Headlight washer relay for Nissan Qashqai J10: location, faults and replacement

Nissan Qashqai J10 The first generation (2007–2013) was equipped with a headlight washer system, which may fail over time. One of the common reasons for injectors not working is headlight washer relay - a small but critical element of the electrical circuit. Its failure leads to the fact that the liquid is not supplied to the headlight glasses, even if the pump is working properly and the reservoir is full.

Unlike windshield wiper or turn signal relays, headlight washer relay The Nissan Qashqai J10 is often left unattended until it breaks down. Meanwhile, replacing it takes no more than 10 minutes, and the cost of a new relay rarely exceeds 500–800 rubles. In this article, we will look at where the relay is located, how to check it, which part numbers are suitable for replacement, and why sometimes the problem lies not in it, but in the wiring or fuse.

Where is the headlight washer relay located on the Nissan Qashqai J10

On Qashqai J10 The headlight washer relay is located in fuse and relay mounting block, which is located inside the car - under the instrument panel, to the left of the steering column. To access it, you must:

1. Open the driver's door and move the seat as far back as possible.
2. Remove the plastic cover of the mounting block by pulling it towards you (it is secured with latches).
3. Find a relay with markings R17 or K30 (depending on the year of manufacture).

In some trim levels Qashqai J10 the relay can be labeled as Headlamp Washer Relay or have a designation 54 on the block body. To avoid confusion, focus on location: The headlight washer relay is usually located in the third row from the top, closer to the center of the unit.

What does the headlight washer relay look like?

The relay is a standard rectangular module measuring 20x30 mm with 5 contacts (microrelay type). On the original relay Nissan marked 28500-JM00A or 28500-JM01A, as well as the manufacturer's logo (for example, Tyco or Panasonic). Counterfeits often have blurry lettering or no logo.

Symptoms of a bad headlight washer relay

The following symptoms indicate that the relay has failed:

• 🚨 The headlight washers do not work when the lever is pressed (the windshield washers function normally).
• 🔊 You can hear the relay click, but the liquid is not supplied (perhaps the problem is in the pump or pipes).
• ⚡ The relay clicks repeatedly in a row, but the washers are not activated.
• 💡 The washer system malfunction indicator lights up on the dashboard (on some versions Qashqai J10).

Important! Before replacing the relay, check:

1. Fluid level in the washer reservoir.
2. Integrity of tubes and nozzles (they can become clogged or freeze in winter).
3. fuse F30 (10A) in the mounting block - it is responsible for the headlight washer circuit.

Articles and analogs of headlight washer relay for Nissan Qashqai J10

Original relay from Nissan has an article number 28500-JM00A (or 28500-JM01A for restyled versions). However, it can be replaced with analogues from other manufacturers that meet the parameters. Below is a table of compatible relays:

Manufacturer	Article	Price, rub.	Notes
Nissan (original)	28500-JM00A	600–900	Best choice, but often counterfeited
Tyco	V23134-A1014-A100	350–500	High-quality analogue, installed on the conveyor
Panasonic	AGQ20004	400–600	Reliable, but less common on sale
Bosch	0 332 019 150	450–700	Universal relay, suitable for current and voltage
ERA	550358	250–400	Budget option, but the resource is lower than the original

Important! When purchasing a relay, pay attention to rated current - it must be no less 20A. Relays with lower current (for example, 10A) will quickly burn out due to the load from the washer pump.

How to test the headlight washer relay with a multimeter

Checking the relay takes 5 minutes and does not require special skills. You will need multimeter (or test lamp) and wires for supplying voltage. Follow the instructions:

Connect the multimeter probes to pins 85 and 86 (resistance should be 50–120 Ohms)

Apply 12V to pins 85 (+) and 86 (–)

Check the closure of contacts 30 and 87 (resistance should drop to 0 Ohm)

Make sure that the contacts open when the power is turned off -->

If the relay does not click when voltage is applied or contacts 30/87 do not close, it must be replaced. Also note contact oxidation - sometimes it is enough to clean them with alcohol or fine sandpaper for the relay to work.

For clarity, here is the contact diagram of a standard 5-pin relay:

85 86
+-----+
87 |     | 30
+-----+
87a

On Qashqai J10 contact 87a may be missing (depending on the relay version).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the headlight washer relay

Replacing the relay does not require tools - just a flat screwdriver (to remove the unit cover) and a new relay. Algorithm of actions:

1. Turn off the ignition and remove the negative terminal from the battery (for safety).
2. Remove the cover of the fuse mounting block (see the section on relay location).
3. Find the relay R17 (or K30) and carefully remove it by pulling it up.
4. Install the new relay, making sure the contacts match.
5. Turn on the ignition and check the operation of the headlight washers.

Warning! Do not touch the relay contacts with bare hands - oils from the skin may impair contact. If the relay has previously burned out, clean the sockets in the fuse box with alcohol.

Typical mistakes during diagnostics and repair

Many owners Qashqai J10 make the same mistakes when trying to fix headlight washers. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Ignoring the fuse. Always check the fuse before replacing a relay F30 (10A) - it often burns out when there is a short circuit in the circuit.
• 🌡️ Diagnostics in winter. In cold weather, the liquid in the tank may freeze, blocking the pump. Before checking the relay, warm up the car or add anti-freeze to the tank.
• 🔌 Relay confusion. On Qashqai J10 The windshield wiper relays are located nearby (R16) and windshield washer (R18) - they are easy to confuse.
• 💧 They forget about the injectors. If the relay and pump are working properly, but no liquid flows, check the nozzles for blockages (they can be blown out with compressed air).

Critical error: some owners install a relay instead of a standard one windshield wiper relay (For example, 28500-3M200). This overloads the circuit as the headlight washer relay is designed to carry less current!

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to drive without working headlight washers?

Technically yes, but it's not safe. Dirty headlight glasses reduce road illumination by 30–50%, which increases the risk of accidents at night. In addition, in some countries (eg Germany) faulty headlight washers are a reason for a fine.

Why do headlight washers only work when the low beams are on?

This is normal system operation Qashqai J10. The headlight washers are activated only when the headlights are on (low or high), to avoid accidental activation. If they do not work even with the headlights on, check the relay and fuse.

What kind of fluid should I put in the headlight washer reservoir?

Recommended to use special liquid for headlight washers (For example, Liqui Moly Scheinwerfer-Reiniger), since it does not leave streaks on the glass. As a last resort, you can use regular anti-freeze, but avoid products with a high alcohol content - they can damage the plastic parts of the injectors.

How much does it cost to replace the headlight washer relay at a service center?

At the official dealer Nissan Replacing the relay will cost 800–1,500 rubles (including the cost of the part). In unofficial services the price is lower - 300–600 rubles. However, the procedure is so simple that it is easy to do it yourself.

Is it possible to turn off the headlight washers if they are not needed?

Yes, but this will require either removing the relay (R17), or disconnect the washer pump connector. However, please note that during maintenance, the lack of working headlight washers may cause comments (depending on the region).