Open the hood to Nissan Almera It seems like a simple task - until you encounter a jammed cable, an icy lock, or an unexpected blockage after an accident. Even in a normal situation, owners of new Almera G15 (2019–2026) and old N16/N17 (2000–2012) often confuse the release lever with the trunk button or cannot find the hidden latch under the grille. In this article we will analyze all the methods - from the standard algorithm to emergency opening without a key.
The material is based on official manuals Nissan, car service experience and owner reviews from forums Drive2 And AlmeraClub.ru. We took into account the nuances for different generations, including rare cases when the hood refuses to open due to cable break or lock deformation after the blow. If you are in a hurry, use emergency opening section.
Where is the hood release lever located in the cabin?
In the majority Nissan Almera The hood release lever is located to the left of the driver's seat, under the dashboard. It is easy to confuse it with the trunk release button (if it is included) or the steering wheel position control. Here's how to tell the difference:
- 🔧 Almera G15 (2019–2026): The lever is gray with an open hood icon, located at the level of the driver's knee. To see it, lean forward and look down - it is hidden under a plastic cover.
- 🔄 Almera N16/N17 (2000–2012): The lever is black, located closer to the center console, next to the clutch pedal. On some versions it is covered with a rubber cover.
- 🚗 Almera Classic (B10): The lever is metal, without a pictogram, located under the steering wheel - it can easily be confused with the headlight range control.
If the lever is not visible, check whether it is covered with a decorative panel (relevant for machines with the option Premium Pack). B Almera 2023 the manufacturer moved it 2 cm to the left, which caused a wave of complaints from owners.
- Once a week (check the oil level)
- Only before maintenance
- When does the "Check Engine" light come on?
- Never opened
Step-by-step instructions: how to open the hood in the normal way
The algorithm is the same for all generations Almera, but there are nuances. Follow the instructions:
- Place the car on a flat surface and apply the handbrake. If the car is parked on a slope, the hood may open abruptly and damage the pillars.
- Find the lever in the cabin (see section above) and pull it towards you until it stops. You should hear a click - this is the first lock that has activated.
- Get out of the car and go to the front. Feel under the radiator grille second castle (usually it is located in the center or on the left).
- Click on the latch up or to the side (depending on the model) and at the same time lift the hood.
If the hood does not open after a click in the cabin, do not force it! Most likely, the cable is jammed or the lock is rusty. In this case it will help emergency method.
Make sure the engine is turned off
Apply handbrake
Disarm the alarm (if any)
Check if there is ice in the castle (in winter)
-->
What to do if the hood does not open: 5 reasons and solutions
If the lever in the cabin does not work or the hood does not open completely, the problem lies in one of the mechanism components. Let's consider typical cases:
| Problem | Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Lever does not press or is too tight | Broken cable, dirty mechanism | Lubricate the cable with WD-40 through the service hole or replace it |
| There is a click, but the hood does not lift | The second lock is jammed (corrosion, ice) | Water the lock with hot water (in winter) or lubricant Liqui Moly |
| The hood opens only from one end | Hinge deformation after an accident | Contact service to adjust or replace the hinge |
| The lever falls without a click | Broken cable lock in interior | Disassemble the panel and replace the plastic retainer (part no. 28510-4M000) |
B Almera G15 In 2020–2022 model years, a cable defect is often encountered - it rubs against the plastic casing under the hood. If the lever becomes “soft”, check the integrity of the cable through the inspection window near the battery.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to open the hood by prying it through the radiator grill with a screwdriver! This will damage the paint and may break the plastic latches. In 80% of cases, such “repairs” cost the replacement of the grille (from 8,000 ₽).
Emergency opening of the hood without a key
If the cable breaks or the lock is jammed, and you cannot go to the service station (for example, the engine has overheated), use one of these methods:
Method 1: Through the radiator grille (for Almera N16/N17)
Remove the plastic grill by snapping the clips on the sides. Below it you will see a metal lock tongue. Gently pull it upward with pliers while lifting the hood. If the tongue is not visible, it may be hidden under the foam soundproofing (remove it with a knife).
