Low beam relay on Nissan Almera Classic: how to check and replace

Low beam relay on Nissan Almera Classic (N16) is a small but critical element of the electrical system, on which not only comfort, but also driving safety depends. When the headlights start flickering, refuse to turn on, or work every once in a while, most owners immediately blame the lamps or fuses. However, in 30% of cases the culprit turns out to be low beam relay - a part that you can replace yourself in 15 minutes, saving on diagnostics in the service.

In this article we will analyze exact symptoms of a relay malfunction, its location in the fuse box (with photo), connection diagram and step-by-step replacement instructions. You will also find out which analogs are suitable instead of the original relay 25230-4M000, and how to check its performance without special equipment. The material is relevant for Almera Classic 2006–2012 model years with gasoline engines QG15DE And QG18DE.

Where is the low beam relay located on Almera Classic

B Nissan Almera Classic The low beam relay is located in main fuse and relay box, which is located inside the car - under the instrument panel, to the left of the steering column. To access:

1. Open the driver's door and sit in the seat.
2. Press the block cover latch (located at the bottom of the panel, under the steering wheel).
3. Lower the cover down and the fuse and relay box will become accessible.

Low beam relay on Almera Classic is marked HEAD LAMP LO or HEAD RELAY (depending on the year of manufacture). It is installed in the slot #17 (counting goes from left to right, top to bottom). Nearby are:

• 🔋 Low beam fuse (10A) - socket #38.
• 💡 High beam relay - nest #18.
• ⚡ Main ignition relay - nest #1.

On some modifications (for example, for the European market), the relay may be located in additional block under the hood - next to the battery. To avoid confusion, refer to the diagram on the back of the fuse box cover.

Signs of a faulty low beam relay

Low beam relay on Almera Classic fails gradually, and its malfunction can be recognized by its characteristic symptoms. Unlike a blown bulb or fuse, relay problems manifest themselves unstable work both headlights at the same time.

Main features:

• 🚨 Headlights don't turn on when turning the switch, but the high beam works.
• 🔄 Low beam flashing or turns off spontaneously while driving.
• 🔊 When you turn on the headlights you can hear relay click, but the lamps do not light up.
• 🔥 Relay warming up or emits a burning smell (a sign of burnt contacts).
• ⚡ Headlights only work after a few clicks to the light switch.

If you experience any of these symptoms, check first fuse F38 (10A) — he is responsible for the low beam circuit. If the fuse is intact and the problem remains, the relay is most likely to blame.

⚠️ Attention: On Almera Classic with the system Daytime Running Lights (DRL) a faulty relay can cause headlights constantly on even with the ignition off. This causes the battery to drain overnight.

How to test the low beam relay with a multimeter

Before replacing the relay, you can check it yourself using a multimeter or a simple test. To do this:

1. Remove the relay from its socket (gently pull it up).
2. Set the multimeter to mode calls (or resistance measurements).
3. Connect the probes to the contacts 85 And 86 (relay coil). Resistance must be within 50–120 Ohm.
4. Apply voltage 12V to contacts 85 And 86 (you can use a battery and two wires). At the same time, a click should be heard - this means that the relay is activated.
5. Check resistance between contacts 30 And 87 in a closed state (should be close to 0 ohm).

If the relay does not click or the winding resistance approaches infinity, it is faulty. Also inspect the contacts for melting or oxidation. On Almera Classic Often there are fake relays with thin contacts that quickly burn out.

Remove the relay from the socket|Ring the winding (contacts 85–86)|Apply 12V to the winding|Check the closure of contacts 30–87|Inspect the contacts for melting-->

Low beam relay connection diagram

Low beam electrical circuit Nissan Almera Classic built on the classic principle: the relay is controlled via a light switch, and power is supplied to the lamps via a fuse. Below is a simplified diagram for the left and right headlights:

Relay contact	Purpose	Wire color	Where is he going?
30	Overall plus (permanent)	Red/yellow	From the fuse F38 (10A)
85	Control minus	Black/white	From the light switch (contact 56b)
86	Weight	Black	On the body
87	Lamp output	Red/black	To the headlight connectors (contact 56a)

Features of the scheme:

• 🔌 Relay common for both headlights — if it malfunctions, the low beam on both sides stops working.
• 🔄 On some versions Almera Classic used double relay (for left and right headlights separately), but this is rare.
• ⚡ If after replacing the relay the headlights still do not work, check light switch (contact 56b) and mass on the body.

