Starter relay on Nissan Almera G15: where it is located, diagram and check

Nissan Almera G15 (2013–2022) - a popular sedan with a reliable, but sometimes capricious starter. If you hear clicking noises when you turn the key, but the engine does not start, the culprit may be starter relay. Unlike classical schemes, where the relay is installed next to the battery, in Almere G15 its location depends on the year of manufacture and configuration. This article contains the exact coordinates of the relay, a photo of the fuse box, signs of failure and step-by-step instructions for checking without dismantling.

Many owners confuse the starter relay with solenoid relay (which is attached directly to the starter) or with main ignition relay. We will figure out which relay is responsible for starting the engine in your Almera G15, and why replacing it is 5 times cheaper than repairing a starter. You will also learn how to bypass the relay in an emergency and what 3 diagnostic errors allowed by 90% of car owners.

Where is the starter relay located on Nissan Almera G15: photo and diagram

B Nissan Almera G15 the starter relay is located in fuse and relay box in the passenger compartment, and not under the hood, like many competitors (for example, Toyota Corolla or Kia Rio). The specific location depends on the year of manufacture:

• 📅 2013–2016 - the relay is in right fuse box (passenger side), under the glove compartment. Look for relays marked R17 or Starter Relay.
• 📅 2017–2022 - the relay was moved to left block (driver's side), under the steering column. Designation - R21 or starter pictogram.

To get to the block:

1. Open the driver's (or passenger's, depending on year) door.
2. Snap off the plastic cover under the glove compartment (or under the steering wheel) - it is secured with 2 latches.
3. Remove the fuse box cover by pulling it down.

There is a diagram with symbols on the back of the block cover. The starter relay is usually highlighted yellow or orange (unlike fuses, which are marked with numbers).

Year of manufacture	Relay location	Designation on the diagram	Relay color
2013–2016	Right block (passenger)	R17 or Starter Relay	Yellow/orange
2017–2019	Left block (driver)	R21	Black with yellow marking
2020–2022	Left block (driver)	Starter pictogram	Red/orange

⚠️ Attention: On restyled versions Almera G15 (from 2019) the starter relay can be combined with a relay immobilizer. If after replacing the relay the car does not start, check the synchronization of the key with the computer.

How to distinguish the starter relay from the solenoid relay and the main ignition relay

B Nissan Almera G15 are responsible for starting the engine 3 different nodes, and they are often confused:

• 🔧 Starter relay — located in the fuse box, sends a signal to the solenoid relay when the key is turned.
• 🔩 Solenoid relay — attached directly to the starter, responsible for extending the bendix.
• ⚡ Main ignition relay — controls the power supply of the entire ignition system, located in the same block, but is marked IGN Relay.

How to distinguish them:

• 🔍 Starter relay - small (the size of a box of matches), with 4 contacts. When there is a malfunction, you can hear multiple clicks when turning the key.
• 🔧 Solenoid relay - a large cylinder attached to the starter. When broken, you can hear one loud click, but the starter does not turn.
• ⚡ Main ignition relay - upon his refusal Instruments on the panel do not work (arrow indicators, light bulbs).

If you remove the starter relay, pay attention to its contacts: they should be clean and free of oxidation. Oxidized contacts are one of the reasons for false relay activations.

What happens if you mix up the relay?

If you mistakenly install the main ignition relay instead of the starter relay, when you turn the key, the starter will rotate continuously, even after the key is released. This may lead to starter overheating and its failure.

Signs of a bad starter relay: when is it time to replace it?

Starter relay in Nissan Almera G15 fails gradually. Here 5 Key Symptoms, which indicate its malfunction:

• 🔊 Starter clicks without cranking — when you turn the key, you hear repeated clicks, but the engine does not start.
• 🔄 Starting "the second time" - sometimes the starter works only after several attempts.
• 🚗 The car only starts when "hot" — cold starts are problematic, but after warming up the engine, the starter works fine.
• 💡 Indicator lights dim — when trying to start, the dashboard noticeably dims.
• 🔋 The starter turns even after the key is released - a sign of “sticking” relay contacts.

If you observe at least 2 of these symptoms, the starter relay needs check or replace. Ignoring the problem leads to:

• 🔥 Starter overheating (due to long startup attempts).
• 🔋 Low battery (the relay can “recharge” the battery when it is off).
• 💰 Breakdown of the solenoid relay (repair cost - from 5,000 ₽).

⚠️ Attention: If the starter turns, but the engine does not start, the problem may be immobilizer or alarm. In this case, the starter relay is working properly, but the control unit is at fault.

How to check the starter relay on a Nissan Almera G15 with a multimeter

Testing the starter relay takes 10 minutes and does not require removing the starter. You will need:

• 🔧 Multimeter (in dialing or resistance measurement mode).
• 🔌 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for removing the relay).
• 📎 A paperclip or piece of wire (for the “jumper”).

