Ignition switch Nissan Almera G15 - a unit that sooner or later may require attention: from a banal replacement of the cylinder to a complete replacement of the mechanism due to wear of the contact group. Unlike its European counterparts, the Japanese design has its own characteristics, which are important to consider when dismantling. For example, incorrectly disconnecting connectors can lead to immobilizer blocking or damaged wiring.

This article will help you figure out how to remove the ignition switch on Almera G15 (2012–2018) without contacting the service, saving up to 3–5 thousand rubles. We will look at two methods: with and without removing the steering column, and also point out hidden fastenings that are often missed in standard instructions. If you are encountering a problem for the first time, do not skip the section on preparing tools and safety measures.

Preparation: Tools and Precautions

Before starting work, make sure you have everything you need. For Nissan Almera G15 You will need a specific set of tools, as some bolts have non-standard heads. Here's the full list:

  • 🔧 Socket wrench on 10 mm (for mounting the steering column)
  • 🔧 Flat blade screwdriver (for plastic latches)
  • 🔧 Hexagon on 5 mm (for lock bolts)
  • 🔧 Tweezers or thin pliers (for removing circlips)
  • 🔧 Multimeter (for checking the contact group)
  • 🔧 Lubrication WD-40 or equivalent (if the bolts are soured)

Pay special attention disconnecting the battery. On Almera G15 when dismantling the lock there is a risk of contacts shorting 15 And 30, which can damage the engine control unit (ECU). To avoid this, follow these steps:

  1. Remove the negative terminal from the battery.
  2. Wait 10-15 minutes - this will discharge the capacitors in the electrical system.
  3. If your car has an alarm, turn off its fuse (usually F20 in the block under the hood).
⚠️ Attention: If on your Almera G15 immobilizer installed Nats-5, do not turn the key in the lock after turning off the power. This may reset the key binding and you will need to reflash the ECU.
📊 Have you already encountered ignition switch repair?
  • Yes, I changed it myself
  • Yes, in service
  • No, this is my first experience
  • I'm just studying

Method 1: Removing the lock without removing the steering column

This method is suitable if you only need to replace lock cylinder or contact group, and the fastening mechanism itself is working properly. The main advantage is saving time, since there is no need to disassemble the steering.

Algorithm of actions:

  1. Remove the plastic steering column cover. It is secured with three latches: two on the sides and one on the bottom. Carefully pry them off with a screwdriver, starting from the bottom.
  2. Unscrew the two ignition switch mounting bolts (hexagon on 5 mm). They are located on the sides of the mechanism.
  3. Disconnect the connector of the contact group. To do this, press the plastic lock and pull it up. Don't pull the wires!
  4. Remove the lock from its seat by slightly rocking it left and right.

If the bolts do not budge, process them WD-40 and wait 5-10 minutes. On Almera G15 after 2015, bolts may have plastic inserts - they must be knocked out carefully so as not to damage the threads.

The battery is disconnected|The steering column cover is removed|The fastening bolts are unscrewed|The connector of the contact group is disconnected|Checked for the absence of latches-->

Method 2: Complete dismantling and disassembling the steering column

This method will be required if you need to replace the entire lock mechanism or access immobilizer control unit, which is on Almera G15 often located nearby. It is also required if the lock fastening bolts are broken or access to them is blocked.

Step by step instructions:

  1. Remove the steering wheel by unscrewing the central nut (wrench on 24 mm). First set the wheels to the “straight” position and secure them.
  2. Disconnect the airbag connectors (yellow and black). To do this, press the plastic clips on the sides.
  3. Remove the plastic steering column cover by unscrewing the 4 bolts (torx T20).
  4. Unscrew the 3 bolts securing the steering column to the body (socket wrench on 10 mm).
  5. Lower the column down to access the ignition switch.
  6. Then proceed as in Method 1 (unscrew the lock bolts and disconnect the connectors).

At this stage it is important not to damage spiral cable (slip ring) that connects the steering wheel to the electrical system. If it breaks, you will have to replace it entirely, and it costs from 4 thousand rubles.

What to do if the lock bolts turn?

If the lock mounting bolts turn, this means that the threads in the seat have been stripped. In this case, you will have to drill out the bolts with a drill (4–5 mm drill) and cut a new thread with an M6 tap. An alternative is to use larger diameter bolts (M7), but this is a temporary solution.

Disassembling the ignition switch: replacing the cylinder and contact group

After removing the lock, it can be disassembled to replace individual elements. On Nissan Almera G15 Most often they fail:

  • 🔑 Lock cylinder (key wear or breakage)
  • ⚡ Contact group (burning or oxidation of contacts)
  • 🔄 Return spring (if the key does not return to the position ACC)

To disassemble, follow these steps:

  1. Remove the retaining ring from the end of the lock (use tweezers or thin pliers).
  2. Remove the cylinder by pressing the latch inside the housing.
  3. To replace the contact group, unscrew the 2 screws on the back of the lock and remove the cover.
  4. Check the condition of the contacts with a multimeter in dial mode. Resistance between contacts 15 And 30 in position ON should be close to zero.

