Nissan "Hidden" Fuses

Of the tens of thousands of requests for assistance received by

Auto{ech via the Technical Helpline, one reoccurring request

is for the location of fuses; in particular, those found on current
model Nissans.

Power Supplies and Grounds

In many cases, the ground locations are not obvious, so it makes

sense to start with what should be the easiest to find part; the
fuses.
Often, fuses are checked without identifyingwhat function they
are used for. This procedure may miss the fuses relating to the
problem unless all fuses are located.

Technicians know that one of the first things that should be done
when there are electrical problems is to check power supplies and
grounds.

Let's Check The Fuses.....

So, where are they?

The usual first step is to take a look under the bonnet for the major fuses.

1. Battery Post
Starting at the Battery Post we notice some large fusible links.
These test OK.

Battery Terminal Fusible Links

2, Underhood Fuse Box

Next, we find the obvious Underhood Fuse Box cover and remove it.

AII fuses and fusible links test OK.

3. lnterior Fuse Box

As we can't see any others, we then head inside looking for the customary

Underhood Fusible Links

Interior Fuse Box.

And there it is, not too hard to find behind a cover.

All fuses test OK.

At this point, all fuses test OK so there can't be a simple fuse power supply
problem.
Or can there be?

Beware 0n These Models....

Interior Fuse Box

On current platform Nissan vehicles, there is another "hidden"

fuse location under the bonnet, specifically:

.
.
.
.
.
.

Maxima (J31) - 2003 to 2008 (Right side)

Maxima (J32) - 2008 to 2010 (Left side)
Murano (250) - 2005 to 2008 (Right side)
Murano (Z5l) -2008 to 2010 (Left side)
Navara (D40) - 2005 to 2010 (Left Side)
Pathfinder (R51) - 2005 to 2010 (Left side)

.
.
.
.
.
.

Tiida (CII) - 2005 to 2010 (Left side)

XTRAIL (T31) - 2008 to 2010 (Left side)
Dualis (J10) - 2007 to 2010 (Left side)
3502 (233) - 2003 to 2008 (Left cowl cover)
3702 (234) - 2009 to 2010 (Left cowl cover)
Micra (K12) - 2007 to 2010 (below left h/lamp)

4. Locate The "Black Box"

Look around for a flat topped looking "black box".
On most Nissan models listed above, this will be on the left side of
the engine bay.

It could be at the back; such as on Navara or towards the front on

other models.
Release the retaining clips (usually 4) and carefully
box.

lift the black

It will be clearly seen that there are many fuses located inside

this module.
Unfortunately, this is not clearly identified in the Owner's Manual

D40 Navara

/ R51 Pathfinder

Power Distribution Module

Nissan call this black box the Power Distribution Module (PDM)'

It is an electronic module in its own right and is wired into the

CAN Communication Bus.

It contains many fuses and relays such as:

.
.
.
.
.
.

Headlamps.

Tail lamps.
Wipers.
ABS.

Air Conditioner.
Engine control fuses, including fuel pump.

"Hidden" Fuse and Relay Location

PDM Active Test

The Power Distribution Module has an Active Test function, that when enabled causes it to switch ON many of the systems that it
contains relays and fuses for. This test allows us to confirm various circuits and their ability to function. If one of the functions below
do not occur, then it confirms a fault in the circuit AFTER the Power Distribution Module.

To initiate Active Test:

1. Switch Ignition OFF.

2. Close bonnet and Iift wipers off windscreen, close all doors - except driver's door.
3. Switch Ignition ON.
4. Within 20 seconds, press drivers door switch 10 times and switch Ignition oFF.
5. Within 10 seconds, switch Ignition back ON.
6. Active Test begins (Oil Lamp begins flashing and on some models the horn will chirp once).
Step

Test Item

Operation Time/Frequency

Rear demister

10 seconds

Front wiper

Low5secs.-Highbsecs.

Park Lamps (and Fog Lamps some models)

10 seconds

Fog Lamps (On some models)

10 seconds

Headlamps

Low 10 secs. - High ON-OFF 5 times

A/C Compressor

ON 2 secs.

Cooling Fans

2 speed = LowSsecs.-Hi5secs.
3 speed = Low2 secs. - Mid 2 secs.

- OFF 2 secs. 5 times

-Hi

2 secs. -Mid 2 secs. - Low2 secs.

The test repeats for three cycles.

Test can be terminated by switching Ignition OFF.

Regards from the Auto-Tech Team

For more information contact Repco Auto-Tech on 1300 300 352 or by Priority Fax on 1300 300 354