Typical Nissan Micra components

1 The alternator and its drivebelt are 1 crucially important in maintaining battery voltage. On this Micra, the alternator is mounted at the front right-hand side of the engine bay. Check the drivebelt for cracking and excessive slackness. 2 In terms of replacement costs, 2 the battery on the Micra K12 is a conventional 12-volt type. It’s vital that the connections to the battery terminals are clean and secure. 3 Located just in front of the battery is 3 the underbonnet fusebox. The fuse locations and values in amps, plus details of the circuits they protect, is provided on top of the lid. Ensure that the lid is securely fitted. 4 The ECU is just inboard of the lefthand 4 suspension tower. Although this is towards the rear of the engine bay, this area is relatively easy to access should you need to extract it. Regularly inspect the cables and connections. 5 Positioned right at the front of the 5 engine bay, yet tucked away and doing its best to hide from our camera, is the oxygen/o2/lambda sensor. It's just visible in the centre of this photo and partially hidden by a protective shield. 6 The crankshaft sensor is at the front of 6 the engine, very low down towards the left-hand side. It is not easy to see, although the sensor connector is coloured green. It isn’t too difficult to reach and renew, if necessary. Check the wiring/connection.

7 Just visible in the centre of this photo, 7 but hidden away beneath the left-hand headlamp and to the left of the battery, is the electronic body control unit. Ensure that moisture is not able to penetrate the unit. 8 Check the integrity of the pipework and 8 electrical connections of the pump/valve assembly for the anti-lock braking system. The electronic control unit monitors the wheel speed sensors and activates the hydraulic valves to control fluid flow and wheel speed. 9 Seen here is the coolant 9 temperature sensor. It was difficult to get our camera anywhere near it, as the sensor is located low down at the rear of the engine, towards the left-hand side. 10 The mass absolute pressure (MAP) sensor is readily 10 accessible at the top of the engine. It constantly monitors the pressure within the inlet manifold, relaying this information to the ECU, which uses the data to calculate and apply the correct fuelling levels for optimum performance, emissions and fuel consumption. 11 The left-hand 11 inner wing area, just behind the headlamp and ahead of the suspension tower, is rather congested in terms of components and cables. However, there’s an important earth connection point here, just visible behind the cables. Ensure that the connection is not corroded and is clean and secure.