Removing the starter on a Nissan Almera: instructions with photos, diagrams and tips

Removing the starter Nissan Almera - a task that every owner of this car faces sooner or later. A faulty starter manifests itself with characteristic clicks, slow rotation of the crankshaft, or a complete lack of response to turning the key. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by replacing or repairing this unit, but to do this, it must first be properly dismantled.

In this article you will find step by step instructions taking into account the characteristics of different generations Almera (G15, N16, B10), a list of necessary tools, as well as critical nuances, which are often missed even by experienced craftsmen. We will look at how to avoid damage to the wiring, why you should not remove the starter on a cold engine, and what to do if the bolts are stuck. For clarity, we present connection diagrams and a spare parts compatibility table.

If you have never done this kind of work, don’t worry. With the right approach and a minimum set of tools, removing the starter is Almera will take no more than 1–1.5 hours. The main thing is to follow the algorithm and not ignore the warnings that we have highlighted separately.

Signs of a starter malfunction on a Nissan Almera

Before proceeding with dismantling, make sure that the problem is in the starter. Symptoms of its failure are often confused with a discharged battery or a malfunction of the solenoid relay. Here key features, indicating starter failure:

• 🔊 Clicks without scrolling. When you turn the key, rhythmic clicks are heard, but the crankshaft does not rotate. This indicates a malfunction solenoid relay or burnt contacts.
• 🔄 Slow rotation. The engine turns over with difficulty, although the battery is charged. The culprit is wear on the starter brushes or bearings.
• 🔥 Burning smell. If you smell burnt insulation when you try to start, the armature winding is most likely burned out.
• 🚗 The starter does not turn off. After starting the engine, the starter continues to rotate - this can destroy the flywheel!
• 🔋 Complete lack of reaction. No sound, no movement. Check the fuse F10 (10A) in the block under the hood.

On Nissan Almera G15 (since 2012) and Almera Classic (N16) starters have different designs, but the symptoms of malfunctions are identical. If you observe at least one of the listed signs, proceed to diagnosis. First check starter terminal voltage multimeter - it should be at least 12.6 V with the ignition off.

⚠️ Attention! If the starter turns, but the engine does not start, the problem may be overrunning clutch (Bendix). Do not try to “accelerate” the engine by rotating it for a long time - this will lead to overheating of the starter and its final breakdown.

Tools and materials for work

To remove the starter Nissan Almera you will need a standard set of tools, but there are also specific devices. Here's the full list:

Tool/material	Purpose	Note
10 mm head	Unscrewing the starter fasteners	It is better to use an extended wrench
12 mm socket wrench	Removing the battery terminals	Definitely with an insulated handle!
Head extension	Access to rear starter bolt	Minimum length - 10 cm
WD-40 or equivalent	Treatment of stuck bolts	Apply 15–20 minutes before unscrewing
Multimeter	Checking voltage and resistance	"20V" mode for DC

Additionally prepare:

• 🔧 Penetrating lubricant (For example, Liqui Moly LM-40) for processing threaded connections.
• 🧲 Magnetic holder — will simplify the removal of small parts (bolts, washers).
• 📸 Smartphone to photograph the location of the wires before disconnecting.
• 🧤 Rubber gloves — protection from dirt and accidental short circuits.

If you are working with Almera N16 (2000–2006), additionally required jack — on these models it is more convenient to remove the starter from below. For Almera G15 (2012–present) it is enough to remove the air filter for access from above.

Preparing the car for removing the starter

Before removing the starter, it is necessary to properly prepare the car. This minimizes the risk of short circuits and damage to electronics.

Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery|Remove the air filter (for G15)|Clean the starter from dirt with a brush|Mark the wires before disconnecting|Jack the car (for N16)-->

Let's start with de-energizing the on-board network:

1. Open the hood and find the battery (on Almera G15 it is located on the right, on N16 - left).
2. Loosen the nut on negative terminal with a 10mm wrench and remove it. Never disconnect the positive terminal first - this may lead to a short circuit!
3. Make sure the ignition key is in the LOCK (taken out of the lock).