For diagnostics, you can temporarily install a relay from high beam (it’s identical) - if the low beam works, the problem is definitely in the relay.

Step-by-step replacement of low beam relay

Replacing the relay with Nissan Almera Classic takes no more than 10 minutes and requires no tools. Follow the instructions:

1. Turn off the ignition and remove the terminal from the battery (minus).
2. Open the fuse box cover (see section “Where the relay is located”).
3. Find the relay marked HEAD LAMP LO (nest #17).
4. Gently pull the relay up, rocking it from side to side (do not use excessive force!).
5. Install the new relay into the socket until it clicks. Make sure it fits snugly.
6. Replace the battery terminal and check the low beam operation.

If the headlights do not light up after replacing the relay, check:

• 💡 Low beam lamps (on Almera Classic lamps are used H7).
• 🔌 Fuse F38 (10A) - it can burn out if there is a short circuit.
• 🔧 Connectors on the headlight — oxidation of contacts or broken wiring.

⚠️ Attention: On vehicles with xenon headlights (optional for European versions) the low beam relay has other markings — 25230-4M010. You cannot install a regular relay - this will lead to incorrect operation of the ignition units.

Which low beam relay to choose for Almera Classic

Original low beam relay for Nissan Almera Classic has an article number 25230-4M000 (for halogen headlights) or 25230-4M010 (for xenon). The cost of the original is from 800 to 1,200 rubles. However, you can save money by choosing a high-quality analogue:

Manufacturer	Article	Price, rub.	Features
Bosch	0 332 014 150	450–600	High quality contacts, long service life
Hella	4RA 003 507-031	500–700	Resistant to voltage surges
Valeo	403001	350–500	Budget option, suitable for temporary replacement
Satem	SR-121F	250–400	Poor quality contacts, often burns out

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to:

• 🔍 Contact type - must be massive, without signs of corrosion.
• 📏 Dimensions — the relay should fit tightly into the socket without play.
• 🔧 Presence of spring lock - it is often absent on cheap fakes.

On Almera Classic after 2010, there may be a relay marked in the fuse box TYCO 1451205-2 - it is fully compatible with the original one, but is 30-40% cheaper.

Frequently asked questions about the low beam relay (FAQ)

Is it possible to drive without a low beam relay by closing the contacts?

Technically yes, but this extremely dangerous. With direct contact closure 30 And 87 The headlights will remain on continuously, even when the ignition is turned off. This will lead to:

• The battery drains in 2–3 hours.
• Overheating of wiring (risk of fire).
• Failure of lamps due to voltage surges.

Use this method only for temporary testing of the circuit!

Why does a new relay burn out quickly?

If the relay fails repeatedly, the problem lies in:

• Short circuit in headlight wiring (check insulation).
• Faulty light switch (contact 56b may “stick”)
• Weak mass on the body (check the contact under the panel).
• Use high power lamps (more than 55W).

Before replacing the relay, be sure to check these components!

How to distinguish a low beam relay from a high beam relay?

On Almera Classic low and high beam relay externally identical, but have different markings:

• Low beam - HEAD LAMP LO or 25230-4M000.
• High beam - HEAD LAMP HI or 25230-4M005.

You can also navigate by nests: near - #17, distant - #18.

What should I do if the headlights turn dim after replacing the relay?

Dim headlights after replacing a relay are usually associated with:

• Oxidation contacts in headlight connectors (clean them with sandpaper).
• Malfunction generator (voltage in the on-board network is below 13.5V).
• Wear and tear lamps (lamp life H7 - 2–3 years).

Check the voltage at the headlight contacts with a multimeter - it should be at least 12.5V.

Is the relay suitable for other Nissan models?

Yes, low beam relay from the following models Nissan compatible with Almera Classic:

• Nissan Primera P12 (2002–2008).
• Nissan Sunny B15 (2000–2006).
• Nissan Tiida C11 (2004–2012).

Relays from Renault Megane 2 And Samsung SM3 (Korean version Almera Classic).