Replacing light bulbs in a Nissan Note: instructions for all types of lighting

Replacing light bulbs in Nissan Note - a task that every owner of this compact hatchback faces sooner or later. Despite the reputation of a reliable and unpretentious car, lighting elements fail due to vibrations, voltage surges or natural wear and tear. A car service center will charge from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles for such work, but if you have a minimum set of tools and 30-40 minutes of free time, you can do everything yourself - without the risk of damaging wiring or plastic elements.

In this article we will look at all types of lamps, used in Nissan Note first (E11, 2004–2013) and second (E12, 2012–2020) generations: from low/high beam to license plate lights. You will find out what lamp articles suitable for your modification, how to avoid typical error with fuse F34 blown when replacing dimensions, and why in some trim levels Note To access the rear lights you have to remove the trunk trim. Material added photo instructions, connection diagrams and answers to frequently asked questions - from choosing LEDs to diagnosing errors on the dashboard.

What kind of light bulbs are there in Nissan Note: types and part numbers

Depending on the year of manufacture and configuration Nissan Note can be equipped with different types of lamps. For example, in basic versions E11 (2004–2009) often installed halogen lamps H4 for low/high beam, whereas in restyled E12 (2013+) separate ones have already been used H7 (near) and H1 (distant). To avoid making the wrong choice, check the markings on the old lamp or check the table below.

Please note: in Nissan Note with xenon headlights (optional for top-end configurations) replacing lamps requires special equipment and adjustment of the light beam. If your car is equipped D2S or D2R, it is better to contact the service - independent replacement can lead to blinding oncoming drivers or error B2600 (lighting system malfunction) on the dashboard.

Lamp type	Article number (OEM)	Modification	Notes
Low/high beam (halogen)	H4 (E11) / H7 (near) + H1 (far, E12)	All configurations	Power 55/60 W. For E12, check for headlight range control
Side lights	W5W (before) / T4W (back)	E11, E12	In E12, the rear lights can be LED (article number 28550-JM00A)
Front turn signals	PY21W (orange base)	E11, E12	In E12 since 2016 - baseless WY5W (requires adapter)
Rear brake lights/dimensions	P21/5W (two-pin)	E11, E12	In E12 with LED optics article number 26150-4M01A
License plate light	C5W (or W5W in E12)	E11, E12	E12 may require bumper removal to replace

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing lamps for Nissan Note E12 with LED optics (configurations Tekna or N-Connecta) make sure that the new elements are compatible with the control unit BCM. The use of non-certified LEDs may cause flicker or error U1000 (loss of connection with the module).

Tools and preparation: what you need for replacement

To replace light bulbs in Nissan Note You don’t need a professional tool—a basic set is enough. Main rule: Do not touch the glass bulb of halogen lamps with bare hands.. Greasy fingerprints lead to local overheating and reduce the lamp life by 30–40%. Use gloves or a cloth moistened with alcohol.

List of what you need:

• 🔧 Screwdriver with Phillips bit (for removing headlight covers and trunk trim).
• 🔨 Flathead screwdriver or plastic pick (for prying off the clips).
• 🧤 Nitrile gloves (protection from dirt and grease on lamps).
• 💡 New lamps (check the article numbers in the table above).
• 📦 Box or container (for temporary storage of fasteners).

If you are planning to replace rear lamps in Nissan Note E12, additionally prepare:

• 🔩 10 mm socket wrench (to remove the trunk trim fasteners).
• 🧲 Magnetic holder (so as not to lose small bolts in the trunk).

Before starting work:

1. Turn off the ignition and remove the key from the lock.
2. Open the hood and disconnect the terminal "minus" from the battery (this will prevent a short circuit).
3. If you are replacing bulbs in the taillights, empty the trunk of any cargo.

Replacing low and high beam lamps: step-by-step instructions

B Nissan Note E11 (2004–2013) low and high beam combined in one lamp H4, whereas in E12 (2012–2020) they are divided: H7 for your neighbor and H1 for the distant one. The replacement process in both cases begins with removing the headlight protective cover, but there are nuances.

For Nissan Note E11 (H4)

1. Open the hood and locate the back of the headlight. Remove rubber boot (it is secured with latches).

2. Disconnect the power connector by pressing the latch and pulling down.

3. Click on spring retainer lamp (metal bracket) and move it to the side.

4. Remove the old lamp H4, pulling it towards you. Install the new one without touching the bulb.

For Nissan Note E12 (H7/H1)

1. Remove the headlight cover (it can be plastic or rubber, depending on the configuration).

2. For low beam (H7):

- Disconnect the connector.

