Nissan Qashqai is considered one of the most problematic cars in terms of maintenance. The fact is that all those parts that many motorists are accustomed to changing on their own are located in hard-to-reach places. The cabin filter is no exception. However, difficult does not mean impossible. It is possible to change it with your own hands if you know where, what and how it is located.
For reference. There are four versions of this car:
- Nissan Qashqai J10 1st generation (09.2006 - 02.2010);
- Nissan Qashqai J10 1st generation restyling (03.2010 - 11.2013);
- Nissan Qashqai J11 2nd generation (11.2013 - 12.2019);
- Nissan Qashqai J11 2nd generation restyling (03.2017 - present).
The car was first introduced in 2006 and production began at the end of the year. And sales started in February 2007. By the beginning of 2008, 15 and a half thousand of these machines had already been sold in Russia, and more than 100 thousand worldwide. In the same year, production of the seven-seat version of the Qashqai+2/NJ10 began. In 2014, production of this modification was discontinued.
In 2012, the first generation of Qashqai was in the top 10 best-selling cars in the world. And in 2011 it became the best offer on the Russian market.
Sales of restyled cars began in 2010. The second generation saw the light three years later. In 2015, this model began to be assembled in St. Petersburg for the Russian market, and in 2016 - in Sunderland. Restyling took place a year later. The model is still being produced to this day.
Filter replacement interval
The frequency of replacing the cabin filter is the same for all Nissan Qashqai models. According to the regulations, this should be done at every second maintenance. Or once every two years. If we convert it to mileage, then no less than every 30 thousand kilometers.
However, it should be noted that the replacement frequency also depends on the operating conditions. The more often the car is used, the more often the filter needs to be changed. It also clogs up much faster if the car is forced to regularly sit in traffic jams or drive along dusty country dirt roads.
The need for urgent replacement can be determined by the following signs:
- a persistent unpleasant odor appeared in the car interior;
- the efficiency of the blowing has dropped significantly, regardless of what is turned on now - the stove or air conditioner, or the fan;
- A lot of dust began to appear in the car, its particles in the air are visible to the naked eye.
Replacing the Qashqai cabin filter at the wrong time can lead not only to the fact that it will be unpleasant to be in a dusty cabin with stale air. Failure to comply with the recommended time limits may result in contamination of the heater radiator and air conditioner evaporator. As a result, the efficiency of the devices will decrease.
When to change, what interior to install
Replacing the cabin filter on the Qasqai J11 is provided for every 2nd scheduled maintenance, that is, after 30 thousand km. However, when used on Russian roads, within the period specified in the regulations, the cabin filter becomes quite clogged and ceases to perform its functions. Owners recommend replacing the cabin filter every 10-15 thousand kilometers.
The ideal option is to change the Nissan Qashqai cabin filter 2 times a year, once in the winter season, and once before the summer season. In the spring and summer, it is better to install coal, as it copes more effectively with various allergens and unpleasant odors. And in autumn and winter, the usual is enough.
Although the service book indicates specific terms for replacing the filter element, it is often recommended to carry out the replacement earlier, that is, not according to regulations, but as needed. The basis for replacement are signs of filter contamination:
- increase in air humidity in the cabin (fogging of windows);
- reduction of ventilation and heating system power;
- the appearance of unpleasant odors in the cabin (exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, etc.);
- noise appears when ventilation is turned on to maximum.
On the Nissan Qashqai J11, the cabin filter is usually installed as a carbon type. For its production, activated carbon is used (impermeable to carbon dioxide, dust, etc.) and synthetic material.
Suitable sizes
When choosing a filter element, owners do not always use products recommended by the car manufacturer. Everyone has their own reasons for this, some say that the original is unreasonably expensive. Some people in the region sell only analogues, so there is a need to know the sizes by which you can subsequently make a selection:
- Height: 34-36 mm
- Width: 179-181 mm
- Length: 249-251 mm
Selecting an original cabin filter
The second generation Qashqai J11 is equipped with a regular dust cabin filter from the factory under article number 27277-4BU0A. As drivers note, its main drawback is that the ribbed folds of the filter paper are located vertically. This makes it difficult to install.
There is also an original filter that is not installed from the factory, article number 27277-4BA0A. Its folds are horizontal, making installation easier.
In addition to the original interiors from Nissan, the Qashqai 2 can be equipped with some Renault cars. In particular, the filter under Renault article number 272775340R is suitable and is a complete analogue of 27277-4BA0A. Also a new original carbon cabin filter, article number - 272775081R. They are all the same size.
