How to open the trunk on a Nissan Almera Classic: 5 working methods + troubleshooting

Nissan Almera Classic is one of the most popular sedans on the secondary market, but even with such a time-tested car, owners sometimes face a banal problem: how to open the trunk if the central locking does not work or the key is broken? In this article we will analyze all possible methods - from standard to emergency, and also tell you what to do if the trunk is jammed or the electric drive does not work.

The car was produced from 2006 to 2018 (in some countries until 2020), and during this time the design of the trunk lock remained virtually unchanged. This means that the instructions are suitable for all modifications: 1.6 MT/AT, restyled version 2013 and even for Almera G15 (although there are nuances there). The main thing is to correctly determine the type of lock (mechanical or electric) and act according to the algorithm.

1. Standard methods of opening the trunk

Let's start with the obvious: how to open the trunk. Almera Classic, if everything is working properly. The machine has three basic methods, and each of them has its own characteristics.

The most reliable and universal way is mechanical key. It is suitable even if the battery is completely dead or the central locking system is faulty. The key is inserted into the lock cylinder, which is located under the trunk handle (on some versions, to the right of the license plate). Turning the key clockwise will unlock the lock. Important: on restyled models after 2013, the cylinder may be hidden by a decorative trim - it must be carefully pryed off with a screwdriver.

• 🔑 Key - turn 90° clockwise, then pull the handle towards you.
• 🚗 Button in the box — on the driver’s door or under the steering wheel (depending on the configuration).
• 🔄 From key fob — double pressing the unlock button (on models with an alarm system).

If you have Almera Classic in top configuration (Comfort+ or Luxury), then the trunk can be opened using a button on the alarm remote control. Usually this is a long press (2-3 seconds) on the button with the image of the trunk. On budget versions (Base or Classic) there is no such function - only a mechanical key or a lever in the cabin.

2. Opening the trunk from the passenger compartment: where to look for the lever

Many owners Almera Classic they don’t know that the trunk can be opened directly from the passenger compartment - without a key and even without leaving the car. For this purpose, a mechanical cable or lever is provided, which is usually located:

• 🚪 Under the driver's door trim (next to the fuse box).
• 🔧 Under the steering wheel, to the left of the pedals (on some versions).
• 🪑 In the luggage compartment of the cabin (if the rear seat is folded).

To get to the cable, you need:

1. Lower the driver's door armrest (if equipped).
2. Carefully pry off the plastic trim next to the door handle (you can use a plastic spatula or a knife with a blunt end).
3. Find an orange or red cable with a plastic loop - pull it towards you.

If the cable is not visible, check the space under the steering wheel: sometimes the lever is hidden behind a plastic panel next to the clutch pedal. On restyled models (after 2013), instead of a cable, there may be a button with a trunk icon - it is located on the power window control unit.

Remove the plastic door trim|Locate the orange/red cable|Pull the cable until it clicks|Check if the trunk opens-->

3. What to do if the trunk is jammed: 4 emergency methods

The situation becomes more complicated if the trunk Almera Classic does not open in any of the standard ways. The reasons may be different: icing of the castle in winter, electric drive failure, mechanism jamming after an accident or even simple rust. Let's consider all working methods, starting with the safest.

Method 1: Defrosting the lock. If the problem occurs in winter, most likely the lock cylinder or mechanism is frozen. Do not try to open the trunk by force - this will lead to breakage of the key. Instead:

• 🔥 Heat the key with a lighter (do not overheat!) and insert it into the lock.
• 💨 Use a can of lock defroster (for example, WD-40 Specialist or Liqui Moly Tür-EntEiser).
• 🧊 Apply a warm heating pad or a bottle of hot water to the lock (wrap it in cloth so as not to damage the paintwork).

Method 2: Removing the trunk trim from the interior. If the emergency opening cable does not work, you can get to the lock through the interior:

1. Fold down the rear seat (if it folds down).
2. Remove the plastic trunk trim (it is secured with clips).
3. Locate the lock mechanism and manually move the latch with a screwdriver.

Method 3: Opening through the taillights. On Almera Classic You can get to the trunk by removing one of the rear lights. To do this:

1. Open the trunk lid (if there is access at least 5-10 cm).
2. Unscrew the two flashlight mounting bolts (T20 Torx or Phillips screwdriver).
3. Carefully remove the light and reach into the lock to slide the latch.

Method 4: Emergency autopsy (if all else fails). If the trunk does not open at all, and access to things is urgently needed, you can use using the "thin screwdriver" method:

⚠️ Attention: this method may damage the seal and paintwork. Use only as a last resort!

1. Insert a flathead screwdriver between the trunk lid and the body (lock side).
2. Carefully squeeze out the seal and try to reach the lock cable.
3. Pull the cable or move the latch with a screwdriver.

What to do if the key in the lock is broken?

If the key breaks off inside the cylinder, do not try to pull it out with tweezers - this will only make the problem worse. It's better to call a technician or use a second key. As a last resort, you can drill out the cylinder (but then the lock will need to be replaced).

4. Problems with the electric drive: diagnostics and repair

On Almera Classic with electric trunk drive (installed on version Comfort+ And Luxury after 2010) malfunctions often occur associated with:

• 🔋 Dead battery (the drive does not receive power).
• 🔌 Oxidation of contacts in the control unit.
• ⚙️ Wear of drive gear gears.
• 🔧 Broken microswitch in the lock.

