Introduction: why it is important to know the location of the starter relay on Almera G15

Owners Nissan Almera G15 (2013–2022 model years) often encounter engine starting problems associated with starter relay. This small but critical element is responsible for transferring current from the battery to the starter solenoid relay. If the relay fails, the car either does not start at all or does so with difficulty - especially in cold weather or after a long stay.

The main difficulty for car owners is not knowing the exact location of the relay. Unlike classical schemes, where the starter relay is located under the hood next to the battery, in Almera G15 the manufacturer hid it in the interior mounting block. Moreover, on gasoline and diesel versions (with engines HR16DE And K9K) location may vary slightly. In this article you will find accurate photographs, diagrams and step-by-step instructions taking into account the characteristics of specific modifications.

Where is the starter relay located on Nissan Almera G15: photo and diagram

B Nissan Almera G15 the starter relay is located in fuse and relay mounting block, which is located in the car interior - to the left of the steering column, under the instrument panel. To gain access you must:

  1. Open the driver's door and sit in the seat.
  2. Press the lock of the mounting block cover (located at the bottom of the panel, under the steering wheel).
  3. Gently pull the cover towards you - it will come off without tools.

The starter relay in the block is designated as R17 (there is a numbered diagram on the block cover). Visually this is a standard 4-pin relay black with markings 12V 30A. Below is a block diagram for clarity:

Relay number Purpose Denomination Note
R17 Starter relay 12V 30A Black, 4 contacts
R18 Fuel pump relay 12V 15A Red color
F30 Starter fuse 10A Next to the relay R17

Photo of the Nissan Almera G15 mounting block indicating the starter relay R17

📊 What engine does your Almera G15 have?
  • HR16DE (petrol, 1.6 l)
  • K9K (diesel, 1.5 l)
  • Other petrol
  • Other diesel

Differences in relay location on gasoline and diesel versions

Although the mounting block is on all Almera G15 identical, there are nuances for diesel modifications with the engine K9K:

  • 🔧 On petrol versions (HR16DE) the starter relay is always in position R17.
  • ⚙️ On diesel (K9K) the relay can be duplicated by a second copy in position R23 (backup relay for preheating system).
  • ⚡ In diesel versions, the starter relay often has blue marking (instead of black), but the denomination remains 30A.

If your machine is equipped with Start/Stop (available on European versions), the starter relay can be integrated into the control unit I-KEY. In this case, replacement requires diagnostics with a scanner Consult-III Plus, since the relay is not removable.

How to check if there is a backup relay on a diesel Almera G15?

On diesel versions with the K9K engine, the manufacturer sometimes installed a backup starter relay in position R23. To check its presence, remove the cover of the mounting block and inspect slot R23: if there is a relay marked 12V 30A (blue or black), this is a duplicate element. It can be used as a replacement for the main relay R17 in the event of a breakdown.

Signs of a Bad Starter Relay: How to Diagnose the Problem

Before replacing the relay, make sure that this is the problem. Main symptoms of malfunction:

  • 🚗 The starter does not respond to turning the key (there is no click of the retractor relay).
  • 🔊 A single click is heard, but the starter does not turn the engine.
  • 🔄 The starter works intermittently (it works, sometimes it doesn’t).
  • 💡 The indicator on the dashboard lights up KEY (immobilizer error indirectly related to the relay).

For an accurate diagnosis, follow these steps:

  1. Check the battery voltage (must be at least 12.4V).
  2. Try to start the car bypassing the relay: close the contacts with a screwdriver 30 And 87 on the relay connector (if the starter works, the relay is faulty).
  3. Test the relay with a multimeter: resistance between contacts 85 And 86 there must be 50–120 Ohm.
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If the starter makes a series of rapid clicks when you turn the key, the problem is more likely to be a dead battery or oxidized terminals, rather than a relay. Check the battery voltage under load (when trying to start, it should not fall below 10V).

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse a faulty starter relay with a breakdown. solenoid relay (located on the starter housing under the hood). If, when closing the relay contacts R17 The starter does not turn, the problem may be in the starter itself or the retractor.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the starter relay on Almera G15

Replacing the starter relay with Nissan Almera G15 takes no more than 5 minutes and requires no tools. Follow the instructions:

☑️ Preparing to replace the starter relay

Done: 0 / 4
  1. Turn off the power: remove the key from the ignition and open the driver's door (this will relieve the voltage in the circuit).
  2. Remove the unit cover: press the latch at the bottom of the panel and pull the cover towards you.
  3. Find the relay R17: refer to the diagram on the back of the cover or the photo above.
  4. Remove the faulty relay: gently pull it up, rocking it slightly from side to side.
  5. Install a new relay: insert it into slot R17 until it clicks. Make sure the pins match.
  6. Check functionality: insert the key and try to start the engine.

