<em>Nissan Almera Classic</em>cigarette lighter fuse: location, rating and DIY replacement

Cigarette lighter in Nissan Almera Classic (models B10 And N16) is one of the most popular electrical elements, especially if you actively use car gadgets: recorders, phone chargers or navigators. However, over time, this unit may fail, and most often the culprit is a burnt out fuse. Unlike more modern models, where the cigarette lighter is protected by a separate relay, in Almera Classic everything is simpler - and this is both a plus and a minus.

In this article you will find exact fuse location diagrams, its denomination for different years of manufacture, as well as step-by-step instructions for replacement, taking into account typical errors. We'll look at why the fuse blows (and what to do if the new part burns out immediately after installation), how to check the circuit with a multimeter, and give advice on choosing quality spare parts. Let us dwell separately on electrical features Almera Classic with engines 1.5 and 1.6 l — there are nuances here that are not written about in standard manuals.

Where is the cigarette lighter fuse located? Nissan Almera Classic

B Almera Classic (as in the back B10, and in N16) the cigarette lighter fuse is located in main fuse box, which is located to the left of the steering column, under the instrument panel. To access it, you must:

1. Open the driver's door and sit in the seat.
2. Press the latch on the fuse box cover (it is located under the steering wheel, to the left of the pedals).
3. Gently pull the cover towards you - it will be completely removed, allowing access to the block.

Inside the unit, the cigarette lighter fuse is marked as CIGAR or CIG (depending on the year of manufacture). B Almera Classic 2006–2012 is usually fuse No. 15 or No. 20 with par value 15 Amps. However, there is an important nuance here:

Attention! Difference in fuse blocks

On vehicles built before 2008, the cigarette lighter fuse may be located in another slot - No. 12 or No. 18 (the same rating - 15A). This is due to a change in the wiring diagram after restyling. To avoid mistakes, check the table on the back of the block cover - the current diagram for your modification is indicated there.

If there is no diagram on the unit cover (or it has been erased), use the universal rule: the cigarette lighter fuse is in Almera Classic always yellow (standard color for 15A) and is located in the top row. For convenience, below is a table with pinouts:

Year of manufacture	Modification	Fuse number	Denomination (A)	Color
1999–2005	B10, 1.4/1.6 l	12	15	Yellow
2006–2008	N16, 1.5 l	15	15	Yellow
2009–2012	N16, 1.6 l	20	15	Yellow
2010–2012 (restyling)	N16, 1.5 l (export)	18	20	Yellow (sometimes blue)

Please note: some versions Almera Classic With factory audio preparation, the cigarette lighter fuse may be connected to the radio circuit. In this case, its denomination increases to 20 Amps, and the color changes to blue. If you are not sure which fuse is responsible for the cigarette lighter, use the elimination method: check all the yellow (or blue) fuses one by one with a multimeter.

Why the cigarette lighter fuse blows: 5 main reasons

A blown fuse is not an accident, but a consequence of problems in the electrical circuit. B Nissan Almera Classic Most often this is due to:

• 🔌 Short circuit in the cigarette lighter socket. This may occur due to the ingress of metal objects (coins, paper clips) or oxidation of the contacts.
• 📱 Using powerful consumers. If you connect devices with a consumption of more than 120 W to the cigarette lighter (for example, car refrigerators or compressors), the fuse will not withstand the load.
• ⚡ Power surges in the on-board network. This is true for cars with a worn-out generator or a faulty relay regulator.
• 🔧 Poor fuse replacement. If the previous owner installed an oversized fuse (for example, 25A instead of 15A), this could lead to melted contacts.
• 🚗 Wiring problems. B Almera Classic Over 10 years old, chafing of the insulation of wires under the panel is common, which leads to a short circuit.

The last point is especially dangerous. If the fuse blows immediately after replacement, this almost always indicates a short circuit in the circuit. In this case it's impossible install a fuse of a larger rating - this may lead to a fire in the wiring!

Phone charger|Video recorder|Navigator|Car refrigerator|Tire compressor|Other gadget-->

To pinpoint the cause, perform a simple diagnosis:

1. Remove the cigarette lighter fuse.
2. Turn on the ignition (but do not start the engine).
3. Connect the multimeter in voltmeter mode to the cigarette lighter socket contacts. If the device shows voltage (about 12 V), the problem is in the fuse itself or the connected device. If there is no voltage, look for an open or short in the wiring.

