How to open the hood on a Nissan Almera G15: instructions with photos and nuances

Opening the hood to Nissan Almera G15 (2012–2022) seems like a simple task, but in practice many owners encounter difficulties: a jammed lever, an icy lock, or a non-obvious cable location. The problem is especially pressing in winter, when the mechanism may freeze, or after an accident, if the hood is deformed. In this article - step-by-step algorithm taking into account all the nuances of the model, including emergency opening method without a key and tips for caring for the lock.

We will analyze not only the standard procedure, but also rare cases: what to do if the cable breaks, how to avoid paint damage during forced opening, and why sometimes the hood does not open the first time. The information is relevant for all modifications Almera G15, including restyled versions of 2019. If this is your first time encountering this procedure - remember: you need to press the lever until it clicks, not all the way.

Where is the hood release lever located in the cabin?

B Nissan Almera G15 The hood release lever is located to the left of the driver's seat, under the dashboard. It's easy to find by red or orange handle - this is how the manufacturer identifies emergency control elements. The lever is hidden in a niche next to the clutch pedal (for manual transmission) or brake pedal (for automatic transmission).

To get to it:

• 🔹 Sit in the driver's seat and lean to the left.
• 🔹 Look under the panel - the lever is at knee level.
• 🔹 On restyled versions (2019+), it can be covered with a plastic plug - it needs to be moved down.

If the lever is not visible, check to see if it is covered with a rug or debris. In some configurations (for example, Almera G15 Tekna) There is a light next to the lever that lights up when the door is opened.

Step-by-step instructions: how to open the hood in the normal way

The standard procedure takes no more than 10 seconds if the mechanism is working properly. Follow the algorithm:

1. Pull the lever inside all the way - you should hear a click. This means that the hood lock has unlocked.
2. Get out of the car and come to the front Almera G15.
3. Locate the latch under the hood — it is located in the center, between the radiator grille and the hood itself. Push it to the left or right (depending on the installation side) and at the same time lift the hood.

If the hood does not open after clicking:

• 🔧 Check whether the lever in the cabin is fully extended - sometimes it needs to be pulled twice.
• 🔧 Try pressing the hood from top to bottom - this will help the latch work.
• 🔧 Treat the lock in cold weather WD-40 or silicone grease.

Pull the lever in the passenger compartment 2–3 times at intervals of 5 seconds

Check if the lock is frozen (at temperatures below -10°C)

Press the hood from above, creating pressure on the latch

Use the emergency cable (if you have access to it) -->

On Almera G15 With gas shock absorbers, the hood locks automatically after opening. If the shock absorbers are worn, hold it with your hand to avoid hitting the glass.

Emergency opening of the hood: if the cable or lock is broken

If the cable breaks or the lock is jammed, you will need emergency access. B Nissan Almera G15 For this purpose, a backup cable is provided that stretches from the passenger compartment to the engine compartment. To get to it:

1. Remove the plastic trim under the steering wheel (it is secured with 2-3 clips).
2. Find red cable — it goes from the hood opening lever to the engine shield.
3. Pull it with pliers or by hand (this may require considerable force).

If the cable is not accessible:

• 🔧 Remove the front bumper (you need to unscrew 4 bolts on the bottom and 2 on the sides) - this will open access to the lock.
• 🔧 Use a long screwdriver to press the lock tab through the radiator grille.

⚠️ Attention: If you force the hood to open through the radiator grille, there is a risk of damage air conditioner condenser or cooling radiator. Proceed carefully!

What to do if the hood opens but does not lock?

If the gas hood shock absorbers are on Almera G15 out of order, temporarily fix it with a wooden stick or stop. To replace shock absorbers you will need new parts with the article number 55501-4M00A (left) and 55500-4M00A (right).

