Heater radiator Nissan Almera G15 (2012–2018) is one of the most vulnerable parts of the heating system. Owners are faced with its leakage or clogging after 80–100 thousand kilometers, and in the conditions of Russian winters the problem turns around lack of heat in the cabin or puddles of antifreeze underfoot. In this article we will look at how to diagnose a malfunction, choose a high-quality radiator (original or analogue), and replace it yourself without disassembling the entire instrument panel - with step-by-step photos, tips on tools and typical mistakes.

Feature Almera G15 The problem is that the heater radiator is hidden behind the center console, and its replacement requires partial disassembly of the interior. However, with the right approach, the work can be completed in 3-4 hours even without experience. We have collected up-to-date information on spare parts articles (original - 27210-BM40A), prices for 2026 and life hacks that will save time and nerves. If you decide to contact a service station, at the end of the article there is a comparative table of the cost of work in services in Moscow, St. Petersburg and the regions.

Signs of a malfunctioning heater radiator Almera G15: how not to confuse it with other problems

The first signal about problems with the heater radiator is sweet smell of antifreeze in the cabin. It appears when antifreeze begins to seep through microcracks. But there are other symptoms that are often confused with a malfunctioning thermostat, pump, or clogged cooling system:

  • 🔥 The stove blows cold air at idle, but heats up while driving - this may indicate either a clogged radiator or an air lock in the system.
  • 💧 Antifreeze puddles under the front passenger seat - a clear sign of a leak in the heater radiator (liquid flows down the drainage channels).
  • 🌡️ Engine overheating when the stove is running - if the heater radiator is clogged, the circulation of antifreeze worsens, which leads to an increase in temperature.
  • 🔄 Constant operation of the cooling fan even on a cold engine - an indirect sign of an antifreeze leak.

To accurately diagnose the problem, check:

  1. Antifreeze level in the expansion tank (if it drops without visible external leaks, look for a problem in the heater radiator).
  2. The temperature of the pipes going to the heater radiator (if one is hot and the other is cold, there is a blockage or an air lock).
  3. Condition of the cabin filter (a clogged filter can simulate problems with the stove).
⚠️ Attention: If antifreeze gets on the interior carpet, it needs to be delete immediately — antifreeze corrodes paint and plastic, and its vapors are toxic. Use moisture-absorbing granules (for example, for cat litter) and ventilate the interior.
📊 What symptom of a stove malfunction have you encountered?
  • Blowing cold air
  • Antifreeze leak in the cabin
  • Engine overheating
  • The smell of antifreeze
  • Another option

Choosing a stove radiator: original vs analogues, articles and prices 2026

Original heater radiator for Nissan Almera G15 has an article number 27210-BM40A (manufacturer - Calsonic Kansei). Its average price in official dealers is 8,000–12,000 rubles. However, many owners choose analogues, which are 30–50% cheaper, but are not always inferior in quality.

Brand Article Price, rub. Features
Nissan (original) 27210-BM40A 8 000–12 000 1 year warranty, full compliance with factory parameters
Denso DRH0128 5 500–7 000 High quality soldering, often installed on a conveyor
Nissens 64135 4 800–6 200 Good heat dissipation, but thin tubes - risk of corrosion
Termal H110509 3 500–4 500 Budget option, suitable for temporary replacement
Luzi LRh 0128 4 200–5 500 Aluminum radiator, light weight, but sensitive to the quality of antifreeze

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to:

  • 🔧 Material: copper-brass radiators (Denso) more durable than aluminum (Termal), but heavier.
  • 🔄 Tube thickness: Thin tubes clog and corrode more quickly.
  • 🛠️ Guarantee: from the original and Denso it lasts 1–2 years, for budget brands - 6 months.
⚠️ Attention: Before purchasing, check the compatibility of the radiator with your modification Almera G15. For example, the mounts may be different for cars with and without air conditioning. Check this with the seller using the VIN code.
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If you buy a radiator not in its original packaging, inspect it for soldered seams - they must be smooth, without cracks. Also check that the plastic tanks are not deformed (this is a sign of a fake).

