NISSAN QASHQAI: Questions and answers

Nissan Qashqai 2010

My Nissan Qashqai has an intermittent noise (like a tapping noise) which appears to be coming from behind the instrument panel. It lasts for a minute or so and then stops. I may drive for an hour but then it will happen again. It sounds to me like a spindle going round and then it stops. Any ideas? (Accenta)

Answers

Had a similar noise, always appearing to come from the instument panel. Found the problem, it was the drivers sun visor - Robert Anderson from Northumberland

Nissan Qashqai 2007

My Nissan Qashqai has had so many faults. The latest is when starting from cold it goes up to 18-2,000 revs and when I reach the end of my road (about 100 yards) it is up and down and still racing at 2,000 revs. It will go on like this for about 5 minutes. If I pull up to a junction during this time it will rev at 2,000 plus. It is going into the garage again this time under an extended Nissan warranty. It has been in twice for the same problem, once they just went on and said there`s nothing wrong and the second time I turned up a mechanic came down to look. I had already felt the bonnet which was warm so it had already been started again, but I received the same answer that there`s no problem. Does anyone have any suggestions please? (2.0 petrol)

Nissan Qashqai 2008

Can anyone tell where is the fuse located for the rear wiper on my Nissan Qashqai? (Visia)

Nissan Qashqai 2008

Can someone please explain why, when I am driving my Nissan Qashqai up to a set of lights or a junction, the car just cuts out and will not start? Also the green key light flashes. After a while the car will start and drives normally. I’ve had the car checked over and plugged in but no faults show up. Can someone help?

Nissan Qashqai 2010

How do you change the front side light bulbs on my Nissan Qashqai?

Answers

The air duct has to be removed. Be careful not to lose the metal clip on the bulb. Nissan refuse to sell me a replacement, they demand 300 pounds instead to replace the whole unit! Richard Smith from Hertfordshire

Nissan Qashqai 2008

My Nissan Qashqai`s driver`s door handle is not working. How can I repair this?

Nissan Qashqai 2009

The aircon/heating system has just suddenly started making a loud rattling noise when it is on - it doesn’t matter which setting it is on - anyone else had this problem or know what the cause of it is?

Answers

I have also stated experiencing the same problem with my Qashqai. Did you get a solution for your vehicle? Emily Murapa from South Africa

Nissan Qashqai 2009

The aircon/heating system has just suddenly started making a loud rattling noise when it is on - it doesn’t matter which setting it is on - anyone else had this problem or know what the cause of it is? (Acenta)

Nissan Qashqai 2010

Has anybody else had a problem with warped break discs? Our Tekna is only 18 month old, and has only 12,500 miles on the clock. We took it to Nissan today because of a bad juddering when breaking. They’ve told us we need new discs and pads at a cost of £240. And its not covered under warranty!! 12,500 miles and new discs???

Answers

Hi, Our 2 year old N tec with 10,000 miles has just started doing it too. The pads look only 30% worn max. Will be phoning Beadles tommorrow but expect the same response that you got! Dave Mitchell from Kent

My NTec was 9 months old and had done 2250 miles when I had the same experience with the brakes. My Nissan garage initially said not under warranty and wanted £272 to replace pads and disc "owing to corrosion on inside of front discs". I strongly argued my case and eventually the garage agreed to do the job free of charge as a "gesture of goodwill" !!! I suggest you keep pressurising your garage. Good luck - Keith Sutherland from Oxfordshire

My 59 Reg Acenta had the vibration problem 6 moths ago, discs said to be warped and discs and pads changed under warranty. However the problem has reappeared after only a couple of months since repair with very few miles driven, not as bad as before but makes me believe it isn’t a warping problem and possibly master cylinder but needs further investigation by Nissan. Keep on at them for warranty repair and inform them it is a problem many Qashqai’s have. I plan to replace my Qashqai in August for same model but if this is a prelavent problem I may think again, it spoils the ride completely - Frank Dobson from Durham

Nissan Qashqai 2011

I have recently purchased a Nissan Qashqai in Spain. It is kept garaged whilst I am in England for a period up to 3 months at a time. Is it necessary for the battery to be disconnected during this time? Also, if this is the case, can you purchase a device that can be plugged into the car to maintain the alarm system etc, whilst the battery is disconnected?

