Cigarette lighter in Nissan Almera G15 - one of the most popular elements of a car's electrical system. It is used not only for its intended purpose, but also for connecting chargers, DVRs, navigators and even compressors. However, over time, the cigarette lighter fuse may blow, leaving you unable to use these devices. In this article we will look at where the cigarette lighter fuse is located in Almera G15, how to check it, replace it and avoid common mistakes.
Feature cigarette lighter fuse The problem with this model is that it is often combined with other electrical circuits, such as the 12V outlet in the trunk or the audio system. This means that if it fails, several devices may stop working at once. We will consider in detail all the nuances: from the location of the fuse box to choosing the correct rating and diagnosing faults.
Where is the cigarette lighter fuse located in Nissan Almera G15
B Nissan Almera G15 (2013–2019 model years) the cigarette lighter fuse is located in interior fuse box, which is located to the left of the steering column, behind the plastic cover. This block is also called passenger side fuse box or indoor unit. To access it, you must:
- Open the driver's door and sit in the seat.
- Find the plastic cover on the left side of the steering column (it usually has a latch or lock on the bottom).
- Carefully pry the cover with your finger or a flat-head screwdriver and remove it.
After removing the cover, you will see the fuse box with symbols. Cigarette lighter fuse Almera G15 is marked F37 (in some modifications - F38) and denomination 15 Amps. It is important to note that depending on the year of manufacture and vehicle equipment, the location may differ slightly, but the general principle remains the same.
- Daily
- Several times a week
- Rarely
- Only in emergency cases
Fuse box diagram and symbology
In order not to get confused by the abundance of fuses, below is a table with a breakdown of the main elements of the interior unit for Nissan Almera G15. Please note that the cigarette lighter fuse is in bold for easy reference.
| Designation | Denomination (A) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
F36 |
10 | Interior lighting, dashboard lighting |
F37 |
15 | Cigarette lighter, 12V socket (front) |
F38 |
15 | 12V socket (trunk), audio system (in some trim levels) |
F40 |
10 | Body Control Module (BCM) |
F42 |
20 | Headlight washers, heated rear window |
If your car's cigarette lighter fuse is marked as F38, this means that the manufacturer combined its circuit with an outlet in the trunk. In this case, if the fuse blows, both connectors will stop working. To avoid confusion, it is recommended to check with instruction manual your modification Almera G15 or use the diagram, which is usually printed on the inside of the fuse box cover.
If there is no diagram on the block cover, take a photo of it before removing it - this will help you quickly navigate when reinstalling it.
How to check the cigarette lighter fuse: step-by-step instructions
Before replacing the fuse, you must make sure that it is the one that caused the malfunction. For this you will need multimeter or visual inspection. Follow the instructions:
Turn off the ignition and de-energize the car (disconnect the negative terminal of the battery)|Remove the fuse box cover|Locate fuse F37 (15A) and remove it with tweezers|Inspect the fuse for broken thread or melting|Check the continuity of the circuit with a multimeter in continuity mode-->
If the fuse appears intact, but the cigarette lighter does not work, the cause may be:
- 🔌 Oxidation of contacts in the cigarette lighter socket or fuse box.
- 🔋 Malfunction of the cigarette lighter itself (the spiral is burnt out or the wiring is damaged).
- ⚡ Short circuit in a circuit caused by a faulty device (for example, a charger with damaged insulation).
To check with a multimeter, set it to mode calls (or resistance measurements) and touch the fuse contacts with the probes. If the device shows 0 ohm or beeps - the fuse is good. If the resistance tends to infinity (OL), which means the thread is burnt out.
⚠️ Attention: Never test a fuse for a spark by connecting it to a battery. This may cause damage to the vehicle's electrical circuit or even a fire.
How to properly replace the cigarette lighter fuse
If diagnostics confirm that the fuse is blown, it must be replaced. To do this:
- Purchase a new fuse rated 15 Amps (color - blue). Using a fuse of a different rating may damage the wiring!
- Make sure the ignition is turned off and the key is removed from the lock.
- Using plastic tweezers (usually attached to the block cover), remove the faulty fuse.
- Install a new fuse in the same connector, observing polarity (although fuses usually do not have polarity, but the contacts must fit tightly).
- Close the unit cover and check the operation of the cigarette lighter.
If the fuse blows again after replacement, this indicates short circuit in the chain. In this case it is necessary:
- 🔍 Check all devices connected to the cigarette lighter (perhaps one of them is damaged).
- 🔧 Inspect the cigarette lighter connector for melting or oxidation.
- 🚗 Contact a service to diagnose the wiring (the insulation of the wires may be damaged).