Next, provide access to the starter:

• On Nissan Almera G15 remove air filter housing — it is secured with 4 latches. Disconnect the mass air flow sensor (MAF) connector.
• On Almera N16 jack up the front of the car and remove crankcase protection (6 bolts x 10 mm).
• Clean the starter and surrounding area from dirt dry brush - this will prevent debris from getting inside after dismantling.

⚠️ Attention! If you work for Almera with automatic transmission, before jacking up, make sure that the selector lever is in the P (Parking). On the mechanics, turn on 1st gear and tighten the handbrake.

Step-by-step instructions for removing the starter

Algorithm for dismantling the starter on Nissan Almera depends on the generation of the car. Below we provide universal instructions, taking into account the nuances for G15 And N16.

Step 1: Disconnecting Electrical Connectors

At the starter Almera there are two wires:

1. Thick power cable (from the battery to the solenoid relay) - secured with a 12 mm nut.
2. Thin control wire (from the ignition switch) - chip with a latch.

First disconnect thin wireby pressing the latch. Then unscrew the power cable nut and remove it. Don't pull the wires! - this may damage the terminals.

Step 2: Removing the Starter Mounts

Starter on Almera attached to two or three bolts (depending on year of manufacture):

• On G15 — 2 bolts of 14 mm (top and bottom).
• On N16 — 3 bolts (two on top, one on bottom).

Start with top bolt - it usually unscrews without problems. The bottom bolt may be hidden under the wiring or transmission mount. Use head extension And WD-40, if the thread is stuck.

What to do if the bolt does not come off?

If the bolt is stuck, do not use excessive force - this may strip the thread. Proceed like this:

1. Liberally coat the threads with penetrating lubricant and wait 15–20 minutes.

2. Tap the head of the bolt with a hammer through a wooden spacer (this will disturb the oxides).

3. Try to unscrew it again, applying force in jerks (not smoothly!).

4. If it doesn’t help, use it extractor or drill a bolt (as a last resort).

Step 3: Removing the Starter

After unscrewing the bolts, carefully pull the starter out of its seat. On Almera N16 You may need to wiggle it a little from side to side to free it from the guides. Be careful - starter weighs 3–4 kg, and dropping it may damage the housing or winding.

On Almera G15 the starter is pulled out upwards to N16 — down (through the bottom of the engine compartment). After removal, inspect bendix gear for tooth wear and bushings - they should not have any play.

Features of removing the starter on different generations of Almera

Starter design Nissan Almera different generations have differences that affect the dismantling process. Let's look at the key points for each model.

Nissan Almera N16 (2000–2006)

On these vehicles the starter is located below, therefore it is more convenient to work from the inspection hole or after raising the car on a jack. Features:

• 🔧 The third mounting bolt is often hidden behind the heat shield - it must be removed first.
• 🔌 The wires to the starter run under the exhaust manifold - be careful not to damage the insulation.
• 🔄 On models with automatic transmission, the starter may be interfered with by the power steering tube - it will have to be temporarily moved aside.

Nissan Almera G15 (2012–present)

Here the starter is installed higher, and the main difficulty is limited space. Nuances:

• 🔧 The upper mounting bolt covers the air filter pipe - it needs to be removed.
• 🔌 The control wire connector has a fragile lock - do not pull the wire, only the chip body!
• 🔄 On engines HR16DE (1.6 l) starter is partially covered by the gearbox housing - use a head with a universal joint.

On Almera Classic (B10) (1995–2000) the starter is removed in the same way N16, but the mounting bolts have the size 13 mm, not 14 mm. Also on these models there is often a problem with oxidation of the retractor relay contacts — they need to be cleaned before installing a new starter.

Diagnostics of a removed starter: what to check?

Before installing a new starter or going to the store for spare parts, check the removed assembly. In 30% of cases the problem is solved cleaning contacts or by replacing individual elements (for example, a solenoid relay).

Checking the solenoid relay

Connect positive wire from the battery to the relay terminal, and minus - to the starter housing. A working relay should make a clear click and the Bendix gear should move out. If this doesn't happen:

• 🔧 Clean the relay contacts with sandpaper (600-800 grit).
• 🔋 Check the voltage on the control wire (should be 12 V when turning the key).
• 🔄 If the relay is triggered, but the gear does not move out, the problem is overrunning clutch (Bendix).