- Turn the lamp counterclockwise and remove it.

- Install the new one by turning it clockwise.

3. For high beam (H1):

- The process is similar, but the lamp is located closer to the center of the headlight.

- In some modifications E12 access to H1 blocks the fuse box - it needs to be temporarily moved.

⚠️ Attention: After replacing the lamps in Nissan Note E12 with the system automatic headlight leveling (AFS) may be required calibration. If the icon on the dashboard lights up «!» in the yellow triangle, perform a reset via the menu Settings → Lighting → Headlight calibration or contact service.

Replacing side lamps and direction indicators

Side lights and turn signals in Nissan Note They are easier to change than headlight bulbs, but there are pitfalls here. For example, in E12 to access the rear dimensions, sometimes you have to remove part of the trunk trim, and in E11 front turn signals may “stick” to the socket due to oxidation of the contacts.

Front dimensions (W5W)

1. Open the hood and locate the side lamp socket (located next to the headlight).

2. Turn the cartridge counterclockwise and remove it.

3. Remove the lamp W5W, pulling it towards you. Install a new one.

Tail lights/brake lights (P21/5W)

1. Open the trunk and remove the plastic cover on the inside of the lamp (it is secured with clips).

2. Rotate the chuck P21/5W counterclockwise and take it out.

3. Replace the lamp, making sure that the contacts are not oxidized (clean them if necessary WD-40).

⚠️ Attention: B Nissan Note E12 with LED tail lights (optional for European markets) lamps P21/5W may be missing - an LED module is used instead. Trying to replace it with a regular lamp will result in an error B2555 (brake light circuit malfunction).

Direction indicators (PY21W or WY5W)

1. For front turn signals:

- B E11: Remove the cartridge by turning it counterclockwise.

- B E12: It may be necessary to remove the bumper (if the lamp WY5W).

2. For rear turn signals:

- Access through the trunk (same as dimensions).

- In some configurations the lamp is combined with a brake light (item no. PY21W/5W).

What should I do if the turn signal flashes too quickly?

This indicates a burnt out lamp or a fault in the circuit. After replacement, check the blinking frequency - if the problem persists, clean the socket contacts or replace the turn signal relay (located in the fuse box under the steering wheel, article number 25230-3M000).

Replacing lamps in rear lights: features of E11 and E12

Tail lights in Nissan Note - one of the most problematic areas when replacing lamps. B E11 access to them is relatively easy, whereas in E12 (especially in restyled versions after 2016) may be required partial removal of the trunk trim. Let's consider both cases.

Nissan Note E11 (2004–2013)

1. Open the trunk and locate the plastic cover on the inside of the light.

2. Pry it off with a flat screwdriver (it is attached to 2-3 clips).

3. Turn the socket of the desired lamp counterclockwise and remove it.

4. Install the new lamp, making sure the contacts are clean.

Nissan Note E12 (2012–2020)

1. Remove decorative overlay on the threshold of the trunk (it is attached to 4 clips).

2. Unscrew two bolts fastening the trim with a 10 mm socket wrench.

3. Carefully peel back the trim to gain access to the canopy.

4. The next process is similar E11: Rotate the socket and replace the lamp.

⚠️ Attention: B Nissan Note E12 with rear view camera (optional for configurations N-Tec And Tekna) When removing the trunk trim, you can accidentally damage the camera connector. Before work, disconnect it by pressing the latch.

LED lamps in Nissan Note: pros and cons

Many owners Nissan Note are considering installing LED lamps instead of standard halogen ones. The advantages are obvious: 30–50% higher brightness, service life up to 50,000 hours, lower power consumption. However, there are also pitfalls, especially for E12 with control unit BCM.

Advantages of LED lamps:

• 💡 Brightness: 6000–8000 Lm versus 1500 Lm for halogen.
• 🔋 Energy efficiency: consume 3–4 times less energy.
• 🕒 Durability: Lasts 5-10 years when installed correctly.

Disadvantages and risks:

• ⚠️ Errors on the dashboard: in E12 block BCM can issue B2600 (lighting malfunction).
• 🔧 Difficulty of installation: Resistor or coding may be required.
• 🚨 Legal risks: in Russia LED lamps in halogen headlights prohibited (fine 500 rubles under Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code).

If you still decide to install LEDs, choose models with built-in CAN-Bus driver (For example, Philips X-tremeUltinon or Osram LEDriving). They minimize the risk of errors, but do not guarantee 100% compatibility with Nissan Note E12.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing bulbs. Nissan Note. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

1. Touching the bulb of a halogen lamp:

   - Consequences: grease marks cause local overheating and reduce service life by 40%.

