Nissan Almera N16 is a popular car, but its starter, like many used cars, requires replacement or repair over time. If you hear a characteristic grinding noise when starting the engine, clicks without cranking, or notice that the starter turns “tightly”, it’s time to check it. A car service center will charge from 3 to 6 thousand rubles for this work, but if you have the tools and patience, you can do it yourself.
In this article - step-by-step algorithm for removing the starter taking into account the specifics Almera N16 (including models with engines QG15DE And QG18DE). We'll figure out what keys and heads you will need how to get to the starter mounts without removing the box, and what to do if the bolts are stuck. You will also find spare parts compatibility table, warnings about common errors and answers to frequently asked questions.
Preparation: tools and working conditions
Before you get under the hood, make sure you have everything you need. Minimum set of tools to remove the starter Almera N16:
- 🔧 Set of heads (required)
10 mm,12 mm,14 mm) with extension and ratchet wrench - 🔧 Socket wrench on
14 mm(for lower starter bolt) - 🔧 Flat blade screwdriver (for disconnecting terminals)
- 🔧 WD-40 or similar penetrating lubricant (if bolts are soured)
- 🔧 Jack and stops (if you need to lift the car)
- 🔧 Gloves and a flashlight (the lighting under the hood leaves much to be desired)
It is more convenient to work on overpass or inspection hole, but in their absence you can get by with a jack. The main thing is secure the car with the handbrake and place chocks under the rear wheels, since you will have to exert force when unscrewing the bolts. If the starter is being removed for the first time, take a photo of the location of the terminals and wires in advance - this will simplify reassembly.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to remove the starter on a hot engine! Metal expands when heated, making the bolts more difficult to remove. Let the car cool for 2-3 hours.
- On the overpass
- In a garage with a pit
- On the street with a jack
- At the car service
Where is the starter located on Nissan Almera N16?
On Almera N16 starter is located to the right of the engine (if viewed in the direction of travel), between the cylinder block and the gearbox. It can be easily identified by two thick wires: red (positive from the battery) and black (control from the ignition switch). Unlike many foreign cars, on this model the starter not hidden behind a pallet, but access to the lower mounting bolt is still difficult.
To see the starter, just open the hood and look into the space between the engine and the radiator. For convenience, you can remove air filter (unscrew the 4 bolts on 10 mm and disconnect the pipe). This will open up the view and make it easier to access the top mounting bolt.
How to distinguish a starter from a generator?
The starter is located closer to the gearbox and is cylindrical in shape with a small relay (retractor) attached to it. The generator is located higher, closer to the front of the engine, and has a pulley with a belt.
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the starter
The process of dismantling the starter Nissan Almera N16 can be divided into 5 key stages. Follow the instructions strictly in order to avoid damaging the wiring or bolt threads.
1. Disconnecting the battery terminals
First of all remove the negative terminal from the battery (key on 10 mm). This will prevent short circuits when working with the starter wires. You don’t have to touch the positive terminal, but if you plan to completely replace the starter, it’s better to disconnect it too.
2. Removing wires from the starter
At the starter Almera N16 two wires:
- 🔴 Thick red (battery powered) - secured with a nut on
12 mm. - ⚫ Slim black (control signal) - is held on a plastic connector (snap it off with a screwdriver).
First unscrew the nut of the red wire, then carefully remove the black connector. Do not pull on the wires - they are fragile!
3. Unscrewing the fastening bolts
Starter on Almera N16 fastened two bolts:
- 🔝 Top bolt - accessible from above, unscrewed with a head on
14 mm. - 🔽 Bottom bolt - the most problematic. To get to it, you will have to work from under the car (you need a head on
14 mmwith extension cord).
If the bolts do not budge, treat them with WD-40 and wait 10-15 minutes. Do not use excessive force - stripped threads in the engine block will be costly!
Negative battery terminal disconnected|
The red wire nut is unscrewed|
Black wire connector removed|
Both fastening bolts (upper and lower) are unscrewed -->
4. Removing the starter
After unscrewing the bolts, the starter should easily come out of its seat. Gently pull it towards the front of the car. If it is “jammed”, do not pull - check if one of the wires or fasteners is in the way.
On some Almera N16 (especially with air conditioning) the starter may rest against the system pipes. In this case, you will have to slightly lift the engine with a jack (under a support) or remove the crankcase protection.