When installing a new grub, make sure it is compatible with your model. On Almera G15 until 2014, larvae with markings were installed D21-36010-4M000, after - D21-36010-4M100. They are interchangeable, but may differ in key length.

Castle element Symptoms of a problem Replacement cost (RUB)
Castle cylinder The key turns with difficulty and gets jammed 1 200–2 500
Contact group Devices do not turn on, engine does not start 1 800–3 200
Return spring The key does not return to its original position 300–600
Immobilizer unit The car does not recognize the key, the lamp is flashing SECURITY 5 000–12 000
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the contact group the engine does not start, check the position locking pin on a new mechanism. On Almera G15 it should be installed in the groove at an angle of 15° relative to the vertical. Otherwise, the ECU will not recognize the key position.
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Before assembling the lock, lubricate the cylinder with graphite grease or a special lock spray. This will extend the life of the mechanism and prevent jamming in winter.

Installing a new lock and checking its functionality

Assembly is carried out in reverse order, but there are several critical points:

  1. When connecting the connector of the contact group, make sure that the latch snaps into place with a characteristic click.
  2. Tighten the lock mounting bolts firmly 8–10 Nm. Overstretching can deform the body.
  3. After connecting the battery, check the operation of the lock in all positions:
    • LOCK — the steering wheel is locked, the key is removed.
    • ACC — the instruments work, but the engine does not start.
    • ON — the ignition is turned on, the fuel pump is running.
    • START — the starter cranks the engine.

If the indicator on the dashboard flashes after installing the lock SECURITY, this means that the immobilizer does not recognize the key. In this case:

  • Repeat the procedure for disconnecting/connecting the battery.
  • Check whether the cylinder is installed correctly (the key should turn smoothly).
  • If the problem remains, you will need retraining keys via the diagnostic connector (requires a scanner Consult-III or equivalent).
💡

On Nissan Almera G15 after 2016, when replacing the ignition switch, the immobilizer may need to be flashed. Without this, the engine will not start even with a new lock.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when working with the ignition switch. Here are the most common ones on Almera G15:

  • 🔧 Damage to the spiral cable when removing the steering wheel. Always lock the steering wheel in a straight position before removing it.
  • ⚡ Closing contacts when checking with a multimeter. Do not touch adjacent contacts with probes at the same time.
  • 🔑 Installation of an incompatible larva. Check the article number before purchasing - even visually identical locks may differ in internal design.
  • 🛠️ Lost retaining ring when disassembling. Without it, the lock will not be fixed in the body.

Another typical problem is incorrect assembly of the plastic casing. If the latches are not locked until they click, over time the casing will begin to creak and may break. To avoid this, apply a little silicone grease to the grooves before installation.

If after replacing the lock the engine starts but stalls after a few seconds, check:

  • Connecting the fuel pump connector (it may come off when removing the column).
  • Fuse status EF15 (15A) in the block under the hood.
  • The presence of errors in the ECU (can be checked with a scanner or by flashing the lamp Check Engine).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to remove the ignition switch on an Almera G15 without a key?

Theoretically yes, but it's difficult. You will need to drill out the cylinder and remove the locking pin that holds the lock in the housing. However, without a key, you will not be able to bind a new lock to the immobilizer - you will need to reflash the ECU, which will cost 5-8 thousand rubles.

How long does it take to replace a lock?

If you have the tools and experience - 1.5–2 hours. If this is your first time, allow 3-4 hours as it may be difficult to disconnect the connectors or remove the bolts.

What should I do if the alarm does not work after replacing the lock?

Most likely, during dismantling the wire or connector of the alarm control unit was damaged. Check the fuse F10 (10A) and alarm power circuit. The program code could also have gone wrong; in this case, the key fob will need to be retrained.

Can I use a lock from another Nissan model?

Partially. For example, locks from Nissan Tiida or Note They are suitable for fastenings, but may differ in the contact group and cylinder. If you have an immobilizer Nats-5, then the lock should be from Almera G15, otherwise the engine will not start.

How to check that the new lock is working before installation?

Connect the contact group to the multimeter and check the resistance in each key position:

  • LOCK: between 30 And 15 — gap (∞).
  • ACC: between 30 And 15 — 0 Ohm.
  • ON: between 30 And 15/IG — 0 Ohm.
  • START: between 30 And 50 — 0 Ohm (only in this position).

Also make sure that the key turns smoothly without sticking.