Preparing for replacement: tools, consumables and safety precautions

Replacing the heater radiator with Almera G15 requires partial disassembly of the interior, so it cannot be done without proper preparation. Here's what you'll need:

Drain the antifreeze (at least 3 liters)|Disconnect the battery terminal|Prepare a container for antifreeze|Buy new clamps and pipes|Set of screwdrivers and sockets (T20, T25, 10 mm)|Silicone sealant for the radiator|Flashlight or headlight|Safety gloves-->

Key preparation points:

  1. Antifreeze drain: Use a container with a capacity of at least 5 liters. On Almera G15 the drain plug is located on the engine cooling radiator (lower right corner). Don't forget open the expansion tank cap before draining!
  2. Disassembling the interior: You will have to remove the glove box, center console and part of the dashboard. To avoid losing fasteners, use a magnetic cup or bags with markings.
  3. Electronics protection: disconnect the battery and cover the heater control unit with film - antifreeze can damage the contacts.

Preparation time takes about 1–1.5 hours. If you have never worked with a heating system Nissan, watch video instructions for disassembly (for example, from the channel "Do-it-yourself auto repair" on YouTube) - this will help avoid mistakes with fastenings.

What happens if you don't drain the antifreeze before replacing it?

If you do not drain the antifreeze, when the pipes are disconnected it will flow into the cabin under pressure. This is fraught with:

- Flooding of electronics (stove control unit, fuses).

- Damage to carpeting (antifreeze leaves permanent stains).

- Risk of vapor poisoning (in a closed space of the cabin).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the heater radiator Almera G15 (with photo)

The replacement process can be divided into 3 stages: interior disassembly, dismantling the old radiator And installation of new. Let's look at each in detail.

Stage 1: Disassembling the center console

Start by removing the glove box:

  1. Open the glove compartment and remove the stoppers (plastic latches on the sides).
  2. Unscrew 3 screws T20 below and 2 on the sides.
  3. Carefully pull the box towards you - it will come off along with the backlight (disconnect the connector).

Next, remove the center console:

  • 🔧 Unscrew 2 screws under the decorative trim of the gearshift lever.
  • 🔧 Remove the radio cover (pry it off with a plastic spatula).
  • 🔧 Unscrew 4 screws T25 attaching the console to the dashboard.
  • 🔧 Disconnect the connectors of the climate control and backlight buttons.

Stage 2: Removing the heater core

After disassembly you will have access to the radiator. Proceed like this:

  1. Loosen the clamps on the radiator hoses (use pliers or a socket on 10 mm).
  2. Remove the pipes, replacing the container - antifreeze will remain in them!
  3. Unscrew the 3 bolts securing the radiator to the heater body (10 mm).
  4. Carefully remove the radiator by tilting it towards the passenger side.
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Do not pull the radiator by force - it may catch on the plastic guides. If it doesn’t work, check that all the bolts are unscrewed and move it left and right.

Stage 3: New radiator installation and assembly

Before installing a new radiator:

  • 🧹 Clean the seat from dirt and old sealant.
  • 🔧 Check the integrity of the pipes (if they have hardened, replace them).
  • 🛠️ Apply a thin layer of silicone sealant to the rubber radiator seals.

Installation occurs in reverse order. After assembly:

  1. Refill with new antifreeze (recommended Nissan Coolant L248 or equivalent CoolStream A-110).
  2. Bleed the system by opening the expansion tank cap and running the engine for 5–10 minutes.
  3. Check for leaks and operation of the stove in all modes.

If after replacement the stove blows weakly, check whether there is any remaining air in the system. To do this:

  1. Turn off the engine.
  2. Remove the upper radiator hose.
  3. Add antifreeze to the maximum and reconnect the pipe.

Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to repeated breakdowns or additional expenses. Here are the most common:

  • 🔧 Using old antifreeze - it may contain rust particles or sediment that will quickly clog the new radiator. Always fill with fresh antifreeze!
  • 🛠️ Poor sealing — if you do not apply sealant to the seals, the radiator will leak. Use ABRO 11-AB or Permatex 81160.
  • 🔄 Incorrect bleeding of the system — air pockets lead to poor heating. Bleed the system to idle speed with the tank lid open.
  • 🔥 Re-stretching clamps - this may damage the pipes. Tighten the clamps so that they clamp the hose tightly, but do not deform it.

Another common problem is damage to plastic latches when disassembling. To avoid this:

  • Use plastic spatulas to remove the clips.
  • Do not use force - if the part does not come off, look for hidden fasteners.
  • Take photographs of the disassembly process so as not to mix up similar parts.
⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the radiator, the stove heats only at high fan speeds, check thermostat — it could get stuck in the open position. Also inspect stove faucet (on Almera G15 it is electronic and rarely fails, but there are exceptions).

