Where is the gas tank lever in Nissan Almera and how to open the hatch: 3 working methods

Owners Nissan Almera (especially beginners) are often faced with a simple but annoying problem: how to open the gas tank flap if the lever is not visible or it does not work. Unlike many European cars, where the button is located at hand, in Almere the mechanism may be hidden in a non-obvious way. And if the lock jams or the cable breaks, the situation becomes much more complicated.

In this article you will find exact lever layout diagrams for different generations Almera (including restyled versions), alternative opening methods keyless sunroof, as well as repair instructions typical faults. We will also look at why the gas tank may not open even with a working lever and how to fix it yourself.

Where is the gas tank opening lever in Nissan Almera: photos and diagrams

B Nissan Almera (including models G15, N16 And N17) the gas tank flap opening lever is traditionally located on the floor next to the driver's seat. However, its exact location depends on the year of manufacture and configuration:

• 🔹 Almera Classic (N16, 2000–2006): The lever is located to the left of the brake pedal, under the plastic cover. It is often confused with the hood release lever.
• 🔹 Almera G15 (2012–2019): the lever has been moved to the right - next to the accelerator pedal, under a small plastic casing. On some versions it is marked with a gas station icon.
• 🔹 Almera Tino (V10): here the lever is located on the center console, next to the parking brake lever.

If you cannot find the lever, inspect the driver's side floor in good light. On some modifications it is hidden under a removable cover or rubber mat. B Almera G15 after restyling in 2015, the lever became more visible - its tip is painted orange.

Important: on some export versions (for example, for the Japanese market), the lever may be absent altogether - instead the hatch opens ignition key or a button on the remote control. This is rare, but if you bought a used car with a non-standard configuration, check the instructions for the VIN code.

Method 1: Standard lever opening - step-by-step instructions

If the lever is in place and not damaged, the procedure for opening the gas tank takes less than 5 seconds. Follow the algorithm:

1. Make sure the car stands on a flat surface (on slopes the hatch may not open due to the mechanism being blocked).
2. Find the lever (see diagrams above) and pull it towards you as far as it will go. You should hear a click - this means the hatch lock has unlocked.
3. Go to the gas tank and lightly pressing unclip the hatch cover in the direction of the arrow (usually it is indicated on the cover itself).

If the hatch does not open the first time, do not use excessive force - this may break the plastic latches. Try repeating the action or check if the mechanism is frozen (relevant for winter).

Neutral or Park (for automatic transmission)

The handbrake is tightened

Engine is turned off

Pull the lever all the way-->

⚠️ Attention: On Almera G15 with the system Easy Fill Alert (refueling alert) the hatch may be blocked if there is less than 10 liters of fuel left in the tank. This is done to prevent theft. In this case, try opening it after starting the engine.

Method 2: Opening the gas tank without a lever (if the cable is broken)

If the lever is loose or does not lock, it is most likely the cable broke - a typical problem for Almera over 5 years old. In this case, you can open the hatch manually, but you will need access to the inside of the rear fender. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the trunk and remove plastic sheathing from the side of the gas tank (it is attached with clips).
2. Find metal cable, going from the lever to the hatch lock. It is usually enclosed in a black braid.
3. Gently pull the cable pliers or hand (towards the front of the car). The hatch should open.

If the cable is completely broken, you can temporarily replace it with wire or fishing line until you buy a new one (article for Almera G15 — 28530-BM400). In extreme cases, the hatch can be opened from the outside, but this requires skill.

How to open a hatch from the outside without a key

Remove the decorative trim around the hatch (it is held on by two clips). Below it you will see a metal lock tongue. Carefully pry it off with a screwdriver or plastic card while simultaneously pressing on the hatch cover. This method only works on models without central locking.

Method 3: Opening with a key (for models with central locking)

On some versions Nissan Almera (especially in configurations Tekna or Elegance) the gas tank flap is connected to central locking. In this case, you can open it:

• 🔑 Ignition key: insert the key into the driver's door lock, turn it to the "open" position and hold for 2-3 seconds. The hatch should unlock.
• 📟 From key fob: press the door unlock button (usually it will also unlock the gas tank). If it doesn’t work, try pressing twice with an interval of 1 second.
• 🔧 Emergency way: may be in the glove compartment or under the driver's seat spare master key for the hatch (relevant for cars with an alarm system).

If the central locking does not respond, check the fuse F30 (10A) in the block under the steering wheel - it is responsible for the electric drive of the locks. On Almera N16 this fuse may be designated as F28.

Model	Fuse location	Denomination	Note
Almera G15 (2012–2019)	Block under the steering wheel, position F30	10A	Also responsible for interior lighting
Almera Classic (N16)	Block to the left of the steering wheel, F28	15A	May burn out if there is a short circuit in the door
Almera Tino	Block in trunk, F12	7.5A	Often fails in wet weather

⚠️ Attention: On Almera G15 with keyless entry system Intelligent Key The gas filler flap may become blocked when the key fob battery is discharged. In this case, bring the key fob close to the door open button and press it.