How to properly replace the cigarette lighter fuse: step-by-step instructions

Replacing the fuse in Nissan Almera Classic takes no more than 5 minutes, but it is important to do it correctly to avoid repeated breakdowns. Follow this instruction:

Turn off the ignition and remove the key|Open the fuse box cover|Wear dielectric gloves (optional)|Prepare a new fuse (15A or 20A)|Check for any foreign objects in the cigarette lighter socket-->

Step 1: Turn off the power. Turn off the ignition and remove the key from the lock. This will prevent accidental shorting when working on the fuse block.

Step 2: Remove the blown fuse. In the fuse box Almera Classic system is used pull-out — each fuse has a plastic holder. Gently pull it towards you with tweezers (usually it is attached to the block cover). If you don't have tweezers, you can pry the fuse off with a flathead screwdriver, but be careful not to damage adjacent components.

Step 3: Check the fuse. Inspect it under the light: if the metal thread inside is torn or melted, the fuse must be replaced. Sometimes damage is not visible visually - in this case, check the integrity with a multimeter in continuity mode.

Step 4: Install a new fuse. Only use fuse same denomination (15A or 20A, depending on modification). Don't be tempted to set it to "more powerful" - this could lead to a fire! Insert the fuse until it clicks, making sure it is firmly seated in the socket.

Step 5. Check the operation of the cigarette lighter. Turn on the ignition and check if voltage appears in the socket. If the fuse blows again, the problem is in the circuit (see next section).

What to do if the new fuse immediately burns out

If, after replacement, the fuse blows immediately when the ignition is turned on or the device is connected, it means that there is short circuit or increased load. B Nissan Almera Classic This is a problem related to:

• 🔥 Melting the cigarette lighter socket contacts (often due to the use of powerful consumers).
• 🔌 Short circuit in the wiring under the panel (frayed wires or damaged insulation).
• 📻 Radio malfunction (if the fuse is shared with the audio system).

To diagnose, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect all devices from the cigarette lighter and remove the fuse.
2. Test the circuit with a multimeter:
   • Switch the multimeter to continuity mode (diode icon).
   • Connect one probe to the positive terminal of the cigarette lighter socket, the second to ground (for example, to a metal part of the body).
   • If the device beeps, there is a short circuit in the circuit.
3. Check the cigarette lighter socket:
   • Remove the socket from the seat (by unscrewing the two screws under the panel).
   • Inspect the contacts for melting or oxidation. If necessary, clean them with sandpaper.
4. Check wiring:
   • Remove the bottom of the instrument panel to access the wiring harness.
   • Inspect the wires going to the cigarette lighter (usually brown "+" and black "-"). If the insulation is damaged, insulate the problem areas or replace the harness.

If you find melting in the cigarette lighter socket, it must be replaced. For Nissan Almera Classic Fits standard cigarette lighter sockets with diameter 21 mm and contacts for soldered installation. The average cost of a new nest is from 300 to 800 rubles, depending on the manufacturer.

Which fuse to choose: original vs analogues

For Nissan Almera Classic the manufacturer recommends using original fuses Nissan with article number 28510-4M000 (for 15A) or 28510-4M010 (for 20A). However, in practice, analogues from other brands are also suitable if they comply with the standard ATO/ATC (size 19 × 5 × 18.5 mm).

Brand	Article	Denomination (A)	Price (RUB)	Features
Nissan (original)	28510-4M000	15	120–180	Guaranteed quality, but high price
Bosch	1 987 314 015	15	50–90	Reliable, with corrosion-resistant contacts
Hella	8EA 008 631-401	15/20	70–120	Suitable for extreme temperatures
Valeo	301039	15	60–100	Good price/quality ratio

When choosing a fuse, pay attention to:

• 🔹 Contact material: It is better to choose models with gold-plated or tinned contacts (they oxidize less).
• 🔹 Plastic quality: Cheap fuses can melt under high loads.
• 🔹 Certification: Check for markings ISO 8820-3 or SAE J1284.

Avoid fuses from unknown brands (especially “no-name” ones from China) - they often have a low cross-section of the fuse link, which leads to false alarms. It is also not recommended to use "bugs" made of wire or foil - this can lead to a fire in the wiring.

The myth about "reinforced" fuses

On sale there are fuses labeled “Heavy Duty” or “Premium”, which supposedly withstand heavy loads. In fact, these are ordinary fuses with a marketing sticker. Their rating remains standard (15A or 20A), and they will burn out just as quickly if shorted. Don't overpay for a "brand" - a high-quality fuse from Bosch or Hella is enough.

Upgrading the cigarette lighter circuit: when is it needed and how to do it

If you frequently use high-power devices (such as a car vacuum cleaner or portable compressor), a standard 15A fuse Nissan Almera Classic may not withstand the load. In this case, the cigarette lighter circuit can be upgraded, but this must be done competentlyso as not to burn the wiring.