Using a fuse with a rating higher than 15A can lead to melting of the wiring and fire! Always use fuses recommended by the manufacturer.
Typical mistakes when replacing the cigarette lighter fuse
Many owners Nissan Almera G15 make mistakes that can lead to repeated failure of the fuse or even damage to the vehicle's electronics. Let's look at the most common of them:
- Using "bugs" (homemade jumpers made of foil or wire). This is extremely dangerous as it may cause a fire or damage the fuse box.
- Installing a fuse of a different rating. For example, replacing 15A with 20A or 25A will overload the circuit.
- Ignoring the cause of burnout. If the new fuse blows again, you need to look for a short and not just replace it.
- Inaccurate fuse removal metal tools, which may damage the unit connector.
Important: In the Nissan Almera G15, the cigarette lighter fuse protects not only the connector itself, but also part of the audio system circuit. When installing a fuse with an overrated rating, the risk of damage to the radio or amplifier increases several times.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the fuse the cigarette lighter works, but the audio system gives an error or refuses to turn on, check the fuse F38 (if he is responsible for the socket in the trunk). Perhaps the problem lies in the common circuit.
What to do if replacing the fuse does not help
If the cigarette lighter still does not work after replacing the fuse, the problem may lie deeper. Let's look at possible causes and ways to eliminate them:
- 🔌 Malfunction of the cigarette lighter itself:
- Check the glow plug (it may burn out or oxidize).
- Inspect the connector contacts for corrosion or mechanical damage.
- 🔋 Wiring problems:
- Check the wires from the cigarette lighter to the fuse box for breaks.
- Check the grounding (grounding) of the cigarette lighter - often oxidation of the contact with the body leads to a malfunction.
- ⚡ Fuse box malfunction:
- In rare cases, the unit itself may fail (for example, due to moisture).
- Check the voltage at the input and output of the unit using a multimeter.
If you do not have the skills to work with automotive electrics, it is recommended to contact a service center. For example, short circuit in the cigarette lighter circuit may be caused by damage to the insulation of the wires under the dashboard, and without special equipment it will be difficult to find it.
How to check the weight of the cigarette lighter?
To check the ground (ground) of the cigarette lighter, follow these steps:
1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
2. Remove the trim around the cigarette lighter (a flat head screwdriver may be required).
3. Find the black wire coming from the cigarette lighter - this is ground.
4. Disconnect the connector and check the resistance between the ground contact and the car body (should be close to 0 Ohm).
If resistance is high or absent, clean the contact from oxidation or restore the connection to the body.
Prevention: how to avoid blowing the cigarette lighter fuse
To ensure that the cigarette lighter fuse is in Nissan Almera G15 served longer, follow simple recommendations:
- 🔌 Do not connect multiple powerful devices at the same time (for example, a compressor and laptop charger). The maximum load on the cigarette lighter is 120–150 W.
- 🔋 Use quality chargers with short circuit protection. Cheap Chinese adapters often cause fuses to blow.
- 🔧 Clean the cigarette lighter socket regularly from dust and oxidation. To do this, you can use alcohol and a cotton swab.
- ⚡ Do not leave devices in the cigarette lighter for a long time, especially with the ignition off. This may drain the battery or cause overheating.
It is also worth paying attention to quality of contacts in the connector. If the cigarette lighter gets hot or sparks when connecting devices, this is a sign of poor contact, which will eventually lead to a blown fuse. In this case, it is recommended to replace the connector itself or restore its contacts.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the cigarette lighter fuse in Almera G15
Can I use a 20A fuse instead of a 15A fuse?
No, this is strictly prohibited. The 15A fuse is designed for the maximum load of the cigarette lighter circuit. Installing a fuse with a higher rating may result in melted wiring or even a fire.
Why does the cigarette lighter fuse blow immediately after replacement?
This indicates short circuit in the chain. The reasons may be different: a damaged charger, exposed wires under the dashboard, or a malfunction of the cigarette lighter itself. Diagnostics required.
Where else in the Almera G15 could there be a fuse responsible for the cigarette lighter?
In some trim levels Almera G15 The fuse is responsible for the cigarette lighter F38 (15A), which also controls the socket in the trunk. Check the diagram on the fuse box cover.
Can I fix the cigarette lighter myself?
Yes, if the problem is a burnt-out spiral or oxidized contacts. To do this, you need to disassemble the cigarette lighter, clean the contacts and, if necessary, replace the spiral. However, if the reason is in the wiring, it is better to contact the service.
What is the maximum voltage that can be supplied to the cigarette lighter?
Cigarette lighter in Almera G15 designed for 12V voltage. Connecting devices with a voltage of 24V or higher will lead to failure of both the fuse and the circuit itself.