Nissan Almera N16 (2000–2006) is a popular sedan, but its owners often encounter fuel system problems. One of the common malfunctions is the failure of the fuel pump, which is often associated with the **control relay**. Find this relay on Almera N16 not so simple: depending on the year of manufacture and configuration, its location may differ. This article contains exact diagrams, photos indicating the location and step-by-step instructions on how to test the relay without special equipment.
We will analyze not only where exactly to look for the fuel pump relay (in the fuse box or under the hood), but also how to distinguish it from other relays, what signs indicate its malfunction, and what to do if the problem does not disappear after replacement. Information is relevant for all petrol versions Nissan Almera N16 with engines QG15DE (1.5 l) and QG18DE (1.8 l).
Where is the fuel pump relay on Nissan Almera N16: exact coordinates
On Almera N16 The fuel pump relay is located in interior fuse box, which is located to the left of the steering column, under the plastic cover. However, there is a nuance here: depending on the sales market (Europe, Japan, Russia) and the year of manufacture of the car, the layout of the unit may differ slightly. Below is a universal diagram for most versions:
- 🔧 Main place: interior fuse box (next to the clutch pedal). The fuel pump relay is usually designated as
FUEL PUMP RELAYor is markedR17. - 🔍 How to find: open the unit cover (pull it towards you), find the diagram on the back side. The fuel pump relay is located in top row, third or fourth from right (see photo below).
- ⚠️ Exception: on some versions for the Japanese market the relay may be located in engine compartment (near the battery).
In order not to confuse the fuel pump relay with others, pay attention to its color and shape: it is usually black or dark gray, with markings 12V 30A on the body. For clarity, below is a table with the location of the relay in different versions Almera N16:
| Year of manufacture | Sales market | Relay location | Number in block |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–2003 | Europe/Russia | Cabin block (to the left of the steering wheel) | R17 |
| 2004–2006 | Europe/Russia | Cabin block (top row, 3rd from right) | R19 |
| 2000–2006 | Japan | Engine compartment (next to the battery) | R5 |
If you are unsure of the location, use tester: When the ignition is turned on, the relay should make a slight click. No sound is the first sign of a problem.
- In the salon block
- In the engine compartment
- I don't know, I haven't looked yet
- Another option
Signs of a faulty fuel pump relay: when is it time to check
Fuel pump relay Nissan Almera N16 rarely fails suddenly - it is usually preceded by characteristic symptoms. If you notice at least one of the following symptoms, you should check the relay first:
- ⚡ Engine won't start, but the starter turns. At the same time, the operation of the fuel pump is not heard in the cabin (there is no characteristic buzzing when the ignition is turned on).
- ⛽ Floating speed at idle or failures during acceleration. This may indicate intermittent relay operation.
- 🔥 Smell of gasoline in the cabin or under the hood. Sometimes a faulty relay causes the fuel pump wiring to overheat.
- 🚗 The car stalls while driving, but after a few minutes it starts again. A typical sign of a "dying" relay.
It is important to distinguish a relay malfunction from problems with the fuel pump itself or the fuse. For example, if when you turn on the ignition the pump doesn't buzz at all, check the fuse first F17 (15A) in the same block. If the fuse is intact and the pump is silent, the relay is to blame or the circuit is open.
⚠️ Attention: If the engine does not start and the fuel pump relay clicks, but the pump does not work, do not rush to change it. Perhaps the problem is fuel pump mass (check the wire going to the body under the rear seat).
Before checking the relay, make sure that there is fuel in the gas tank - the level sensor is on Almera N16 sometimes it lies, and dry running of the pump can damage it.
How to check the fuel pump relay on a Nissan Almera N16: 3 ways
Checking the fuel pump relay does not require special skills. Below are three reliable methods, from simplest to more complex. Start with the first one, and if it doesn't work, move on to the next one.
Method 1: Test by hearing and replace with a known good one
The fastest method that works 80% of the time:
- Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine). You should hear the sound of the fuel pump running under the rear seat (buzzing for 2-3 seconds). If it is not there, the relay does not work.
- Look in the fuse block for relays with the same markings (for example, cooling fan relay). Swap them.
- If the fuel pump starts working after replacement, the relay is faulty. If not, the problem is in the circuit or the pump itself.
Method 2: Check with a multimeter
To do this, you will need a tester (multimeter) in resistance testing mode:
- Remove the relay from the block.
- Connect the multimeter probes to the contacts
85And86(relay coil). Resistance must be within50–120 Ohm. - Serve
12Vto contacts85And86(for example, from a battery). You should hear a click - this means that the contacts30And87closed up.
Method 3: Checking the voltage at the fuel pump connector
If the first two methods do not work, check the voltage directly at the pump connector:
- Remove the rear seat and open the fuel pump flap.
- Disconnect the pump power connector and connect a multimeter to it in
DC 20V. - Turn on the ignition. The voltage should be
12V. If it is not there, the problem is in the relay or wiring.
Check fuse F17 (15A)|Listen to the pump when the ignition is turned on|Swap the relay with a similar one|Check the winding resistance with a multimeter|Measure the voltage at the pump connector-->
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the fuel pump relay
If the relay is faulty, it must be replaced. The procedure takes no more than 5 minutes and does not require tools. Follow the instructions:
- Turn off the ignition and remove the negative terminal from the battery (this will prevent a short circuit).