Here are two proven methods:

1. Installing an additional relay:
   • Buy a 30-40A relay (for example, Bosch 0 332 019 150).
   • Connect it in parallel with the cigarette lighter circuit, powered from the battery through a separate fuse (20–25A).
   • Lead the positive wire from the relay to the cigarette lighter socket, the negative wire to the body.

   This will allow you to use devices up to 300 W without the risk of blowing a standard fuse.

2. Replacing the wiring with a thicker one:
   • Remove the standard cigarette lighter wires (cross section ~0.75 mm²).
   • Install new wires with a cross-section of at least 1.5 mm² (For example, PVS 2×1.5).
   • Connect them via a 20A fuse directly to the battery (via a fuse link).

This method requires skill in working with auto electricians and is best suited for trained users.

Before you start upgrading, consider:

• ⚠️ Vehicle warranty (if it is still valid) will be cancelled.
• ⚠️ Incorrect connection may damage the generator or ECU.
• ⚠️ Wires must be well insulated and secured so as not to rub against the body.

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact an auto electrician. The average cost of upgrading the cigarette lighter circuit in the service ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (depending on the region).

Common mistakes when replacing a fuse and how to avoid them

Even something as simple as replacing a fuse can turn into problems if you make mistakes. That's what it's impossible to do when working with a cigarette lighter Nissan Almera Classic:

• 🔥 Use a fuse of a different rating. Setting 20A instead of 15A or vice versa will result in either a blown fuse or a risk of fire.
• 🔧 Close the fuse box with problems. If the unit cover does not close tightly, this may result in moisture ingress and corrosion of the contacts.
• ⚡ Check the circuit for spark. Some car owners insert a fuse and see if there is a spark when the device is connected. This is extremely dangerous and can damage electronics!
• 📻 Ignore radio check. If the fuse is shared with the audio system, a faulty radio may cause it to burn out.
• 🚗 Do not fix the wires after repair. Wires dangling under the panel can fray and cause a short circuit.

Another common mistake is use of metal tools when working with the fuse box. This may short out adjacent circuits. Always use plastic tweezers (they come with the car) or dielectric gloves.

To avoid problems in the future, follow these simple rules:

• 🔹 Regularly (once every 6 months) clean the cigarette lighter socket contacts from oxidation.
• 🔹 Do not connect devices with a power of more than 120 W to the cigarette lighter without upgrading the circuit.
• 🔹 Check the condition of the fuse at every maintenance (especially before long trips).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the cigarette lighter fuse Nissan Almera Classic

Is it possible to use a 20A fuse instead of a 15A fuse if the standard one keeps blowing up?

No, it's dangerous! The 15A fuse is designed for the maximum load of the cigarette lighter circuit in Almera Classic. Installing 20A can lead to melted wiring or even a fire. If a fuse blows frequently, look for the cause (short circuit or overload) rather than increasing the rating.

Where is the cigarette lighter relay located in Nissan Almera Classic?

In most modifications Almera Classic (especially before 2008) There is no separate cigarette lighter relay - the circuit is protected only by a fuse. However, in some versions with audio preparation, the relay may be located in the main relay block (next to the fuse box) under the number R12 or R15.

How to check if a fuse is blown without a multimeter?

You can use a simple light bulb test:

1. Remove the fuse from its socket.
2. Take any car light bulb (for example, from a headlight) and connect its contacts to the fuse terminals.
3. If the light comes on, the fuse is good. If not, it burned out.

You can also visually inspect the fuse using light: a broken metal thread inside indicates a malfunction.

What should I do if, after replacing the fuse, the cigarette lighter does not work, but the fuse is intact?

This could indicate several problems:

• There is a break in the wiring between the fuse box and the cigarette lighter socket.
• Oxidation or burnout of contacts in the cigarette lighter socket.
• Malfunction of the socket itself (for example, the central contact broke off).
• Ground problems (check the connection of the negative wire to the body).

Start by checking the voltage at the cigarette lighter socket with a multimeter. If there is no voltage, look for an open circuit.

Is it possible to connect a second cigarette lighter to Nissan Almera Classic?

Yes, but for this you need:

1. Lay separate wiring from the battery (cross section of at least 1.5 mm²).
2. Install a 15–20A fuse next to the battery.
3. Connect a new cigarette lighter via a relay (optional, for overload protection).
4. Secure the wires so that they do not rub against the body.

It is best to place the second cigarette lighter in the glove compartment or on the center console. The average cost of an installation kit (wires, fuse, socket) is about 1000 rubles.