Nissan Qashqai 2011

Is it possible to purchase a spare wheel rather than having to use repair kit on a 2011 Nissan Qashqai?

Nissan Qashqai 2008

Does a Nissan Qashqai 1.5 diesel have a cam belt or a chain? Thank you.

Nissan Qashqai 2008

My Nissan Qashqai is running lumpy when hot. It is that bad the passenger can feel it. Vehicle is OK when cold. Any ideas?

Nissan Qashqai 2011

Hi, I have only had my new QQ for a couple of months and love it. My husband drove it for the first time yesterday and noticed that in reverse gear the car reverses without acceleration, I hadn’t really noticed this until he pointed it out. Is this normal or should I take it back to the garage? Thanks :) (1.5 DCi)

Answers

It is normal with diesel engines. Why? I don’t know, ask a mechanic - Bill Alderson from Northumberland

Nissan Qashqai 2009

Can anyone tell me how I can lock the car with my dogs in and stop the alarm from constantly going off? Thanks.

Answers

Try locking car with your key instead of remote, this works on my Rover 75 puts alarm on (for boot, doors, bonnet) but not cabin pri sensor - Paddy Carlisle from England

Nissan Qashqai 2011

Hi, when I switch my engine on the warning light comes on then, when I have pulled away, it goes off. Is this normal? Thanks.

Answers

When we bought mine he said it just because the computer is just checking car. But if there was any problems it would be on all the time - Charlie Thomas from England

Nissan Qashqai 2008

I’ve lost my Nissan Qashqai’s alloy wheel key. Where can I get a replacement?

Answers

Hi I recently bought a used Qashqai and the alloy wheel key was missing the nissan dealer took my vehicle into their workshop and returned with the info they required, and ordered me a new one. It took 4 days, but all is well. The answer is the Nissan dealer, as I guess only they will be supplied with replacement keys. Regards - Alan Wilkins from Durham

Nissan Qashqai 2010

Could anyone please tell me how to open my Qashqai boot from the inside? The boot is shut tight but the open switch is inoperative and the dash display shows that it is open. The car sounds a long beep when the car is locked and I have had to disable the boot light and the courtesy lights as they stop on. The car doesn’t beep though when driving indicating the boot is open. Thanks. (Acenta)

Nissan Qashqai 2008

When I use my n/s indicators they work normally for a few seconds but then they suddenly start flashing really fast. Both front and rear bulbs work OK. The fast flashing appears to start when starting to turn left? Can anyone help? (1.5 dci)

Answers

I don’t have any info for you Keith, but I noticed my Nissan Dualis (the Australia version of the Qashqai) starting doing this exact thing today, so I’d be interested in an answer too - Cathy from Australia

I know some car indicators use the same relay as the hazard lights, and sometimes this causes the same problem. Might be worth getting it plugged into a computer to try and find the fault. Should cost around £40 - S from Derbyshire

Remove the rear light cluster, take out the bulbs and make sure that the contacts are clean. Take out the wiring block and check the same. Putting the block in and out severeal times generally cleans the contacts. Worked for me - Tony from Cambridgeshire

Same happened with my primera it was a dirty earth connection on the o/s rear light cluster, take the conector off and clean the black wire conector then spray with WD40 to keep moisture out - John McCallion from Lanarkshire

Nissan Qashqai 2011

My new Nissan Qashqai won’t start. The lights comes on but the engine is not running. now it says PTR on the display, please help.

Answers

We’re you on a slope, pointing bonnet up the slope? I think there is a fuel delivery issue, design flaw. Our 59 has had this few times, need to pm the accelerator and keep kranking and eventually starts - Retrometal co.uk

Nissan Qashqai 2008

Hi, can anyone help? I’ve had my Qashqai since new (08 plate) and I seem to have a power issue. I think it relates to the turbo. As soon as the car has to work, ie go up a steep-ish hill or accelerating beyond 3,000 revs the power goes and the car will not accelerate, on hills the car slows significantly! It drives well all other times - it doesn’t make any strange noises or whines etc.. Thanks in anticipation!!! (Acenta)

Answers

It maybe air/fuel mix valve can wear very slowly and is sometimes noticeable on hills and can start to affect at junctions when pulling away. Happened to me, replaced valve and fine now - Gaz Scott from Northumberland

Nissan Qashqai 2011

Why does the front passenger seatbelt alarm keep sounding on my Nissan Qashqai, even when the passenger has the seatbelt on?