- Open the fuse box cover (pull it towards you).
- Locate the fuel pump relay (see diagram above) and carefully remove it by pulling it up. Don't make any effort - if the relay does not come out, check if there are latches on the sides.
- Install a new relay (similarly marked) into the same connector. Make sure it is seated all the way.
- Connect the battery terminal and check the operation of the fuel pump (you should hear a buzzing sound when you turn on the ignition).
Cost of a new fuel pump relay for Nissan Almera N16 - from 300 to 800 rubles, depending on the manufacturer. Recommended brands: Bosch, Hella or original Nissan (article 25230-4M000).
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the fuel pump still does not work, check wiring from relay to pump (often rubbed under the rug) and mass (contact on the body under the rear seat).
Frequent mistakes during diagnostics and repairs
Many owners Nissan Almera N16 make typical mistakes that lead to unnecessary expenses or aggravation of the problem. That's what can't do:
- 🔧 Change the fuel pump without checking the relay. In 60% of cases, it is the relay that is to blame, not the pump. The check takes 5 minutes and saves up to
5,000 rubles. - ⚡ Ignore the fuse. If the relay is OK, but the pump does not work, first check the fuse
F17(15A). It often burns out during power surges. - 🔌 Connect the relay "at random". Some relays in the block look the same but have different functionality (for example, a fan relay and a pump relay). If you mix them up, you can burn the electronics.
- 🛠️ Trying to fix the relay. The relay is a non-repairable part. Even if you managed to temporarily restore contact, it will quickly fail again.
Another common mistake is do not check the ground of the fuel pump. On Almera N16 The mass often oxidizes or comes off, resulting in the same symptoms as a faulty relay. To check the weight:
- Remove the back seat and locate the black wire that runs from the fuel pump to the body.
- Disconnect it and clean the contacts (both on the wire and on the body).
- Check the reliability of the fastening - the wire should not dangle.
What should I do if, after replacing the relay, the pump still does not work?
If a new relay is installed, the fuse is intact, and the pump does not hum, the problem may be:
1. **Wiring break** from the relay to the pump (check with a multimeter).
2. **Malfunctions of the pump itself** (needs replacement).
3. **Engine control unit (ECU)**, which does not send a signal to the relay (scanner diagnostics).
4. **Fuel level sensor**, which can block pump operation if the readings are incorrect.
Analogues and compatibility: which relay is suitable for replacement
Original fuel pump relay for Nissan Almera N16 has an article number 25230-4M000, but it can be replaced with analogues from other manufacturers. The main thing is that the relay meets the following parameters:
- 🔌 Type: 4-pin, normally open (NO).
- ⚡ Voltage:
12V. - 🔥 Switching current: no less
30A. - 📏 Dimensions: standard case
28.5 × 28.5 × 20 mm.
The table below shows proven analogues that are suitable for Almera N16:
| Manufacturer | Article | Price (RUB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch | 0 332 019 150 | 450–600 | The most reliable option, suitable for most Japanese cars. |
| Hella | 4RA 003 507-331 | 500–700 | High quality contacts, long service life. |
| Valeo | 403001 | 350–500 | A budget option, but less durable. |
| Nissan (original) | 25230-4M000 | 800–1200 | Guaranteed compatibility, but high price. |
If you are not sure about the choice, take the old relay with you to the store - the seller will help you choose an exact analogue. You can also order a relay online by indicating the vehicle VIN (for example, at Exist.ru or Autodoc).
Don’t skimp on the fuel pump relay - cheap analogues often fail at the most inopportune moment, especially in winter.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the fuel pump relay on Nissan Almera N16
Is it possible to drive with a faulty fuel pump relay?
No. If the relay does not work, the fuel pump will not pump fuel and the engine will not start. In rare cases, the relay may work “every other time,” but this leads to jerking and increased wear of the pump. The car cannot be operated in this condition. - this is fraught with damage to the fuel pump or even a fire due to overheating of the wiring.
How to distinguish a faulty relay from a blown fuse?
If the fuse F17 (15A) is burnt out, it will be visible visually (burnt thread inside). If the fuse is good, but the pump does not work, check the relay. You can also temporarily install a fuse from another circuit (for example, from the cigarette lighter) with the same rating - if the pump started working, the problem was in the fuse.
What should I do if, after replacing the relay, the fuel pump works, but the engine does not start?
In this case, the problem may be:
- clogged fuel filter (check the rail pressure);
- faulty injectors;
- absence sparks (check spark plugs and ignition coils);
- faulty crankshaft sensor (the engine does not receive a signal to start).
Start by checking the fuel rail pressure (should be 2.5–3.5 bar).
Is it possible to repair the fuel pump relay with your own hands?
Theoretically, you can try to restore contact inside the relay, but this is a temporary solution. A relay is an electromechanical device, and even if you manage to “reanimate” it, it will quickly fail again. It is better to immediately replace it with a new one - it’s cheaper than repairing the consequences later.
Where to buy a fuel pump relay for Nissan Almera N16?
The relay can be purchased:
- in auto parts stores (For example, AvtoVAZ, Exist);
- on markets (but be careful with fakes);
- in online stores (Autodoc, Kufar, Ozon);
- at disassemblers (a used relay is cheaper, but the risk of defects is higher).
When purchasing, pay attention to the markings and compatibility with your model.