<em>Nissan Almera</em> starter retractor relay: how to recognize a breakdown and fix it without a service station

The starter is one of the most loaded components in Nissan Almera, and its “weak link” is often the solenoid relay. If in the morning the car refuses to start the first time, clicks are heard without cranking the engine, or the starter works “every time”, in 80% of cases this device is the culprit. Unlike breakdowns of the starter itself, problems with the relay can be diagnosed and fixed independently - without expensive repairs at the service center.

In this article we will analyze specific symptoms of a malfunctioning solenoid relay on Almera N16, G15 And G11, we’ll show you how to check it with a multimeter in 10 minutes, and give step-by-step instructions for replacing it. And we’ll also reveal the hidden reason for frequent relay breakdowns on Almerias with a mileage of over 150 thousand km, which even experienced craftsmen are silent about.

How does the solenoid relay work and why does it break?

Solenoid relay (aka starter traction relay) performs two key functions:

• 🔌 Closes the circuit between the battery and the starter motor, supplying current to the windings.
• 🔄 Pulls out the bendix (overrunning clutch) to engage the engine flywheel.

Structurally, the relay consists of:

• 🧲 Pull-in winding (creates a magnetic field when current is applied).
• 🔗 Holding winding (fixes the anchor in the closed position).
• 🔘 Contact group (copper coins that burn over time).
• 🏗️ Return spring (retracts the bendix after starting the engine).

On Nissan Almera The relay most often fails for three reasons:

1. Natural wear and tear contact plates (especially on machines older than 10 years).
2. Overheating due to prolonged attempts to start the engine (for example, in winter).
3. Corrosion inside the relay housing due to moisture ingress (relevant for Almera Classic with poor sealing of the engine compartment).

⚠️ Attention: If your Almera has a non-original starter (for example, from Bosch or Valeo), the life of the solenoid relay can be reduced by 30–40%. Cheap analogues are often equipped with relays with thin contact plates that burn out in 1–2 years.

Signs of a malfunction: when the relay is to blame, not the battery

Many car owners confuse the symptoms of a “dying” relay with a dead battery or a faulty starter. Here 5 Key Signsthat the problem is in the traction relay:

Symptom	What's going on	Probable Cause
Clicks without scrolling	When you turn the key, you hear a distinct click, but the starter does not turn.	The relay contacts are burnt or the pull-in winding is broken.
Starting "the second time"	The first turn of the key - a click and silence, the second - the starter fires.	Worn contact plates or weakened return spring.
The starter turns "idle"	The engine does not start, the Bendix grinding is heard.	The relay does not extend the bendix all the way (problem with the armature).
Smoke and burning smell	There is a smell of burning plastic coming from under the hood, and traces of melting are visible.	Short circuit in the relay windings.
The starter does not turn off	After the engine starts, the starter continues to rotate.	The relay armature is jammed or the holding winding is burnt out.

On Nissan Almera N16 (2000–2006) problems with contact group, and on Almera G15 (2012–2019) - from windings due to increased load on the starter (more powerful engine HR16DE).

Solenoid relay diagnostics: 3 ways to check

Before replacing the relay, make sure that this is the problem. Here three reliable diagnostic methodsthat do not require special equipment:

1. Test “by ear” and “by touch”

When turning the key to the “Start” position:

• 🔊 Single click + the starter does not turn → burnt relay contacts.
• 🔊 Multiple clicks → The battery is discharged or the terminals have poor contact.
• 🤲 Relay gets hot after 2–3 startup attempts → short circuit in windings.

2. Check with a multimeter

For the test you will need a multimeter in mode 200 Ω (dialing).

Remove the relay from the starter (unscrew the 2 mounting bolts).

Connect the probes to the terminals 50 (control contact) and the housing.

There must be resistance 0.5–1.5 Ω (pull-in winding).

Connect the probes to the terminals 30 And 87 (power circuit).

There must be resistance 0 Ω (contacts are closed).

If the readings are different, the relay is faulty.-->

On Almera Classic (G11) normal resistance of the holding winding - 0.7–1.2 Ω, on Almera III (G15) — 0.9–1.4 Ω.

3. Direct connection (screwdriver method)

If you don’t have a multimeter at hand, you can close the relay contacts manually:

1. Disconnect the wire from the terminal 50 (thin wire going to the ignition switch).
2. Use a screwdriver with an insulated handle to close the terminals. 30 And 87 (thick bolts).
3. If the starter spins, the relay is at fault. If not, the problem is in the starter itself or the battery.

⚠️ Attention: When connecting terminals directly do not touch the starter housing with the screwdriver - this will cause a short circuit and may burn the fuse or wiring. Use the tool with dielectric handle!

Step-by-step replacement of the solenoid relay with Nissan Almera

You can replace the relay without removing the starter, but for convenience we recommend removing it from the car. On Almera N16 And G15 the process takes 30–40 minutes.

Required tools:

• 🔧 Spanner on 10 mm And 12 mm.
• 🔧 Socket wrench on 14 mm (for attaching the starter).
• 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat tip.
• 🧲 Suction cup for small parts (so as not to lose the spring).

Replacement instructions:

1. Disconnect the battery (remove the negative terminal).
2. Remove the starter:
   • On Almera N16: Unscrew the 3 mounting bolts (two on top, one on bottom).
   • On Almera G15: First remove the air filter, then unscrew the 2 starter bolts.
3. Disconnect the relay:
   • Unscrew the nuts from the terminals 30 And 50.
   • Remove the 2 bolts securing the relay to the starter housing.