Answers

There must be a fault in the buckle holder. not sure how to sort that, but under the passenger seat is a multi-plug. If you disconnect it, it will silence the beep beep beep - Keith from County Tyrone

Nissan Qashqai 2008

I am trying to change the pollen filter on my 2008 Nissan Qashqai but am having trouble finding it in my LHD model. It is in the glove box in the RHD model - does anyone know where it can be found on the left-hand-drive model? (1.5 dci LHD)

Nissan Qashqai 2008

On a Nissan Qashqai, what are the circle icons along the roads on the sat nav? There are so many black and blue ones...

Answers

Not too sure mate, but it could be a very advanced sat nav that indicates potholes! - Keith from County Tyrone

Nissan Qashqai 2011

My 1st generation iPod classic is not compatible with my brand new Qashqai N-Tec. Is there an adapter of some kind that I can purchase which will allow me to play my own music using the on board USB connection?

Nissan Qashqai 2010

When should the cambelt be replaced on a 1.5dci Nissan Qashqai? I do 40k miles a year?

Answers

According to www.usedcarexpert.co.uk, the cam belt/timing belt change is due at 54,000 miles - Justin Moor from Middlesex

Nissan Qashqai 2007

I can’t lock my Nissan Qashqai as the fob battery has gone. Is there any other way to lock it? Or how do I get the replacement battery or key?

Nissan Qashqai 2007

I have been having problems with black smoke coming out off my 1.5-litre Nissan Qashqai. When I am driving between 65 and 80 mph the car starts "kangaroo" jumping and I have to accelerate faster for the jumping to stop. Been to the dealers twice and they are trying to suggest they can’t find anything wrong! Please help?

Nissan Qashqai 2008

The right brake light on my Nissan Qashqai has gone. The tail light is still on. How do I change the bulb? I have tried to unscrew the bolts but it seems that I cannot get the box off in order to get into the bulb. Do I need to use a special tool to do the job? And do I need to buy a special bulb for the Qashqai?

Nissan Qashqai 2008

I’ve been trying to take of the nearside rear lens cover to change a bulb but I’m finding it difficult to remove even though I have the two screws holding it in place taken off. Can anyone tell me if there is a knack for removing without getting too heavy handed? Thanks. (1.6-litre petrol)

Nissan Qashqai 2008

I’ve just bought a 2008 Qashqai Acenta 2 days ago. The front head restraints tilt forward so much that in order to rest my back and shoulders against the seats I have to drive with my chin to my chest which causes the back of my neck to ache. Very uncomfortable! I’ve put the head restraints as high as possible but still get neck ache. I’m not tall at only 5ft 6 inches. I’m tempted to remove the headrest from my previous car (Renault Laguna) before I scrap it as those are so comfortable, but they probably won’t fit. Advice anyone!?

Answers

You bought the wrong size seats, take it back for an exchange - Alan Alanson from Kent

Nissan Qashqai 2011

I have only had my Qashqai for 3 weeks and love it - apart from the fact the windscreen will not clear when it is steamed up, no matter how long the blowers are on for and I have to keep wiping it with a cloth - any idea what could be wrong???

Answers

Hi Diane, have you tried switching the air-con to your screen and turn the blower up fully? Should clear up in seconds - Lol Mason from Northumberland

Make sure you draw the air from outside the vehicle not recycle air from within. The one you use is the icon where the arrow shows through the vehicle. Notorious problem with cars using recycle air option - Gary from Cheshire

Nissan Qashqai 2011

Hi. How do you remove the rear number plate? We have bought a personalised number plate but it would seem that the rear plate is stuck on with double sided tape. Can i just pull it off and will I damage the paintwork if i do?

Answers

Heat the number plate carefully with a heat gun and it will pull away - Keith Derham from County Tyrone

Nissan Qashqai 2011

I am looking to use my Qashqai to pull a horse trailer, is it possible? Please can you advise? Many thanks.