   - Solution: Use gloves or wipe the flask with alcohol before installation.

2. Incorrect installation of H4/H7 lamp:

   - Consequences: the light beam is directed incorrectly, blinding oncoming drivers.

   - Solution: Check the position of the lamp using the marks on the base (for H4 - the upper protrusion should be on top).

3. Ignoring errors on the dashboard:

   - Consequences: in E12 A faulty lighting circuit may turn off ESP or ABS.

   - Solution: After replacement, reset errors via scanner (eg ELM327) or disconnect the battery for 10 minutes.

4. Using LED lamps without resistors:

   - Consequences: headlights flashing, error B2600, block overload BCM.

   - Solution: install 6 ohm resistors (for H7/H1) or 24 Ohm (for W5W).

⚠️ Attention: B Nissan Note E12 with the system automatic headlights (Auto Light Control) replacing lamps without resetting the adaptation may result in the headlights turning on with a delay or turning off spontaneously. To reset, follow the procedure:

1. Включите зажигание (не запуская двигатель).
2. Переведите переключатель света в положение "AUTO".
3. В течение 5 секунд 3 раза нажмите кнопку сброса суточного пробега.
4. Дождитесь звукового сигнала (зуммер).

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to replace halogen bulbs with xenon bulbs in a Nissan Note?

Technically yes, but this illegally in Russia. To legally install xenon, the headlight must be certified for gas-charging lamps (marking DCR or DC). B Nissan Note standard headlights are designed for halogen only (HCR or HC), so installing xenon will lead to:

• Dazzle oncoming drivers (incorrect focusing).
• Fine 3,000 rubles. according to Art. 12.5 Code of Administrative Offenses (part 3).
• Refusal to undergo technical inspection.

Alternative - high brightness halogen lamps (For example, Osram Night Breaker or Philips RacingVision). They provide 20–30% more light without changing the headlight design.

Why does an error light appear on the dashboard after replacing the low beam lamp in E12?

B Nissan Note E12 control unit BCM controls lighting circuits. If after replacement the icon lights up «!» in the yellow triangle, the reasons may be as follows:

• The lamp is installed incorrectly (poor contact).
• Fuse blown F34 (10A) in the block under the steering wheel.
• An incompatible LED lamp is used (resistor or coding required).

To reset an error:

1. Disconnect the battery for 10 minutes.
2. Check the fuses and contacts in the holder.
3. If the error remains, perform diagnostics with a scanner (for example, Launch CReader).

How to remove a headlight on a Nissan Note to replace glass or reflector?

To completely remove the headlight Nissan Note you will need:

1. Disconnect battery.
2. Remove the bumper (unscrew the 4 bolts from the bottom and 2 from the top, disconnect the clips).
3. Unscrew the 3 bolts securing the headlight (10 mm socket wrench).
4. Disconnect the power connectors and remove the headlight.

⚠️ Attention: B E12 with the system AFS (adaptive light) after removing the headlight you will need calibration using diagnostic equipment (for example, Consult-III Plus). Without it, the light beam will be directed incorrectly.

Which lamps are best to choose for Nissan Note: brand review

For Nissan Note The following lamp brands are recommended:

Lamp type	Recommended Brand	Model	Features
H4 (near/far)	Osram	Night Breaker Laser +150%	Brightness 1500 lm, resource 450 hours
H7 (low)	Philips	X-tremeVision +130%	Temperature 4300K, improved visibility in rain
W5W (dimensions)	Narva	Range Power White	White light (4200K), no errors in BCM
P21/5W (brake light)	Bosch	Pure Light	Increased contact reliability

For LED lamps in E12 fit:

• Philips X-tremeUltinon (series 12986BWX2 for H7).
• Osram LEDriving HL (with CAN-Bus driver).

How to check that the lamp is burnt out and not a wiring problem?

If the lamp does not light, follow these steps:

1. Check fuse (for low beam - F34, for dimensions - F18).
2. Measure the voltage at the socket contacts with a multimeter (should be 12V with the light on).
3. Check mass (black wire) - often oxidation of the contact leads to an open circuit.
4. Install known good lamp - if it does not work, the problem is in the wiring or block BCM.

If there is no voltage at the cartridge, check:

• Light relay (in the fuse box under the steering wheel).
• Check the wiring for breaks or short circuits (especially in kinks near the trunk hinges).