The cost of replacing a stove radiator at a service station: comparison of prices by region

If you don’t want to deal with the replacement yourself, here are the current prices for work in services (as of June 2026):

Region Cost of work, rub. Cost of spare part (original), rub. Total, rub.
Moscow 5 000–7 000 8 000–12 000 13 000–19 000
St. Petersburg 4 500–6 500 7 500–11 000 12 000–17 500
Regions (millions) 3 500–5 000 7 000–10 000 10 500–15 000
Small towns 2 500–4 000 6 500–9 500 9 000–13 500

Cost may vary depending on:

  • 🔧 Difficulties in disassembly (for example, if the interior was previously disassembled and the fastenings are damaged).
  • 🛠️ Additional work (replacement of pipes, bleeding of the system, diagnostics of the thermostat).
  • 🔄 Guarantees - some service stations provide a guarantee for work up to 1 year, others - only 3 months.

Advice: before going to the service station, check Is the price of spare parts included in the estimate? And Do they provide a warranty on the radiator?. Some services save money by installing cheap analogues without the client’s knowledge.

Prevention: how to extend the life of a stove radiator

To keep the heater radiator on Almera G15 lasted longer, follow these recommendations:

  • 🔄 Change antifreeze every 60,000 km or once every 3 years. Use only high quality liquids (Nissan Coolant, CoolStream, Sintec).
  • 🚗 Flush the cooling system every time you replace antifreeze. Suitable for this Liqui Moly Kuhler-Reiniger.
  • 🌡️ Monitor engine temperature — overheating accelerates wear of the radiator.
  • 🔧 Check the system for leaks once every six months (inspection of pipes, antifreeze level).
  • 🛠️ Use a cabin filter — dust and leaves getting into the air ducts can clog the radiator.

If you often drive off-road or in dusty conditions, install additional protection on the cooling radiator - this will reduce the load on the heating system.

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To check the condition of the heater radiator without disassembling it, turn the heater on to maximum and touch the pipes going into the cabin. If one of them is cold, the radiator is clogged or there is an air lock in the system.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the stove radiator Nissan Almera G15

Is it possible to drive with a leaking heater radiator?

Short-term - yes, but it is fraught with consequences:

  • 🔥 Engine overheating due to loss of antifreeze.
  • 💧 Flooding of electronics in the cabin (stove control unit, fuses).
  • 🚗 Deterioration of interior heating (in winter conditions this is dangerous).

If the leak is small, you can temporarily add antifreeze, but It’s better not to put off replacing the radiator.

What antifreeze should I fill in after replacing the radiator?

For Nissan Almera G15 recommended antifreeze grade G12+ or G12++ (red or purple). Optimal options:

  • Nissan Coolant L248 (original, green, but compatible with G12).
  • CoolStream A-110 (red, G12+).
  • Sintec Unlimited (purple, G12++).

Cooling system volume - 5.5 liters, but when replacing the heater radiator, 3–4 liters are enough.

How long does it take to replace a heater radiator?

Depending on experience:

  • 🔧 Newbie: 5–7 hours (with breaks to study instructions).
  • 🛠️ Experienced car owner: 3–4 hours.
  • 🚗 STO: 2–3 hours (if there are no complications).

Most of the time is spent on disassembling and assembling the interior. Replacing the radiator itself takes no more than 30 minutes.

Is it possible to flush the heater radiator without removing it?

Partially yes. To do this:

  1. Disconnect the heater radiator pipes.
  2. Connect the hose and flush the radiator reverse flow (for example, using a pump).
  3. Use special washes (Liqui Moly Kuhler-Reiniger).

However complete washing is possible only after removal - this way you can clean the radiator on both sides and check for leaks.

Why does the stove heat worse after replacing the radiator?

Possible reasons:

  • 🔄 Air lock — you need to bleed the system.
  • 🔥 Faulty thermostat — check its operation (on a warm engine, the upper radiator pipe should be hot).
  • 🛠️ New radiator clogged - if the antifreeze is dirty, the radiator could become clogged during filling.
  • 🚗 Incorrect connection of pipes — check the connection diagram.