Before disassembling the mechanism, check:

1. Does central locking work on other doors? If not, the problem is control unit or fuse.
2. Can you hear the sound of the drive when you press the button? If the engine hums, but the trunk does not open, the problem is mechanical part (cable, latch).
3. Is the light in the trunk release button on? If not, check fuse F20 (10A) in the mounting block.

If the drive doesn't work at all, try:

• 🔧 Check the fuse and relay (they are located in the block under the steering wheel).
• 🔋 Recharge the battery or “light” the car.
• 🔌 Clean the contacts on the drive connector (often oxidize due to moisture).

For a complete diagnosis, you will have to remove the trunk trim and check:

• Integrity of the wiring (especially at the transition point from the body to the cover).
• Operability of the drive motor (supply 12V directly to it).
• Condition of the gearbox gears (plastic teeth often wear out).

Symptom	Probable Cause	Solution
The trunk does not open with a button, but it works with the key.	The electric drive or control unit is faulty	Check fuse F20, drive connector
The drive hums, but the trunk does not open	The mechanism is jammed or the cable is broken	Remove the trim, check the latch
The trunk opens but does not close	Broken microswitch or worn gears	Replace microswitch or drive gearbox
Trunk release button does not respond	The contacts have oxidized or the fuse has blown.	Check the power circuit, clean the contacts

5. Replacing the trunk lock: step-by-step instructions

If all attempts to open the trunk Almera Classic ended in failure, and the lock is completely out of order and will have to be replaced. For this you will need:

• 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (phillips, flat, torx T20).
• 🔑 New lock (article for Almera Classic — 77001-4M000 or 77001-4M001 for restyled models).
• 🧲 Magnet or tweezers (so as not to lose small parts).

Work order:

1. Open the trunk in any available way (if it does not open, see section 3).
2. Remove the inner trim of the trunk lid (it is secured with 8-10 clips).
3. Disconnect the electric drive connector (if equipped).
4. Unscrew the 3 bolts securing the lock (T20 Torx).
5. Remove the old lock and install the new one in reverse order.

When installing a new lock, pay attention to:

• 🔧 Correct position of the emergency opening cable (it should not twist).
• 🔌 Connecting the electric drive connector (if any).
• 🔑 Adjusting the position of the latch (it should secure the lid tightly).

⚠️ Attention: after replacing the lock, it may be necessary to key recoding (if you have a model with an immobilizer). To do this, contact an auto electrician with a diagnostic scanner.

6. Prevention of problems with the trunk lock

To avoid problems opening the trunk Nissan Almera Classic, just follow simple recommendations:

• 🧴 Lubricate the lock 2 times a year (spring and autumn) with silicone or graphite grease.
• 🚿 Wash the trunk using active foam to remove dirt from the mechanism.
• 🔋 Keep an eye on your battery — a discharged battery can block the electric drive.
• 🔑 Use the original key — low-quality duplicates often break in the larva.

Pay special attention trunk lid seal. Over time, it loses its elasticity, and moisture gets into the lock, which leads to corrosion. If the seal is cracked, replace it (part number for Almera Classic — 80510-4M000).

If you have an electric drive model, check once a year:

• 🔌 Condition of contacts on the motor connector.
• ⚙️ Backlash in the gears of the gearbox (when worn, a grinding noise appears).
• 🔧 Microswitch functionality (it should click when pressed).

Do not ignore the first signs of a malfunction: if the trunk becomes difficult to open or a squeak appears, this is a signal for action. The sooner you fix the problem, the cheaper the repair will cost.

7. Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)

Is it possible to open the trunk Almera Classicwhat if the key is broken?

Yes, there are several ways:

1. Use the emergency cable in the passenger compartment (see section 2).
2. Remove the trunk trim and manually slide the latch.
3. Call a specialist who will make a new key using the VIN code.

If the key breaks inside the lock, do not try to remove it yourself - this may damage the cylinder.

Why doesn't the trunk open with the alarm key fob?

There may be several reasons:

• The battery in the key fob is dead (replace with CR2032).
• The alarm control unit is faulty.
• The electric trunk drive is disconnected (check the fuse F20).
• There is a failure in the alarm program (you need to reflash it).

First, check whether the other functions of the key fob work (setting the alarm, opening doors).

How to open the trunk if the battery is dead?

If the battery is completely discharged, the power trunk will not operate. In this case:

1. Use a mechanical key (insert into the cylinder and turn).
2. If there is no key, get to the emergency release cable through the interior.
3. Recharge the battery from another car ("light it") and try to open it with the button.

Do not try to open the trunk by force - this may bend the lid or break the lock.

Where is the trunk actuator fuse located?

Trunk electric fuse Almera Classic located in the mounting block under the steering wheel. This is a fuse F20 face value 10A. To get to it:

1. Open the fuse box cover (located to the left of the steering wheel).
2. Find the fuse marked F20 (there is a diagram on the cover).
3. Check its integrity and replace if necessary.

If the fuse blows frequently, look for a short in the drive wiring.

Is it possible to install an electric drive on Almera Classic in the basic configuration?

Yes, but it will require some modifications:

• Purchase of an electric drive kit (lock + motor + wiring).
• Laying the wiring from the central locking control unit.
• Installing a trunk release button in the cabin.
• Setting up the control unit (firmware may be required).

The cost of service work is from 5,000 to 10,000 rubles (depending on the region).