Install a new relay in reverse order. Do not overtighten the bolts - this can deform the body.

The cost of the original relay for Nissan Almera:

• N16 (2000–2006): 23300-4M000 or 23300-4M005 (~2500–3500 ₽).
• G15 (2012–2019): 23300-JK00A (~3000–4000 ₽).

How to distinguish an original relay from a fake?

Original relay Nissan has:

1. Logo Nissan or Hitachi on the body (embossed, not a sticker).

2. Copper terminals with anti-corrosion coating (counterfeits have coated steel).

3. Plastic case with a uniform color (counterfeit ones often show traces of casting).

4. The kit includes a rubber sealing gasket (cheap analogues do not have it).

Tuning and prevention: how to extend the life of a relay

If you don't want to replace the solenoid relay every 2-3 years, follow these tips:

1. Strengthen your contacts:
   • 🔧 Clean the starter and battery terminals with sandpaper (P80).
   • 🔧 Apply to contacts copper grease (For example, Liqui Moly Kupfer-Spray).
2. Check the battery charge:
   • 🔋 The voltage at the terminals when the engine is off should be 12.6–12.8 V.
   • 🔋 Drops below when starting 10 V indicates a low battery.
3. Avoid long scrolling:
   • ⏱️ Do not keep the key in the “Start” position for longer 5 seconds.
   • ⏱️ If the engine does not start on the 3rd try, take a break 30 seconds.
4. Install a relay with reinforced contacts:
   • 🛠️ For Almera N16 fits relay from Mitsubishi L200 (article 23300-00502) - it can withstand high currents.
   • 🛠️ On Almera G15 you can install a relay from Renault Duster (article 23300-JK00B).

Common repair mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when working with the solenoid relay. Here TOP-5 misses and their consequences:

Error	What will happen	How to avoid
Replacing only the relay, not the starter	If the bendix or starter bushings are worn out, the new relay will quickly break.	Before replacing the relay, check the starter shaft play (acceptable value is 0.5 mm).
Using WD-40 to Clean Contacts	WD-40 is not a conductor! It increases resistance and accelerates corrosion.	Clean your contacts alcohol solution or a special cleaner (for example, Kontakt 60).
Retightening the relay mounting bolts	Cracks in the relay housing or deformation of the contact plates.	Tighten the bolts to torque 1.5–2 Nm (by hand, without jerking).
Buying a relay without checking the article number	Mismatch in current or dimensions (relay will not fit into place).	Check the article number with Partsouq or Nissan TechInfo.
Ignoring weight check	A bad ground on the motor will cause the relay to overheat.	Check the ground circuit from the battery to the engine (the resistance should be < 0.1 Ω).

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Almera G15 with the system Start/Stop (optional for the European market) the solenoid relay has reinforced structure. Installing a standard relay will lead to its failure in 3–6 months!

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to repair the solenoid relay or just replace it?

Theoretically, the relay can be restored: clean the contacts, replace the spring or rewind the winding. But in practice this is unprofitable:

• 🔧 Cleaning contacts gives a temporary effect (for 1–3 months).
• 💰 The cost of repairs in the service (~2000 ₽) is comparable to the price of a new relay.
• ⚡ Risk of short circuit after handicraft repair.

Conclusion: It is easier and more reliable to install a new relay.

Why does the starter work normally when cold, but when hot it clicks?

This problem is typical for Nissan Almera N16 and is related to:

1. Thermal expansion contact plates (when hot they become deformed and do not fit tightly).
2. Wear of the holding winding (when heated, its resistance increases, and the current is not enough to hold the armature).
3. Bad mass on the engine (when heated, oxides on the contacts impair conductivity).

Solution: Replace the relay and check the ground on the cylinder block.

Which relay should I install instead of the original one to make it last longer?

For Nissan Almera reinforced analogues are suitable:

Almera model	Recommended analogue	Article	Benefits
N16 (QG15DE/QG18DE)	Mitsubishi L200	23300-00502	Contacts made of oxygen-free copper, resource ~200 thousand km.
G15 (HR16DE)	Renault Duster	23300-JK00B	Reinforced return spring, suitable for systems Start/Stop.
G11 (GA15DE)	Toyota Corolla E12	28300-0D020	Thicker contact plates (thickness 2.5 mm against 1.8 mm from the original).

How much does it cost to replace the solenoid relay in the service?

Prices for 2026 (Moscow and regions):

• 🔧 Self-replacement: 0 ₽ (if there is a tool).
• 🔧 Service (without removing the starter): 800–1500 ₽.
• 🔧 Service (with starter removal): 1500–2500 ₽.
• 🔧 Diagnostics + replacement: 2000–3000 ₽.

Advice: If the service offers a replacement relay for 500 ₽, this is a reason to be wary. You will probably be supplied with a used part or a low-quality analogue.

Can a faulty relay damage the starter or battery?

Yes, and here's how:

• 🔋 For battery: If the relay “sticks” and does not open the circuit, the starter continues to turn after the engine starts. This drains the battery in 10-15 minutes and can damage it.
• 🔧 For starter:
  • Constant sticking of the relay leads to overheating of the windings starter.
  • If the bendix does not extend all the way, it erased about the flywheel (the cost of a new Bendix is ~1500 ₽).

Critical case: On Almera N16 with a faulty relay it can burn out main ignition relay (article 25230-4M000), since it is not designed for long-term loads.