Step by step instructions:

Remove the relay from the fuse box|Ring pins 85 and 86 (resistance should be 50-120 ohms)|Connect 12V to pins 85 and 86, check for continuity at 30 and 87|Reinstall the relay and check engine starting-->

1. Remove the relay from the block. In its place there remain contacts with numbers 30, 85, 86, 87.
2. Ring the winding:
   • Connect the multimeter probes to the contacts 85 And 86.
   • Resistance must be within 50–120 Ohm. If the readings 0 (short circuit) or ∞ (break), the relay is faulty.
3. Check the functionality of the contacts:
   • Connect 12V from battery to contacts 85 And 86 (polarity is not important).
   • There should be a click and the contacts 30 And 87 should close (checked with a multimeter in continuity mode).
4. Check the relay "in place":
   • Return the relay to the block.
   • Turn the key to position ON (without starting the starter).
   • Close the contacts with a paper clip 30 And 87 in the relay socket. If the starter spins, the relay is faulty.

If the relay fails at least one of the tests, it must be replaced. Cost of a new relay for Almera G15 - from 300 to 800 ₽ (original Nissan 25230-4M000 or analogues Bosch 0332014150, Hella 4RA 008 563-121).

How to replace the starter relay on a Nissan Almera G15: step-by-step instructions

Replacing the starter relay is one of the simplest procedures in Almera G15. You don't need a pit or special tools. Follow the instructions:

1. Disconnect the battery (remove the negative terminal).
2. Remove the fuse box cover (driver or passenger side, depending on year).
3. Find the starter relay (see table above).
4. Remove the relay:
   • Gently pry it off from the side with a screwdriver.
   • Pull up and the relay should come out without effort.
5. Install a new relay:
   • Compare the old and new relay - the contacts should match.
   • Insert the relay until it clicks.
6. Check your work:
   • Connect the battery.
   • Turn the ignition key - the starter should fire the first time.

If the starter still does not work after replacing the relay, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge (must be at least 12.4V).
• 🔌 Starter fuse (in the same block, usually F10 or F15, 10A).
• 🔧 Contact status in the relay block (clean from oxidation).

⚠️ Attention: On Almera G15 with an automatic transmission (variator), after replacing the relay it may be necessary reset ECU adaptations. To do this, disconnect the battery for 10 minutes or use a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431).

Common mistakes when diagnosing the starter relay

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when checking the starter relay. Here TOP-3 missesthat lead to unnecessary expenses:

• 🔍 The starter relay is confused with the main ignition relay - this leads to the purchase of an unnecessary part. The main relay is responsible for powering the entire ignition system, and the starter relay is only responsible for starting.
• 🔧 Don't check the fuse - often it is not the relay that is to blame, but a blown fuse F10 (10A), which is responsible for the starter circuit.
• 📉 Ignore battery voltage - if the battery is discharged below 11.8V, the relay may not work, although it is working properly.

Another common mistake is buying a non-original relay. Cheap analogues (for example, nameless Chinese relays) often have unstable winding resistance, due to which the starter may operate jerkily. Better to pay more for the original Nissan 25230-4M000 or a proven analogue from Bosch.

Critical error: using relays from other Nissan models (for example, from Note or Tiida). Despite their external similarity, they have a different operating time, which leads to premature wear of the starter.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the starter relay on the Nissan Almera G15

Is it possible to drive with a faulty starter relay?

Technically it is possible, but it is fraught with consequences:

• 🔥 Risk starter overheating (due to multiple startup attempts).
• 🔋 Fast low battery (the relay can “recharge” the battery when it is off).
• 💰 Breakdown solenoid relay (repair cost - from 5,000 ₽).

Temporary solution: close the contacts 30 And 87 in the relay block with a screwdriver, but this is risky (you can burn the fuse box).

Which starter relay is suitable for Almera G15?

Original and proven analogues:

• 🔹 Original: Nissan 25230-4M000 (price ~600 ₽).
• 🔹 Bosch: 0332014150 (price ~500 ₽).
• 🔹 Hella: 4RA 008 563-121 (price ~450 ₽).

Do not buy a relay with a winding resistance out of range 50–120 Ohm - these are fakes.

Why doesn't the car start after replacing the starter relay?

Possible reasons:

• 🔌 Relay installed incorrectly (contacts are mixed up).
• 🔋 Low battery (voltage below 11.8V).
• 🔧 Defective solenoid relay (the starter needs to be replaced or repaired).
• 🚗 Immobilizer failure (key retraining required).

First check the voltage on the battery and that the relay is installed correctly.

Can the starter relay be repaired or is it just a replacement?

Starter relay - irreparable node Its body is sealed, and attempts to disassemble it will lead to:

• 🔥 Damage to the winding.
• 💨 Loss of tightness (dust and moisture will damage the relay within a week).

The only thing you can do is clear contacts sandpaper (fine grit) if they are oxidized. But this is a temporary measure.

Where to buy a starter relay for Almera G15?

Reliable sources:

• 🛒 Official Nissan dealers (original guarantee, but the price is higher).
• 🌍 Online stores: Exist.ru, Autodoc.ru, Kolesa-darom.ru (compare prices and reviews).
• 🏬 Auto parts stores: AutoSpetsCenter, IXORA, ATL.

Please check before purchasing year of manufacture yours Almera G15 — relays for pre-restyle (2013–2016) and restyle (2017–2022) may differ!