If the starter does not work after replacement, check:

  • 🔌 Fuse F30 (10A) in the same block - it can burn out during a short circuit.
  • 🔋 Condition of the battery terminals (oxidation or weak contact).
  • 🔧 Integrity of the wiring from the mounting block to the starter (the wire from the contact is especially vulnerable 87 relay).
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When buying a new relay, choose the original with the article number 25230-JD00A (Nissan) or analogues from Hella (article 4RA 003 567-121). Cheap Chinese relays are often underrated and quickly fail.

Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even such a simple procedure as replacing a relay can result in new problems if you make typical mistakes:

  1. Using a relay with a different rating: relay on 15A or 20A will not withstand the load of the starter and will burn out. Always take the relay to 30A.
  2. Mixing up contacts: when installing the relay upside down (contacts 85/86 And 30/87 swap places) the circuit will not close. Refer to the markings on the relay body.
  3. Ignoring the fuse: If the relay burns out, there is a high probability that the fuse has also blown F30. It also needs to be checked.
  4. Replacing only the relay in case of problems with the starter: if the relay burns out repeatedly, the reason may be short circuit in the starter circuit or malfunction of the retractor relay.
⚠️ Attention: On diesel Almera G15 with the system Start/Stop replacing a relay without resetting errors in the unit I-KEY may lead to activation of the immobilizer. In this case, you will need to retrain the keys (the procedure takes ~30 minutes and requires a scanner).

Alternative ways to start the engine with a faulty relay

If the starter relay fails on the road, and there is no replacement at hand, you can use temporary solutions:

  • 🔧 Closing contacts manually: remove the relay R17, find the contacts on its connector 30 And 87 (usually the extreme ones) and close them with a screwdriver. The starter will start turning, but be careful - a spark may jump if it shorts.
  • 🔄 Using a backup relay: if the block has a relay with the same rating (for example, R18 - fuel pump), you can temporarily swap them.
  • 🚗 Push launch: With a manual transmission, you can start the car if you accelerate to 10–15 km/h and engage 2nd gear (not recommended for automatic transmission!).

These methods are only suitable for emergency cases. Long-term operation with a faulty relay can lead to:

  • Overheating and melting of the contacts of the mounting block.
  • Failure of the starter solenoid relay.
  • Battery drain due to repeated starting attempts.
💡

If you close the contacts with a screwdriver and the starter does not turn, check to see if fuse F30 has blown. When shorted, it often burns out. As a last resort, you can temporarily insert a “bug” made of wire instead (only for getting to the service station!).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the starter relay on the Nissan Almera G15

Can I use a relay from another Nissan model?

Yes, but only if it has the same characteristics: 12V 30A, 4 contacts and identical pinout. Suitable relays from Nissan Note, Micra K13 or Juke (article 25230-JD00A). Relay from Qashqai J11 won't work - he has a different form of contacts.

Why does the starter relay burn out repeatedly?

Most often this is due to:

  1. Short circuit in the starter circuit (check the wiring from the relay to the starter).
  2. Malfunction of the solenoid relay (it creates an increased load).
  3. Weak battery (low voltage leads to increased current through the relay).

It is recommended that the starter circuit be fully inspected.

How to test the starter relay without a multimeter?

Can be used control lamp or LED tester:

  1. Connect one end of the tester to the contact 85 relay, second - to 86.
  2. Serve 12V to contacts 85 And 86 (for example, from a battery).
  3. If the relay is working properly, a click will be heard and the tester will show a short circuit between 30 And 87.
Do I need to remove the battery terminals when replacing the relay?

No, this is not necessary, since the relay is replaced with the ignition off. However, if you are afraid of a short circuit, you can remove the negative terminal. On diesel versions with the system Start/Stop Removing the terminals may reset the unit I-KEY, so it's better to do without it.

Where to buy an original starter relay for Almera G15?

Original relay (25230-JD00A) can be ordered:

  • From official dealers Nissan (price ~800–1200 rub.).
  • In online stores: Exist.ru, Autodoc, Kolesa-darom.
  • Analogues from Hella or Bosch (articles are listed above) are cheaper (~300–500 rubles), but are not inferior in quality.

Avoid buying in markets or dubious stores - there is a high risk of running into a fake.