Checking the electric motor

Connect the starter directly to the battery (plus to the top terminal of the relay, minus to the housing). A working starter should rotate at a frequency 5000–6000 rpm. Please note:

• 🔊 Extraneous noise (grinding, squealing) is a sign of bearing wear.
• 🔥 Burning smell - indicates an interturn short circuit of the winding.
• 🔄 Uneven rotation — wear of the brushes or commutator is possible.

If the starter does not turn at all, check brushes (their length must be at least 7 mm) and armature winding for breaks. To do this, use a multimeter in resistance test mode (should be 0.1–0.5 Ohm between the collector lamellas).

Starter installation and performance check

Installation of the starter on Nissan Almera This is done in reverse order, but there are a few critical points that are often missed:

1. Cleaning contacts. Before connecting the wires, clean the starter and battery terminals fine sandpaper.
2. Proper bolt tightening. Tightening torque - 25–30 Nm. Over-tightening can damage the starter housing.
3. Checking gear clearance. After installation, make sure that there is clearance between the Bendix gear and the flywheel 1–2 mm.
4. Test before assembly. Connect the battery and check the starter operation before installing the air filter (on G15).

After assembly, run control run:

1. Turn the key to position ON (don’t start it!) and listen - there should be no extraneous sounds from the starter.
2. Start the engine. The starter should turn off immediately after starting.
3. Repeat the start 2-3 times - if the starter operates stably, the assembly is completed correctly.

⚠️ Attention! If after installation the starter “freezes” (continues to rotate after starting the engine), turn off the engine immediately! Reason - faulty solenoid relay or a jammed bendix. You cannot operate the car in this condition!

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when removing and installing the starter on Nissan Almera. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

Error	Consequences	How to avoid
Unscrewing the positive terminal first	Short circuit, ECU failure	Always shoot first minus terminal!
Using open-end wrenches instead of sockets	Torn edges of bolts, impossibility of dismantling	Use socket heads with extension
Installing a starter without checking the bendix	Repeated breakdown after 1–2 months	Turn the Bendix gear by hand - it should rotate in one direction only
Tightening bolts without torque	Starter misalignment, difficult rotation	Use a torque wrench (torque 25–30 Nm)

Another typical problem is mixing up wires when connected. On Almera N16 a thin control wire is often confused with a mass one, which leads to reverse rotation of the starter. To avoid this, take a photo of the location of the wires before disconnecting or mark them with electrical tape.

On Almera G15 with the system Nissan Intelligent Key After disconnecting the battery, the key binding may be reset. To prevent this from happening, use diagnostic port to save settings (requires a scanner, e.g. Launch X431).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing the starter on Nissan Almera

Is it possible to remove the starter on an Almera G15 without a pit?

Yes, but it's less convenient. On G15 The starter is located on top, so it is enough to remove the air filter. However, to unscrew the bottom bolt, you may need flexible extension or a universal joint for the head.

Which starter is suitable for Almera N16 1.8?

For Almera N16 with engine QG18DE (1.8 l) starters with article numbers are suitable:

• Nissan — 23300-4M500 or 23300-4M505;
• Bosch — 0 001 108 005;
• Valeo — 438086.

Pay attention to the number of teeth on the Bendix gear - it should be 9 teeth.

What should I do if the car does not start after replacing the starter?

There may be several reasons:

1. Incorrect wire connection (check polarity).
2. Discharged battery (voltage below 11.5 V).
3. Faulty solenoid relay (check for click when turning key).
4. Immobilizer lock (on G15 the key may need to be retrained).

Start by checking starter voltage when turning the key - it should be at least 12 V.

How much does it cost to replace a starter on an Almera at a service center?

The cost of the service depends on the region and model:

• Almera N16 - from 1500 to 2500 rub.;
• Almera G15 - from 2000 to 3500 rub. (due to difficulty of access).

The price of a new starter is from 4000 to 8000 rub. (original Nissan or Bosch). A used part will cost 1500–3000 rub., but the risk of repeated failure is high.

Is it possible to repair the Almera starter yourself?

Yes, if the problem is:

• worn out brushes;
• burnt contacts solenoid relay;
• polluted collector.

Needed for repairs repair kit (For example, Sach 3001 987 001 for Bosch). If the winding is burned out or the bearings are worn out, it is cheaper to buy a new starter.