Starter relay <em>Nissan Almera N16</em>: where is it located, how to check and replace

Owners Nissan Almera N16 (2000–2006) often encounter engine starting problems when the starter refuses to turn or makes clicking noises but does not engage. In 70% of such cases it is to blame starter relay - a small but critical element of the electrical circuit. Its malfunction can simulate a breakdown of the battery, starter, or even the immobilizer, which makes diagnosis more difficult.

In this article you will find exact location of the starter relay in Almera N16 (with photos and diagrams), signs of its failure, as well as step-by-step instructions for checking and replacing. We will figure out why the relay may click but not turn on the starter, and how to distinguish its breakdown from problems with Bendix or solenoid relay. The information is relevant for all modifications N16 with gasoline engines QG15DE (1.5 l) and QG18DE (1.8 l).

Where is the starter relay located in Nissan Almera N16: photos and diagrams

B Almera N16 the starter relay is located in fuse and relay mounting block, which is located inside the car - under the instrument panel, to the left of the steering column. To access the block, you must:

1. Open the driver's door and sit in the seat.
2. Press the lock of the block cover (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.

Starter relay in N16 is marked STARTER RELAY or R17 (depending on the year of manufacture). It is installed in top row of the block, third from the right (looking at the block from the driver's side). For clarity, the layout is shown below:

Relay number	Purpose	Location in the block
R15	Cooling fan relay	Top row, 1st from right
R16	Fuel pump relay	Top row, 2nd from right
R17	Starter relay	Top row, 3rd from right
R18	Heated rear window relay	Top row, 4th from right

Important! On some modifications Almera N16 (for example, for the Japanese market) the starter relay may have a different marking - R20 and be located in the bottom row. To avoid mistakes, focus on wire color, going to the relay: it should be red with black stripe (powered by ignition switch).

Signs of a faulty starter relay: how to distinguish it from other breakdowns

Starter relay in Nissan Almera N16 fails gradually, and its malfunction can be recognized by its characteristic symptoms. Here main featuresindicating a problem with the relay:

• 🔊 Clicking sound when turning the key, but the starter does not turn (or turns with a delay).
• 🔄 Multiple clicks in a row while holding the key in the "Start" position.
• 🔋 The starter works every once in a while - sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t (especially in wet weather).
• 🚗 The engine starts only after several attempts or after tapping the relay.

However, these same symptoms may indicate other problems:

• 🔋 Low battery - at low voltage the relay may not operate.
• 🔧 Starter solenoid relay malfunction (characteristic crackling or lack of click).
• 🔌 Oxidized contacts on the battery terminals or body ground.
• 🔑 Immobilizer problems (the "KEY" indicator lights up on the panel).

To accurately diagnose a relay failure, perform simple check:

1. Turn the key to the "Start" position and listen: if you hear single click, but the starter does not turn - the problem is in the relay or solenoid.
2. If there is no click at all, check fuse F30 (10A) in the mounting block (it is responsible for the starter relay circuit).
3. Try it knock on the relay (not much!) - if after this the starter works, the relay must be replaced.

How to test the starter relay Nissan Almera N16 multimeter

To accurately diagnose the starter relay, you will need multimeter (or control lamp) and minimal skills in working with electrical equipment. The verification is carried out in two stages: winding continuity And contact test.

Step 1: Removing the relay

Carefully remove the relay from the block (pull it up, shaking it slightly). In its place, you can temporarily install a known-good relay (for example, from a cooling fan) for testing.

Step 2. Check the winding

Connect the multimeter in resistance measurement mode (200 Ohm) to conclusions 85 And 86 (relay control contacts). A working winding should show a resistance in the range 50–120 Ohm. If the device shows 0 (short circuit) or ∞ (break) - the relay is faulty.

Step 3. Checking contacts

Connect 12V from battery to terminals 85 And 86 (polarity is not important). Between pins 30 And 87 should appear resistance 0 ohm (the contacts will close). If this does not happen, the relay must be replaced.

You can also check the relay by ear: when serving 12V a clear click should be heard at the control contacts - this means that the armature is triggered and closes the power contacts.

Remove the relay from the mounting block|Ring the winding (50–120 Ohms)|Check the contacts for operation (0 Ohms when 12V is supplied)|Make sure there are no melts on the body-->

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the starter relay

If the diagnostics confirm that the relay is faulty, it must be replaced. For Nissan Almera N16 The following types of relays are suitable:

• 🔧 Original relay Nissan 25230-4M000 (or 25230-4M00A for later models).
• 🔧 Analogues: Bosch 0 332 019 150, Hella 4RA 003 507-261, Meat & Doria RLY-101.
• 🔧 Universal relays with parameters: 12V, 30/40A, type SPST-NO (normally open contacts).

Replacement Tools:

— Flat-head screwdriver (for removing the unit cover).

— Tweezers or thin pliers (for removing the relay).

— New relay (preferably original or proven analogue).

Step by step replacement:

1. Disable negative battery terminal (to avoid short circuit).
2. Remove the cover of the mounting block (press the lock at the bottom of the panel).
3. Locate the starter relay (R17) and carefully remove it by pulling it up. If the relay is stuck, shake it slightly from side to side.
4. Install the new relay in the same socket (make sure the contacts match).
5. Return the unit cover to its place and connect the battery terminal.
6. Check the starter operation.

What to do if the new relay does not work?

