How to select and change the air filter on a Nissan Qashqai

The air filter on a car is a consumable item that must be replaced at every scheduled maintenance. Due to design features on Nissan Qashqai models, the air filter must be changed twice within the prescribed period, since for a diesel engine even the slightest change in the composition of the fuel mixture can cause starting difficulties.

What affects the wear of the Qashqai filter

The maintenance period for the air filter is set based on the operation of the car in standard urban conditions. But in practice, his life is noticeably shortened due to:

• Ingress of large amounts of dust. Mostly we are talking about dirt roads. But even on an asphalt surface, especially after winter sanding, there will be not much less dust.
• Accumulations of soot in filter honeycombs. Vehicle exhaust contains a small amount of soot. If the car is operated in a city where the traffic density is low, then this factor will not have any effect on the filter. But in populated areas with dense traffic flow, soot from exhaust gases creates a huge problem for the air filter.

An untimely replacement of the cleaning element will cause a change in the composition of the fuel. And this could be the reason:

• Increased gasoline consumption. If there is not enough air in the carburetor, the mixture will become oversaturated with gasoline, and engine consumption per 100 km will increase by 30-50%.
• Drop in power of the power unit. A mixture oversaturated with gasoline will extinguish the spark in the combustion chamber, which will lead to engine vibration and a noticeable loss of power.
• Problems with starting the internal combustion engine. In order for an explosion to occur in the combustion chamber, a sufficient amount of gasoline vapor is needed. If the combustible mixture is oversaturated with fuel, then the spark plug will no longer be able to provoke an explosion, especially on a cold engine.

Why change?

Many motorists wonder about replacing the VF only if the engine has already started to malfunction. However, neglecting the rules for driving a Nissan Qashqai car is fraught with consequences and large financial costs. To avoid engine breakdown and further repair, which will cost the driver several times more than replacing the air filter, it is recommended to promptly change the cleaning part.

As you know, not only fuel interacts in the combustion chamber, but also an air mass that exceeds the volume of gasoline by more than 15 times. Accordingly, the air entering the engine must be as clean as possible from dirt and dust. This function in a Nissan Qashqai car is performed by the VF.

O2 goes through several stages of purification. Large dirt particles are retained on the surface of the air filter, while small ones, in turn, settle at the bottom of the part, which has an oily surface. Thus, maximum purification of atmospheric air from dirt and dust occurs.

The air filter protects the engine from premature wear.

You can determine when it is necessary to replace the air filter in a Nissan Qashqai car based on several criteria:

1. The car began to consume more hot water;
2. The engine stopped working at full power;
3. The vehicle moves jerkily even on a flat road;
4. No traction;
5. Noises and extraneous sounds are felt when the engine is running.

The appearance of at least one of the above signs indicates that the part is dirty and must be replaced immediately.

You can determine when it is necessary to change the air filter of a Nissan Qashqai car by looking at the maintenance regulations. According to the manufacturer’s recommendations, the mechanism wears out every 50–60 thousand kilometers. However, this rule does not apply to Russian roads, since the atmosphere in our area is the most polluted. Therefore, the air filter needs to be changed every 30 thousand kilometers.

Algorithm for replacing the Nissan Qashqai air filter

The Japanese crossover Nissan Qashqai has several types of bodies. But the difference in their design is insignificant. Therefore, to change the Nissan Qashqai air filter, you can use the same algorithm:

1. Cool the power unit. During operation, the internal combustion engine block heats up over 100 degrees. This temperature can easily leave serious burns on the body or deform the plastic elements of the air system when dismantling them.
2. Find the air intake with the pipe leading to the filter and remove it. To dismantle the air intake, simply unscrew the two bolts located on the transverse part of the radiator and disconnect the fastening latch on the air duct.
3. Remove the air filter cover. For ease of dismantling, the car design provides two special latches along the edges of the cover. You need to unfasten them and pull the cover towards you.
4. Remove the used filter. You can visually assess the condition of the cleaning element. A working filter will have light and clean honeycombs, and its surface should feel like rubber to the touch.
5. Insert new filter element. The filter must be inserted with the seal facing up, pressing it tightly against the edges of the box.
6. Put on the cover and install the air intake with the pipe in its original place. Its installation is carried out strictly in the reverse order.

The air duct on the Nissan Qashqai model is quite fragile, and therefore its dismantling should be carried out with extreme caution. Otherwise, there is a risk of breaking the part.

Symptoms of a faulty clutch in a Nissan Qashqai

Usually the breakdown occurs suddenly, when starting from a standstill or trying to change gear - the left pedal simply falls down all the way, the car does not respond to its pressing, and it is impossible to change gear.