5. Inspection and preparation for installation of a new starter
Inspect the removed starter for:
- 🔍 Brush wear (if they are shorter than 5 mm, replacement is required).
- 🔍 Solenoid relay states (when 12V is applied it should click).
- 🔍 Shaft play (if yes, the bearings are worn out).
If the starter needs to be repaired, clean it of dirt and lubricate the rubbing parts. When installing a new starter, compare it with the original - sometimes Chinese analogues have different Bendix gear sizes.
Before installing a new starter, check the operation of the solenoid relay by connecting it directly to the battery. If the relay does not click, the starter is defective!
Table: Starter compatibility for Nissan Almera N16
When purchasing a new starter, it is important to choose a model that is compatible with your engine. Below is the data for Almera N16 with motors QG15DE (1.5 l) and QG18DE (1.8 l):
| Engine | Original number | Analogs (brand) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
QG15DE |
23300-4M500 | Bosch 0001108156, Valeo 438084 | Fits models up to 2004 |
QG18DE |
23300-4M501 | Denso 280000-8660, Hitachi S124-011 | The kit should include a 9-tooth gear |
| Both engines | — | StarLine SL-0101, Fenox ST10101 | Budget analogues, require inspection before installation |
When choosing, pay attention to number of teeth on bendix gear - for Almera N16 it must be 9 or 10 (depending on the year of manufacture). Also check that the kit comes with new mounting bolts - they often come with spring washers for secure fixation.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when replacing a starter. Here most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:
- Wiring damage when disconnecting the terminals. Never pull on the wires - first unscrew the nut, then remove the terminal. If the connector is stuck, use a screwdriver to carefully pry it off.
- Broken threads of bolts. Starter bolts on Almera N16 often get stuck. Always treat them with WD-40 and use hex head, not an open-end wrench.
- Incorrect starter installation. When installing, make sure that the Bendix gear does not rest against the flywheel. Turn the crankshaft by hand (by the pulley bolt) - the starter should engage without resistance.
- Forgetting to check the solenoid relay. If after replacement the starter clicks but does not turn, the problem may be in the relay. Before installation, check it with a multimeter.
⚠️ Attention: If, after removing the starter, you find cracks or traces of oil on its body, this is a sign breakdown to the body. In this case, it is necessary not only to replace the starter, but also to check the engine grounding circuit.
On the Nissan Almera N16, the starter can be removed without removing the gearbox, but access to the lower bolt will require a head extension.
What to do if the starter cannot be removed?
Sometimes the starter gets stuck in its seat due to corrosion or deformation of the housing. Here 3 ways to solve the problem:
- 🔨 Light tapping hammer through a wooden spacer on the starter body (not on the gear!). This will help move it out of place.
- 🔧 Using the puller. If the starter is “stuck” to the block, you can carefully pry it off with a mounting blade, but without fanaticism - the aluminum starter housing is easy to damage.
- 🔥 Case heating. As a last resort, you can warm up the starter housing with a hair dryer (not an open flame!). The metal will expand and the part will come out easier.
If none of the methods help, check if it is interfering heat shield (on some versions Almera N16 it is installed above the starter). It can be temporarily removed by unscrewing the 2 bolts on 10 mm.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing the starter on Nissan Almera N16
Is it possible to replace the starter without removing the gearbox?
Yes, on Nissan Almera N16 The starter can be removed without dismantling the gearbox. However, to access the lower mounting bolt, you will need to work from under the car (you need a hole or overpass).
Which starter is better to choose: original or analogue?
Original starters (23300-4M500 or 23300-4M501) more reliable, but more expensive (from 8,000 rubles). Analogues from Bosch or Valeo cheaper (4,000–6,000 rubles) and often not inferior in quality. The main thing is to check compatibility using the catalog.
How long does it take to replace a starter?
If you have the tools and experience - 1.5–2 hours. If the bolts are stuck or the contacts need to be cleaned, the process can take up to 3–4 hours.
What should I do if, after replacement, the starter turns, but the engine does not start?
There are several reasons:
- Faulty solenoid relay (does not fully extend the bendix).
- Worn out flywheel (the teeth are worn out and the bendix slips).
- Problems with signal from the ignition switch (check the black wire on the starter).
Start by checking the contacts and supplying 12V directly to the starter.
Does the starter need to be lubricated before installation?
Yes, but only rubbing parts (shaft, bendix gear). Use high temperature lubricant (eg LIQUI MOLY Thermoflex). Do not lubricate electrical contacts!