Common problems and their solutions

Owners Nissan Almera G15 often encounter typical malfunctions of the hood opening mechanism. Let's look at them in the table:

Problem	Reason	Solution
The lever in the cabin does not return to its original position	The cable is broken or the lock is jammed	Replace the cable (part no. 73910-4M000) or lubricate the lock
The hood does not open the first time	The lock spring is worn out or the mechanism is dirty	Clean and lubricate the lock lithium grease
There is a click, but the hood does not open	Deformation of the hood after an accident or corrosion of the latch	Check hood geometry or replace lock
The castle freezes in winter	Moisture getting into the mechanism	Process the lock WD-40 or silicone spray

If the problem recurs regularly, it is recommended preventive lock cleaning once every 6 months. To do this:

1. Open the hood in the normal way.
2. Remove the plastic lock protection (attached with 2 screws).
3. Clean the mechanism from dirt and apply lubricant CRC 2-26.

How to avoid damage to the hood opening mechanism

The service life of the hood lock and cable is Nissan Almera G15 depends on operating conditions. To avoid damage:

• 🔧 Lubricate the lock 2 times a year (spring and autumn) - use graphite lubricant or Liqui Moly LM40.
• 🔧 Do not slam the hood - close it smoothly, holding it with your hand.
• 🔧 In cold weather, before opening, warm the lock with a hairdryer or warm air from the salon (directing the air deflectors to the grille).
• 🔧 Check the condition of the cable regularly - if it starts to “crunch” when tensioned, it will soon need to be replaced.

Pay special attention gas shock absorbers. Their lifespan is about 5–7 years. Signs of wear:

• The hood falls when opened.
• It takes effort to close it.
• Oil smudges appear on the shock absorbers.

⚠️ Attention: If the gas shock absorbers are faulty, do not fix the hood with improvised means (for example, a stick) for a long time - this may lead to deformation of the hinges.

Differences in opening the hood on the restyled Almera G15 (2019+)

After restyling in 2019 Nissan Almera G15 The design of the hood lock has been changed. Main differences:

• 🔹 The lever in the cabin has become shorter and is located slightly higher (closer to the steering wheel).
• 🔹 The latch under the hood now has plastic casing, protecting from dirt.
• 🔹 The cable has become thinner, but stronger due to kevlar fiber in a braid.

Also appeared on restyled versions hood lock system with the ignition on (for safety). This means that the hood can only be opened when the engine is off. If you try to open it while walking, it will work emergency stop, and the cable may break.

For owners Almera G15 2019+ Additional tips are relevant:

• Before opening the hood, always turn off the ignition.
• Do not use force when pressing the latch - the mechanism has become more fragile.
• When replacing a cable, take the original part with the article number 73910-4M100.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about opening the hood on the Nissan Almera G15

Is it possible to open the hood if the battery is dead?

Yes, the hood release mechanism is on Almera G15 does not depend on electronics. The lever in the cabin works purely mechanically. However, if the hood opens electrically (an option on some trim levels), you will need emergency power or access to the cable through the interior.

What to do if the hood opens while driving?

Immediately slow down and pull over to the side of the road. Do not try to close the hood with your hand - it is dangerous! Wait until it stops completely, then:

1. Turn off the engine.
2. Close the hood by pressing it from above until it clicks.
3. Check if the lock is damaged.

If the hood does not close, use a rope or belt to secure it through the radiator grille.

How often should the hood latch be lubricated?

For Nissan Almera G15 It is recommended to lubricate the lock every 6 months or every 10,000 km. In regions with high humidity or frequent temperature changes - every 3 months. Use silicone grease (not lithol!) to avoid dirt accumulation.

Is it possible to replace the hood release cable myself?

Yes, replacing a cable is an operation of average complexity. You will need:

• Remove the plastic trim under the steering wheel.
• Disconnect the old cable from the lever and lock.
• Lay a new cable along the same path (original article number - 73910-4M000).
• Adjust tension.

If you have no experience, it is better to contact a service center, since incorrect installation can lead to a cable break at the most inopportune moment.

Why did the hood become difficult to open after washing?

Most likely, water got into the lock and it began to rust. Immediately:

1. Open the hood (if possible).
2. Remove the lock protection and dry it with a hairdryer.
3. Process WD-40 or CRC 5-56.
4. Repeat the procedure after 2-3 days.

If the hood does not open, use the emergency cable or contact service.