Typical faults and their elimination

If the gas tank does not open even after all the manipulations, the problem may lie in one of the following components:

• 🔧 Jammed lock: often occurs due to corrosion (especially after washing). Solution: treat the mechanism WD-40 or silicone grease.
• 🔩 Broken cable: requires replacement (part cost - from 500 rubles, labor - from 1000 rubles).
• 🔌 Faulty electric drive: On models with central locking, the motor may burn out. Check the voltage at the drive connector (should be 12V when pressing the key fob).
• 🧊 Frozen mechanism: In cold weather, the moisture in the castle turns into ice. Solution: pour warm (not hot!) water or use a lock defroster.

On Almera G15 2016–2019 model years often have a defect in the plastic hatch latch - it breaks when pressed hard. In this case, the lid will hang, but will not open. Solution: replacing the latch (article no. 79910-3M000) or installing a metal analogue.

What to do if the gas tank does not open at a gas station

Situation: you arrive at a gas station, and the hatch flatly refuses to open. Here is an algorithm of actions to avoid blocking a column:

1. Try it repeat opening with the lever 3–4 times with an interval of 5 seconds - sometimes the mechanism “sticks”.
2. If the lever is loose, ask the gas station employee to open the hatch from the outside (many people know how to do this for popular models).
3. As a last resort fill through the neck (if the lid is slightly open). To do this:
   • Remove the filler nozzle from the column.
   • Carefully insert it into the gap between the cover and the body.
   • Tilt the gun at a 45° angle and press the fuel lever.

If all else fails, don't panic. Most gas stations have emergency tool kit to open hatches. Ask the person on duty to help - by law they are required to provide such a service.

Preventing gas tank problems

To avoid problems with opening the hatch in the future, follow these simple recommendations:

• 🚿 Washing: Before visiting a car wash, make sure the hatch is closed tightly. After washing, dry the lock with compressed air.
• ❄️ Winter: treat the mechanism in cold weather silicone grease (don't use petroleum-based oils - they thicken!).
• 🔧 Maintenance: Once a year, check the condition of the cable and clamps. At the first signs of wear (creaks, play), replace parts.
• 🔑 Central lock: If the hatch is connected to an alarm system, check the battery in the key fob regularly (optimally - once every 6 months).

On Almera G15 after 2017, hatches with reinforced hinges, but even they require careful handling. Do not slam the lid when closing - this will shorten the life of the plastic parts.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about opening the gas tank in Nissan Almera

Is it possible to open the gas tank from the passenger compartment if the battery is dead?

Yes, but only mechanically. If the battery is discharged, the central locking and electric sunroof will not work. In this case:

1. Open the door with the key (if the mechanical lock is working).
2. Locate the gas tank release lever on the floor and pull it.
3. If the lever does not work, use emergency rope (see section about cable breakage).

On Almera Classic (N16) when the battery is discharged, you can open the hatch by pressing hidden button under the rear bumper (it is hidden under a rubber plug).

Why does the gas tank flap open but not close?

This problem is typical for Almera G15 and is related to:

• Broken latch (the plastic tongue breaks when the lid is slammed hard).
• Deformation of hinges (if the hatch is skewed after an accident or careless repair).
• Ingress of dirt into the lock mechanism (relevant after off-road use).

Workaround: Secure the lid rubber band or Velcro. For permanent repairs, you will need to replace the latch (see article number above) or the entire hatch (article number 62610-BM400 for G15).

How to open the gas tank if the key is lost?

If you don't have a key or fob, there are several options:

1. Through the salon: remove the trunk trim and pull the cable manually (see the section on cable breakage).
2. Outside: use wire pick (method involving removing the hatch cover).
3. Through the service: contact your dealership Nissan - they can make a duplicate key using the VIN code (the owner's passport will be required).

⚠️ Caution: Do not use brute force - this may damage the fuel system. If you are not confident in your skills, call a tow truck to a service station.

How much does it cost to repair a gas tank flap at a service center?

The cost depends on the problem and model:

Type of repair	Almera Classic (N16)	Almera G15
Replacing the cable	800–1200 rub.	1000–1500 rub.
Castle repair	1500–2000 rub.	1800–2500 rub.
Replacing the hatch assembly	3000–4500 rub.	4000–6000 rub.
Electric drive diagnostics	500–800 rub.	600–1000 rub.

Prices do not include the cost of parts. On Almera Tino repairs cost 20–30% more due to the complexity of the design.

Is it possible to drive with the gas filler flap open?

Short-term (for example, to the nearest service station) is possible, but this is fraught with:

• Ingress of dirt and water into the tank (may damage the fuel pump).
• Gasoline vapor leak (hazardous to health and may cause fire).
• Fine from the traffic police (under Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code - 500 rubles for a malfunction for which operation is prohibited).

If the hatch does not close, seal the neck thick adhesive tape (For example, Fum Tape) and correct the problem as soon as possible.