Method 2: Through the bumper (Almera G15)
B Almera G15 Access to the lock is blocked by a bumper. To get to it:
- Unscrew the 4 screws securing the bumper (2 on the bottom and 2 on the sides).
- Bend the bumper down without removing it completely.
- Find the lock cable (it goes from the interior to the hood) and pull it with your hand or pliers.
Video instructions for clarity:
YouTube: "Emergency opening of the hood of Nissan Almera G15 without a key" (Do-It-Yourself Auto Repair channel)
What to do if the plastic cable retainer breaks?
If, when you press the lever in the passenger compartment, it falls through without a click, the problem is a broken latch (part number 28510-4M000). Temporary solution: wrap the cable with electrical tape where it attaches to the lever so that it does not come off. For permanent repairs, you will need to disassemble the bottom panel and replace the retainer (the cost of the part is ~300 ₽, service work is 1,500 ₽).
How to open the hood if the battery is dead
If the battery is discharged and the hood does not open (for example, due to an electronic lock in Almera G15), use one of the workarounds:
- 🔋 Recharge your battery through the "cigarette lighter" (if there is access to the interior). 5-10 minutes of charging is enough for the electric drive of the lock to operate.
- 🔌 Use a backup cable. B Almera G15 Under the plastic trim to the left of the steering wheel there is a red emergency cable - pull it down.
- 🔧 Remove the starter (extreme case). B Almera N16 You can get to the battery by removing the starter (you will need a key for 13 and 10).
If the car has an alarm and it blocks the opening of the hood, try turning it off with the emergency button (usually hidden under the dashboard on the driver’s side).
B Almera G15 with the system NissanConnect You can unlock the hood via the mobile app. To do this, you need to have an active subscription and Internet access. The function works even if the battery is dead if the car is connected to a charger.
Prevention: how to avoid problems with the hood
To ensure that the hood opens the first time, follow these simple rules:
- Lubricate the lock 2 times a year (spring and autumn) with silicone grease. Do not use
WD-40— it washes away the factory lubricant. - Check the cable for wear every 50,000 km. B Almera G15 it often rubs around the battery.
- Don't slam the hood when closing, this deforms the hinges. B Almera N16 Because of this, plastic stops often break.
- Treat the castle in winter defrosting spray (eg
Hi-Gear HG5637).
If you notice that the hood begins to open tighter than usual, this is the first sign of corrosion in the lock. Don't wait until it jams completely.
In 90% of cases, problems with opening the hood are associated with a lack of prevention. Regular lubrication of the lock and cable extends their service life by 3–4 times.
Frequently asked questions from owners Nissan Almera
Is it possible to open the hood from the inside if the cable breaks?
Yes, but you will need to partially disassemble the panel. B Almera G15 you need to remove the plastic trim under the steering wheel (2 clips) and pull the cable by hand. B Almera N16 Access is easier - just pull back the carpet on the driver's side.
Why doesn't the hood open after an accident?
When hit, the hinges or lock are deformed. If the hood has moved up, you can open it by prying it from the side with a screwdriver. If the lock is jammed, you will need to drill a hole in the radiator grille (it is better to entrust this to specialists).
How to open the hood if the key is lost?
B Almera G15 With keyless entry, you can use a backup code (listed in the service book). For a mechanical lock, you will need to call a locksmith or use master key for larva (not recommended - risk of damaging the lock).
How much does it cost to repair a hood lock at a service center?
Prices depend on the problem:
- Cable replacement — 1,500–2,500 RUR
- Lock repair — 2,000–4,000 RUR
- Replacement of hinges — 5,000–8,000 ₽ (with painting)
B Almera Classic (B10) repairs are cheaper due to the simple design.
Is it possible to drive with a faulty hood latch?
Technically it is possible, but it is dangerous:
- The hood may open while driving (risk of an accident).
- When checking, the traffic police may issue a fine for a malfunction (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code, 500 ₽).
- In the rain, water will enter the engine compartment, which will lead to corrosion of the wiring.
If your problem is not described in the article, check the model and year of manufacture Almera in the comments. We will promptly update the manual with up-to-date information.