If the starter still does not engage after replacing the relay, check:

1. **Fuse F30 (10A)** - it could burn out in a short circuit.

2. **Contacts in the relay connector** - they often oxidize or burn.

3. **Wiring from the ignition switch** (red with a black stripe) - a break or poor contact is possible.

4. **Starter solenoid relay** - if it is faulty, the starter will not turn even with a working relay.

Common mistakes when diagnosing and replacing the starter relay

Many owners Nissan Almera N16 make mistakes that complicate repairs or lead to repeated breakdowns. Here are the most common of them:

⚠️ Attention! Never check if the starter relay is working properly. jumper (by short-circuiting the contacts 30 And 87 screwdriver). This may lead to wiring fire or starter failure!

• 🔧 Ignoring fuse F30 - if it burns out, the new relay will also not work.
• 🔋 Checking the relay without removing it — often the contacts oxidize in the connector, but the relay itself is working properly.
• 🔌 Replacing a relay with an incompatible one - for example, with operating current 10A instead of 30A.
• 🛠️ No weight check — a bad negative contact on the body can simulate a relay malfunction.

Another common mistake is buying cheap Chinese analogues. Such relays often fail after 1–2 months due to poor quality contacts. The best option is the original relay Nissan or trusted brands (Bosch, Hella).

Critical Information: B Almera N16 with immobilizer Nats A faulty starter relay can prevent the engine from starting even with a working key. If after replacing the relay the car does not start and the “KEY” indicator is flashing on the panel, the immobilizer error must be reset (a diagnostic scanner is needed).

Starter relay cost and where to buy it

Starter relay price for Nissan Almera N16 depends on the type and place of purchase. Below is the current cost table:

Relay type	Manufacturer	Price, rub.	Where to buy
Original	Nissan 25230-4M000	1 200–1 800	Official dealers, Exist.ru
Analogue premium	Bosch 0 332 019 150	800–1 200	Auto stores, Wildberries
Analogue average	Meat & Doria RLY-101	400–600	Auto analysis, AliExpress
Budget	No brand (China)	200–350	AliExpress, local markets

When purchasing, pay attention to:

• 📦 Packaging - original relay Nissan has a holographic sticker.
• 🔍 Marking - it must be indicated on the body 12V 30A/40A.
• 🔧 Compatibility - relay from Nissan Primera P12 or Almera Classic N16 will also do.

It is not recommended to buy a relay at a repair shop - it may already be worn out. The best option is new originals or proven analogues from Bosch/Hella.

Preventing problems with the starter relay

To extend the life of the starter relay in Nissan Almera N16, follow these guidelines:

• 🔋 Monitor your battery status - low voltage (11.5V) increases the load on the relay.
• 🔌 Clean your contacts the mounting block and battery terminals at least once a year.
• 🚗 Avoid lengthy startup attempts (more than 5 seconds) - this leads to overheating of the relay.
• 🔧 Check the weight on the body - poor contact causes current surges.

Also useful once every six months remove the relay and inspect it for melting or corrosion. If the contacts in the unit connector are blackened, clean them special liquid for contacts (For example, Kontakt 60).

If your Almera N16 often sits outside in wet weather, consider installing sealed case on the mounting block - this will protect the relay from moisture and oxidation.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the starter relay Nissan Almera N16

Is it possible to drive with a faulty starter relay?

Technically it is possible, but it is not safe. If the relay is “stuck” in the closed state, the starter will turn constantly, which will lead to overheating and fire. In addition, a faulty relay can cause battery discharge or even a fire in the mounting block.

What is the difference between a starter relay and a solenoid relay?

These are two different devices:

• Starter relay (in the mounting block) - controls the supply of current to the solenoid relay upon command from the ignition switch.
• Solenoid relay (on the starter housing) - retracts the bendix and closes the starter contacts.

If it clicks but does not turn, the problem may be in both relays. Check what's in the block first (it's cheaper and easier to replace).

Can the starter relay be repaired or is it just a replacement?

In most cases, the relay cannot be repaired - its contacts burn out over time, and the winding may burn out. However, if the problem is oxidized connector contacts, they can be cleaned and the relay can be restored to functionality. To do this:

1. Remove the relay and inspect the contacts 85, 86, 30, 87.
2. Clean them up fine sandpaper or special liquid.
3. Check with a multimeter - if the resistance is normal, the relay can be returned to its place.

But this is a temporary solution - over time, the relay will still fail.

Why does the starter spin after replacing the relay, but the engine does not start?

If the starter turns but the engine does not start, the problem is not with the relay. Possible reasons:

• 🔧 Immobilizer malfunction (KEY light flashes).
• 🔋 No spark (check spark plugs, ignition coils).
• ⛽ No fuel supply (check fuel pump, fuse F15).
• 📊 Errors in the ECU (needs diagnostics with a scanner).

The starter relay is only responsible for starter rotation, but not for starting the engine.

Which starter relay is suitable for other Nissan models?

On Almera N16 Relays from the following models are suitable:

• Nissan Primera P12 (2002–2007) - original issue 25230-4M00A.
• Nissan Almera Classic N16 (2006–2012) - full compatibility.
• Nissan Sunny B15 (1999–2004) - relay with markings 25230-4M000.
• Renault Megane 2 (2002–2008) - relay Bosch 0 332 019 150.

The main thing is that the relay is designed for 12V and current 30–40A.