Answers

No, unfortunately it is not possible - Peter Peterson from Kent

Nissan Qashqai 2007

My satnav is in Japanese - how can I get it changed to English? (dualis)

Nissan Qashqai 2011

My car is only five months old and is very sluggish. Going uphill I have no power, in fact I have to go down to 3rd gear even the HGVs and buses fly by. I’m really upset and I’m beginning to hate my car. Is this a problem with the 1.6L Petrol? (1.6L Petrol)

Answers

Hi Ann, the Qashqai is a different kind of vehicle to other hatchbacks you may have owned and is quite heavy. The same sluggishness was apparent when I got my QQ in May this year with only 650 miles on the clock from new. The engine was initially very "tight" but acceleration has improved gradually in the last 4,500 miles. The Qashqai is a good car but the 1.6 litre petrol needs to be worked hard through the gears. There is a marked gap in the gearing between second and third so that third gear is more flexible for slow driving than second which runs out of oomph. The brand of fuel you use has a noticeable effect for me too. Avoid supermarket fuel and go for a proper brand as the performance is better - Bob Martin from Buckinghamshire

Nissan Qashqai 2008

Has the heating/ventilation been improved in the facelifted Qashqai? Mine is terrible. Also, will the suspension be more reliable? Mine has been replaced twice. Should I buy the 2.0 dci engine or wait until new 1.6 dci comes in? (acenta 2.0 dci)

Answers

Nope. Just picked up a new Qashqai in November. The ventilation system is awful. It can’t even clear the windscreen after being on full blast for twenty minutes in the winter (which has been extremely mild so far this year). I’m probably going to end up taping a 12v hairdryer to the dashboard to see if that can help - James from Norway

Nissan Qashqai 2007

After how many miles/kms does the timing belt need to be changed? Thanks.

Answers

Every 4,000 to 5,000 miles - Paul O Gorman from Ireland

4000-5000 miles. Hope not two cam belts to every oil change? - John Swale from Gloucestershire

It’s true: twice a year - Greg Gregson from Kent

Nissan Qashqai 2011

Does the new Qashqai have room in the boot for a full size spare tyre instead of repair kit? (Accenta)

Nissan Qashqai 2007

How do you fix rear seat clasp to allow seat to fold down?

Nissan Qashqai 2010

Hi. Does anyone have any idea of how to add or delete phone numbers from the Nissan connect system? Please help. (Hatchback)

Answers

You can’t. If you have added or deleted phone numbers in your phone contacts list, you will need to delete your phone from the system and then re-pair it. The connect system will then read the phonebook (with the new numbers/deletions) from your phone and put it into memory - John S from London

Nissan Qashqai 2008

I have had the drive belt adjusted once by a main dealer. It is still noisy for the first ten minutes on start up. Any idea for a cure? Thanks. (1.6 Tekna)

Answers

I have a 58 Qashqai. It had a squealy belt before I replaced it with a brand new one from the Nissan dealer in November 2010, even though there were no obvious problems with the old one.
Nissan told my mechanic this was a common fault with the original fanbelts and that the new ones would fix it. However, after a very short time, the squealing started again and I’ve now been told it’s a recall issue and that the Nissan dealer is going to need the car for two days to fix it. I would advise you to badger Nissan until they admit it’s a recall.
Hope this helps - Sarah Anderson from Scotland

Nissan Qashqai 2009

I have had trouble with engine noise from day 1. It sounds like a bag of nails and is very scratchy. The dealer has changed the shock absorbers but the noise is still as bad. What can I do? It’s the same either hot or cold and in all 6 gears.

Nissan Qashqai 2010

In what colours do the 18" alloy wheel caps come? (Tekna)

Answers

Yellow and mauve - Magnus Magnusson from Kent

Nissan Qashqai 2007

I have been having problems starting the car, which has been on going for 2 years. This only happens when it is cold and damp / wet and the car is started cold. I have had new glow plugs, relays, sensors, egr valve and new injectors and also latest update on ECU. Nothing has cleared the fault, Nissan don’t know what else to suggest - has anyone else experenced this? I am told its only on J10 Auto Engines... or does anyone have any ideas how to fix it...? (2.0dci Acenta 4x4 Auto)

Nissan Qashqai 2007

On first starting the engine from cold there is a squeaking noise for about 5 minutes. Any suggestions as to what it might be?

Answers

You will be driving a 1.6 petrol I guess and it’s your fan belt slipping in wet weather. A known fault and easy fix - Bill Bennett from England

Mouse - John Johnson from Kent

Nissan Qashqai 2008

Can someone please tell me please after what milege you need to change the cambelt?

Nissan Qashqai 2007

What is the life expectancy on the clutch and brakes? (Acenta)