if the fuse box is under the hood, make sure that the cover seal is intact. Water causes contact corrosion.
    • ⚡ Do not load the chain - do not install high-power lamps (for example, H7 100W instead of 55W). This leads to overheating of the relay.
    • 🔋 Monitor your battery — low voltage in the on-board network (less than 11.5 V) can cause false relay activations.

    If you often drive off-road or in rainy weather, it makes sense to treat the fuse box sealant (For example, Permatex) or move it to the salon (on some modifications Note this is by design).

    💡

    The low beam relay on a Nissan Note most often fails due to oxidized contacts or circuit overload. Regular prevention prolongs its life by 2-3 times.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the low beam relay on Nissan Note

    Is it possible to drive without a low beam relay if you connect the headlights directly?

    Technically yes, but this highly not recommended. The relay protects the circuit from overload, and without it the following can burn out:

    • fuse;
    • light switch;
    • even an on-board computer (on models with a CAN bus).

    Additionally, directly connected lights will draw more current, which can drain the battery.

    Why do the headlights turn dim after replacing the relay?

    This is not related to the relay. Probable reasons:

    • oxidized contacts in the lamp socket;
    • exhausted lamp life (over time the filament becomes thinner);
    • problems with the generator (low voltage in the network).

    Check the voltage at the battery terminals with the engine running - it should be 13.8–14.4 V.

    Which relay is responsible for the low beam on the Nissan Note E12 (2013–2020)?

    On models E12 The low beam relay is usually located in salon, in the fuse box to the left of the steering wheel. It is denoted as R3 or HEAD LO and has a standard 4-pin connector. Original article number - 28470-4M000.

    If your unit does not have this designation, check the diagram on the cover or in Nissan electronic catalog.

    Is it possible to use a relay from another car, for example, from a VAZ?

    It's possible, but only if they match:

    • rated current (not less than 30 A);
    • contact type (ISO 280);
    • response voltage (12 V).

    However, the original relay Nissan or a high-quality analogue (Bosch RBU-40) are more reliable, since they are designed for a specific load.

    What to do if the new relay immediately burns out?

    This is a sign short circuit in the chain. Required:

    1. Check the wiring from the fuse box to the headlights (especially in kinks).
    2. Measure the resistance of the lamps - if it is close to zero, the lamp is “broken”.
    3. Test the circuit for a short to ground.

    If you are not confident in your abilities, contact an auto electrician - a short circuit can lead to a fire in the wiring!