Early symptoms of malfunction:

• Extraneous sounds (humming, squeaking, whistling or clicking) when pressing or releasing the clutch.
• The smell of burnt friction linings that occurs in the cabin when slipping.
• Loss of acceleration dynamics (the engine roars, the car does not move) in all gears.
• Difficulty shifting gears.
• Vibration or shock in the pedal when you release it.
• Significant reduction in brake fluid level.

Nissan Qashqai cars have a dry-type single-plate clutch, so a specific sign of a faulty release bearing is traces of brake fluid on the connector surface of the gearbox housing and engine.

Single disc clutch diagram

Components of a Qashqai single-plate clutch - flywheel, basket, disc

Slips or failures can appear and disappear in different modes (highway/city), but you should not trust the saying “a good knock will come out on its own.” Having carried out an early diagnosis of the clutch, you can get away with simply pumping or replacing the fluid. If you wait for the “knock”, you will have to “pay out” much more.

Complete repair kit for Nissan Qashqai includes:

• working cylinder;
• basket;
• disk;
• release bearing;
• grease pack and guide.

The listed “symptoms” do not always appear simultaneously, but if you “delay” repairs, they will be added as the unit wears out until they lead to its complete failure.

Tips for choosing a Qashqai air filter

For the Japanese crossover Nissan Qashqai, it is recommended to choose an original air filter. Depending on the body type, their serial number will look like this:

• 16-5446-JD20A – for J10 body;
• 16-546-4BA1B – for J11 body.

The average price of both cleaning elements ranges from 700 to 800 rubles. Of the cheaper analogues, you can install the following on Nissan Qashqai:

• Filtron (art.: AR-185/5), Fram (art.: SA-106-54), MANN (art.: S-2433/2) or Bosch (art.: F-026-400-126) – models for body J10;
• Filtron (art.: AR-124/2) or MANN (art.: S-2504/0) - prototypes for the J11 body.

Their cost will be about 300 rubles. But when buying a non-original spare part, there is a chance that it will not fit tightly into the box. And this can cause excess air to leak into the carburetor, with subsequent disruption of the composition of the combustible mixture.

The importance of an air purification system for a car engine

The surrounding atmosphere is saturated with dust, soot, and dirt particles. The purpose of air filters is to clean the air before supplying it to the engine. The thin filter material is capable of capturing dust microparticles measuring 1 micron. The level of air pollution on Russian roads is an order of magnitude higher than the European average.

On average, 1 liter of gasoline requires up to 15 liters of clean air. The air is taken from outside the vehicle.

If the car is actively used, the air filter becomes clogged with harmful contaminants, as a result, its throughput decreases, and the load on the filter itself increases greatly. As a result, the filter may become deformed and fail. This is fraught with the risk of failure of the elements of the power unit for the car.

There are signs by which a driver can judge that the filter is dirty and needs to be replaced:

• Fuel consumption increases to a critical level.
• Engine power decreases.
• The car doesn't start well.
• The car does not pick up speed, especially on inclines.
• Analysis of car exhaust shows increased CO 2 content.

When such signs are noticed, the old air filter is immediately replaced with a new one.

Not every driver will contact a car service center regarding this issue, since replacing the filter yourself takes 15-20 minutes. The process goes like this:

• The air duct is removed.

• Two latches are released.

• The old air filter is removed.

• A new filter is inserted.

The air filter can only be cleaned if it is specified by the manufacturer. If we talk about the Nissan Qashqai, then such an opportunity is not provided.

As a result, it should be said that air filtration for the long-term operation of any car, including the Nissan Qashqai, is of great importance. Clean filters are the key to a long car mileage without major engine repairs.

Preparing for replacement

Replacing the Qashqai air filter is a simple process that does not require special training or sophisticated tools. What you will need:

• new filter element;
• vacuum cleaner or compressed air compressor;
• dry, clean, lint-free cloth.

Before replacing, you need to place the car in the garage and turn off the engine and let it cool. Then open the hood and find where the filter is located. In Qashqai 1 and Qashqai 2 it is in the same place. It is located in a protective plastic casing near the battery, on the left side of the car. That is, if you stand facing the open hood, then on the right.

Important! Replacement should be carried out in a warm, dry room. The ingress of tiny particles of moisture will render the new filter unusable.

We carry out the replacement ourselves

The regulations for the maintenance of Nissan Qashqai vehicles establish that the air filter should be changed after 60 thousand kilometers. In conditions of increased dust and gas pollution, replacement must be performed after 15 thousand kilometers or once a year.

What will you need?

To carry out the procedure, you first need to purchase a new air filter. The latest Nissan Qashqai models are equipped with panel-type filter elements; they are more convenient and more efficient than round ones. The product consists of a plastic case and a paper filter element placed in it.