Which analogues to choose
Popular analogues among car owners are:
Conventional dust cabin filters
- MANN-FILTER CU25003 – vertical fins, not the most convenient installation
- MANN-FILTER CU25012 – PV fins are placed horizontally, which simplifies installation
- Filtron K 1355 – relatively inexpensive
Carbon cabin filters
- AMD FC759C – high-quality filter paper and carbon coating
- Citron TSN 9.7.882 – the best in the price/quality category
- MANN-FILTER CUK 25012 – thick carbon coating, famous brand
Also, for the Qashqai 2 crossover, the industry produces filters of original and non-original production; car owners are offered products from different manufacturers:
- Corteco
- SCT
- Sakura
- GoodWill
- Fram
- JS Asakashi
- Champion
- Zekkert
- Masuma
- BIG Filter
- Nipparts
- Purflux
- Knecht Mahle
- Nevsky Filter nf
The advantage of coal SF is that it does not allow foreign odors coming from the road (street) to penetrate into the car interior. But this filter element also has a drawback - air does not pass through it well. GodWill and Corteco carbon filters are of fairly high quality and are a worthy replacement for the original.
On Nissan Qashqai J11 cars, SFs with a longitudinal “accordion” are installed without any problems; they easily fit into place and practically do not wrinkle during installation. There are non-original “consumables” that are almost twice as thick as the original, but it is unknown whether there will be normal air filtration with such elements.
Selecting a filter model
Filters for Qashqai Jay 10 and Qashqai Jay 11 are interchangeable. The manufacturer recommends using, of course, the original Nissan-Renault filter. Depending on the design itself and the place of purchase, the catalog number may differ: No. 27277-EN000 (regular) or No. 27277-EN025 (with carbon), or No. 999M1-VS007. The manufacturer periodically revises the range of its consumables, so other numbers may appear.
This is not to say that the original filter is too expensive - its price is not much higher than non-original ones. Therefore, there is little point in saving. However, if it is not possible to supply the original, the following products are suitable for replacement:
- PKF "Nevsky Filter" (article NF-6351), inexpensive but high quality;
- TSN (article 97.371), available without activated carbon;
- TSN (article 97.372) will be more expensive, but contains coal;
- Mann (item CU1936);
- Filtron (item K1255);
- Delphi TSP (article 0325 227C);
- Knecht (item LA396).
Also, suitable consumables can be found from manufacturers Sat, Asakashi, Concord, Bronco, Corteco, GodWill.
When choosing between a regular and a carbon filter (Nissan offers both options), you should keep in mind that they differ in efficiency. The first acts only against mechanical particles of dust and dirt, trapping them. It's inexpensive. Coal is one and a half to two times more expensive, but it takes the level of air purification to a fundamentally new level. It traps not only dust, but also volatile substances, high molecular weight gases, pathogenic microflora, as well as unpleasant odors.
What are the types of filter elements?
Today there are many manufacturers of these products that have proven themselves well among motorists. Companies produce products of various lines, and each vehicle owner can choose a filter element that is suitable for him.
There are different brands and types of cabin filters on the market, but all these models can be divided into several main groups:
- Simple filter devices. The working surface of the cleaning element is made of paper or synthetic material. Sometimes synthetics are also coated with special dust-collecting solutions. The main purpose of these products is to prevent particles of various types of dust or organic matter from entering the cabin by creating a mechanical barrier.
- Carbon filter device. Manufacturers introduce small particles of activated carbon into the material from which this product is made. Thanks to this, the air is not only cleaned of mechanical impurities, but also gets rid of spent fuel vapors emitted by vehicles ahead. Quite often, these modifications can perform both antibacterial and anti-allergenic functions. Coal models usually cost a little more, but are still the most popular among car owners. They have proven themselves well during operation.
Manufacturers are constantly striving to improve the quality of their products and often introduce various techniques. Today you can find various rather complex options. It can be:
- Electret filters. The working surface of these models consists of several different layers. An electrical layer is placed between the layers for mechanical cleaning (it has an electrical charge). This device allows you to purify the air of any impurities almost completely.
- Combined. These models also consist of many layers that perform different functions - mechanical cleaning, antibacterial, anti-allergenic cleaning, a layer for air aromatization, etc.
Preparing for replacement
To replace the filter on the Qashqai J10, you only need a Phillips and flathead screwdriver. For Nissan Qashqai J11, in addition, there is also a hex key. In both cases, you need a flashlight that is powerful enough. Filters are located in hard-to-reach places. In Qashqai there is 1 at the foot of the driver's seat, in Qashqai there are 2 in the passenger seat. To make it more convenient, it is better to take a headlamp or a magnetic flashlight so that both hands are free.
Also, before starting work, you should warm up the car and drive it into a warm room. Move the seats (driver or passenger, depending on the model) to the extreme position.
Where is?
