Nissan Note Common Problems and Solutions
Excessive Vibrations When Driving
Problem:
The engine seems to vibrate far too much when you're driving.
Solution:
It's not that common a problem with the Nissan Note, but it does happen. The cause is the engine right support, which will have broken. All you need to do is look through our spare parts for the Note, find yourself low-cost engine support, remove the faulty one and replace it.
Difficulty level
Whistling Noise When Driving
Problem:
There is a high-pitched whistling sound when you hit a certain speed.
Solution:
In almost every case, this will simply be a worn alternator belt, which you can buy very cheaply and easily from our store and replace yourself. It's a very easy task that should take less than ten minutes even if you've never done it before.
Difficulty level
Temperature Light Keeps Turning On
Problem:
The dashboard warning light that indicates a high temperature keeps turning on at random times even if your water levels are fine.
Solution:
This could be a problem with your radiator electric fan, in which case you'll need to look through our list of available parts to find a replacement. However, it could also be a wiring fault with the thermal switch, especially if you have recently been doing work or had work done on your Note. Check the wiring, and if there are no obvious problems, then it's going to be the electric fan that's causing the issue.
Difficulty level
Radiator Fan Electric
Awkward Rear Seats
Problem:
The rear seats don't seem to be aligned as much as you'd expect.
Solution:
This can be a very serious problem, even if it doesn't seem like one. In Notes that were built between January and March of 2016, there was a faulty rear seat ISOFIX bracket installed. The result is that those seats won't perform as well as they should do in the case of a side-impact, putting passengers at more risk. The only solution is to buy one of our seat brackets and replace the faulty ones.
Difficulty level
Air-Con Has Stopped Working
Problem:
The aircon unit on your Note has stopped working.
Solution:
This can be a frustrating problem if you've recently bought your Nissan Note. You're going to need to re-gas your AC, but this isn't as straightforward as it sounds. In recent years, Nissan has moved over to a more environmentally friendly gas for their air-con units, and it's a lot more expensive than it used to be. In some cases, it's actually cheaper to buy a new aircon unit from us and install it yourself rather than paying excessive amounts to just re-gas an empty one.
Difficulty level
Windscreen Wipers Turning On Themselves
Problem:
Your windscreen wipers turn on at random times. Sometimes this happens when you're driving.
Solution:
This is a commonly reported issue with the Note, and it is very likely going to be an ECU fault. In a lot of cases, a mechanic will be able to reprogram the ECU for you. In a few cases, this won't help, and you'll need to browse our store for a new unit. Replacing the ECU isn't as complicated as it sounds, though.
Difficulty level
ECU Engine
Gear changing problems
Problem:
It is common on the Note for the gears to slip when changing. This is due to a fault with the torque converter in the gearbox. This can be a very expensive repair.
Solution:
You will need to have a replacement torque converter fitted. Have an experienced professional fix this for you. Have a look for the replacement part with us and feel free to chat over the phone with the seller who will have technical experience.
Difficulty level
Torque Converter
Clicking noise from steering area
Problem:
If you have noticed that there is a clicking noise coming from the steering when you are turning around corners at slow to medium speed, it is due to a faulty locating clip on the steering shaft.
Solution:
Fitting a replacement locating clip will fix the problem.
Difficulty level
Poor engine idling
Problem:
If you are finding that the engine is idling very poorly, then this is usually due to a fault with the ignition coils. The idling will be very rough, or irregular instead of smooth and constant.
Solution:
It is advised that you replace all 4 ignition coils at the same time for optimum performance. Watch the video below for an idea of how to change the ignition coils:
Difficulty level
Ignition Coil
Third brake light failure
Problem:
It is common on the Nissan Note for the third brake light (above the rear hatch) to fail. This problem is caused by water leaking into this area above the rear hatch, damaging the bulb on the light.
Solution:
You will need to fit a replacement bulb to resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Fog lights staying on
Problem:
If you are having problem with the fog lights staying on even when they are not switched on, or when the ignition is turned off there is a known problem with the multi-function control module.
Solution:
You will need to fit a replacement multi-function control module to fix the problem. If the car is still under warranty, Nissan will fix it free of charge.
Difficulty level
Squealing From Front of Car
Problem:
There is a high-pitched squealing noise coming from the front of the car when you're driving.
Solution:
This is being caused by your fan belt slipping. It's quite a common issue, and Nissan's response has been to design an electronic belt tension part that you can buy from our store and install onto your fan belt. If the problem has been happening for a while, you may also need to replace the fan belt itself.
Difficulty level
Fan Belt
Rear Passenger Door Makes a Cracking Noise When Opening
Problem:
The rear passenger door is noisy when it's being opened, often with a loud cracking noise.
Solution:
This is a minor design flaw in some versions of the Note, but it's a very easy fix. There are probably two nuts missing from the detent. That means you're going to have to remove the door trim and put two spare nuts into place. It's an easy job that should only take a few minutes.
Difficulty level
Child Lock Malfunction
Problem:
The child lock on the rear doors feels loose and too easy to press.
Solution:
The cause of a recall of Nissan Notes that were built between September 2015 and August 2016, the retention force of the rear door child lock switch is very much reduced. While it still functions, it can be a risk for younger passengers. You will need to install a countermeasure part into the switch aperture, which you can find very low-cost from our store.
Difficulty level
Stalling
Problem:
The car stalls at random times and then won't restart until the engine has cooled down.
Solution:
This caused a recall by Nissan and tends to affect Notes that were built between July 2015 and January 2016. The problem is being caused by a faulty ignition coil. This is a very easy fix to do yourself, though. Browse our store to find the Note's ignition coil, remove the faulty one, and slot in your new one.
Difficulty level
Ignition Coil