New filter cartridge

There is a large selection of products on the market. The most popular are filters in which the filter element is special corrugated paper. Due to the fibrous structure of paper, air molecules easily pass through it, and dirt particles and dust settle on the fibers. Product service life: 10 – 15 thousand kilometers. With gentle use, the filter can last up to two years.

In addition, these filters have the following advantages:

• low cost;
• ease of installation;
• light weight;
• ease of use.

Disadvantages include instability to mechanical damage and moisture. In addition, they are disposable: they cannot be restored. The replacement process does not require special knowledge and skills, so even a novice motorist can cope with this procedure using the replacement instructions.

Stages

Before starting the replacement process, you need to lift the hood and find the location of the filter element. It is located on the right side of the engine compartment, if you stand in front of the car, behind the battery.

Cassette location

To remove the cassette, you need to unfasten the two latches that hold it in place. Having freed the body from the latches, it is pulled up.

Freeing from latches

Then remove the dirty filter element from the housing. It must be inspected to determine the degree of contamination.

We take out the cassette

If the element is not very clogged, then it is blown out with compressed air and inserted back. Since the element is paper, it cannot be subjected to wet processing. If there is significant contamination, replace it. The inside of the cassette must be cleaned with a clean cloth.

We take out the cartridge and wipe the body

During installation, you should be careful to ensure that no foreign objects get inside. The duration of its operation depends on the correct placement of the filter element; it must fit tightly into the cassette. When the new element is installed in the housing, it is returned to its original place in the engine compartment and secured with latches.

Insert the cassette into place

Thus, the procedure for replacing the air flow filter in a Nissan Qashqai car is simple and does not require any tools or skills. For high-quality engine operation, it is necessary to promptly change the filter element as it becomes dirty. It is advisable to inspect it every 3 thousand kilometers and blow it with compressed air to remove accumulated dirt. This will extend its service life.

How long does it take to change the filter on a Qashqai?

The maximum service life of the air filter on the Nissan Qashqai model is 15 thousand kilometers. In winter, this figure can rise to 20 thousand. But this consumable must be replaced even before the first signs of contamination.

Is repair possible?

A clear answer to the question: “Is it possible to cure squeaks, jerking or knocking noises when pressing the clutch?” can be obtained only after “opening the patient” in a specialized car service. Diagnostics will show who is to blame - the flywheel, worn clutches or disc petals, a spring or a release bearing. Or maybe it’s not the basket at all. Often these same “symptoms” occur when the lower engine mount wears out. The operation of the unit also depends on the degree of cable stretch, wear of rods or suspension parts.

To change the clutch on a Nissan Qashqai, you literally need to disassemble half the car. It is much easier and cheaper to delegate this task to professionals. By contacting the DDCAR car service, you will save effort, nerves and money.

How often should I replace it?

So, the factory regulations determine the following: the Nissan Qashqai air filter must be replaced at every even maintenance, that is, every two years or every 30 thousand kilometers. Considering that the car uses a compact panel filter, this decision looks strange: on other cars with a similar filter area, it is changed every 15 thousand, and does not always last even this period.

Therefore, we can make the following recommendation, taking into account the actual experience of the owners:

• When driving in average urban conditions without frequent traffic jams or little dust, change the filter at least every 15 thousand.
• Traffic jams and dusty primers will shorten the service life even further - to 10-12 thousand kilometers.
• It is easiest for the filter in winter - then the resource can reach up to 20 thousand, but it is unlikely that you will gain such mileage in one winter, and in the spring dust will appear again.

Since replacing the air filter with your own hands on these cars is extremely simple, you will not need to contact a car service center. Therefore, reducing the replacement period will not hurt your pockets much, but it will guarantee stable engine operation at any time.

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Causes of malfunctions

If a Nissan Qashqai clutch failure occurs at low mileage (up to 15 thousand km), this is most likely a factory defect (a common occurrence on cars after 2013). If closer to 80 thousand kilometers, the release bearing has “died”.

But most often it is the aggressive driving style that “kills” the unit - sudden acceleration, the habit of starting with slipping, towing on ice. The life of the release bearing and gearbox is negatively affected by the lack of proper warming up of the car before starting (especially in winter).

Difficulties with gear shifting, vibration, increased noise and decreased traction occur when the flywheel is critically worn (Qashqai 2.0L, 6-speed manual transmission).

A sudden failure – “loss” of clutch – sometimes occurs while driving at temperatures below 20°C, when the hydraulics freeze.

In some cases, the cause of the malfunction is incorrect installation of the clutch disc when replacing it yourself or servicing it at an uncertified service station.