Many car owners ask where the cabin filter is located, for example, 2010 and 2013 for Nissan. The Nissan Qashqai crossover is represented by two generations and each generation has its own body. So, there is the first generation - j10 (2008 to 2014). There is a second generation - j11 (2015 to 2022).
The filters at j10 and j11 are located in different places. For example, j10 2011, it is located near the driver's right foot under the side plastic cover on the gears.
On the 2016 and 2022 J11, the cabin filter is located near the main glove compartment on the left. It should be noted that regardless of the location of the filter element, all cars come with air conditioning and climate control, so such an element is necessary, especially in the 2012 and other year models.
Replacing the cabin filter
How to change the cabin filter on a Nissan Qashqai J 10:
- Disconnect the accelerator pedal drive and secure it in the position lowered to the floor.
- Remove the plastic cover located to the right of the driver. You need to easily snap it off using a regular screwdriver and slide it to the right. Do this carefully, without much pressure, so as not to damage the latches.
- Remove the oven damper drive device by unscrewing it with a Phillips screwdriver. It is better to move the damper to the extreme left or right position, so that later you do not have to look for the middle one. Also remove the damper drive bracket.
- After this, the cabin filter cover will be visible on the right side of the accelerator pedal. It is fixed with two latches, which can be released using the same flat-head screwdriver.
- Remove the old filter.
- Install a new filter following the arrow shown on it (pointing towards the floor). If necessary, you can bend its body.
- Gently press the housing of the installed filter several times until it straightens and takes the correct shape.
After the manipulations have been carried out, put all the dismantled parts back in their places in the reverse order.
How to change the cabin filter of Nissan Qashqai J 11 with your own hands:
- Disconnect the soft opening mechanism of the glove compartment and its top cover so that they do not interfere. There are three bolts on the outside and two on the inside.
- To the right of the center console there is a plastic cover, under which the filter is located. It must be dismantled using a screwdriver for foreign-assembled cars or a hexagon for Russian-assembled cars.
- Carefully remove the cabin filter from its seat.
- Place the new filter in place in the same way as the first generation model.
- Replace the cover and install the glove box elements.
Thus, changing the cabin filter of the Nissan Qashqai J11 is much easier than the previous version of the car. However, even a beginner can handle both versions. The main thing is to act according to the instructions and carefully. After several replacements, the hand will be “stuffed”, and replacement will not be difficult.
Useful tips
To carry out the procedure for replacing the filter yourself and not harm yourself and the car, the following tips will help:
- The plastic cover of the center console should only be removed in a warm car and in a warm room. In the cold, the plastic becomes too brittle and there is a high risk of breaking the latches.
- If replacing the Nissan Qashqai cabin filter is expected in the fall, then you should wait until the leaves fall and the leaves are cleared from the roads. Fallen leaves easily and quickly clog the filter, resulting in a much shorter lifespan.
- To return the throttle switch gear in the cabin to the desired position after finishing work, you should put some marks (for example, with a marker) and, best of all, take a photo of it.
- To make it easy to put the new cabin filter in place, you can twist it slightly along the longitudinal axis or bend it. Its body is made of fairly flexible and elastic plastic. Therefore, it is difficult to break, and once in the right place, it can easily straighten out on its own.
- The correct operation of the filter depends on its correct placement. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on the arrows or other marks indicated on it (depending on the manufacturer).
Correct and timely replacement of this consumable guarantees the correct operation of the stove and air conditioner, as well as comfort in the car interior. The air will not only be cleaner, but also safer for health, especially if you choose a carbon filter that traps pathogenic microflora.
Compressor or vacuum cleaner
Inexperienced motorists ask themselves: “The air filter in my car is dirty, how can I clean it?”
Sooner or later, all such parts in the car will have to be replaced. If this happens at the most inopportune moment, you can postpone the replacement process and instead clean the device yourself.
How to clean the car air filter:
- Remove the part from the vehicle if it is heavily soiled. If you see that the device can be cleaned without dismantling, then do so.
- First, take the part, turn it upside down and tap it on any object. This will remove the bulk of the dirt and cause lumps of dust to fall out.
- Then you need to clean it with a compressor or vacuum cleaner. Take one of the tools and remove all the dust. The vacuum cleaner will suck up dust, but may not completely remove all particles. And the compressor is better. This device blows compressed air through the part. There is compressor cleaning in repair shops, as well as in some car washes.
- The vacuum cleaner nozzle is held a few centimeters from the part being cleaned. You cannot click on it. If cleaning the air filter is carried out using a compressor, then the manipulation should be performed away from the car.
Before replacing the filter, make sure it is not damaged. This cleaning method can be used at least every week, and if you have extra time, then every day. This will extend the life of the part.