No spark on Nissan Almera: 7 reasons and how to fix the problem

No spark on Nissan Almera (regardless of generation - N16, G15 or Tino) is one of the most insidious malfunctions. The engine does not start, the starter turns, but the fuel does not ignite. In 80% of cases, the problem lies not in the spark plugs, but in the ignition circuit: from the coils to ECU. This article will help you figure out why the spark disappeared, how to check each element of the system, and what to do to restore functionality.

We collected data from manuals Nissan, experience of auto electricians and owner reports from forums (including drive2.ru And almera-club.ru). There are no general tips here - only specific steps with photographs of connectors, resistance values ​​and typical “jambs” after repair. If you are not a specialist, after diagnostics it is better to contact the service: errors when working with high-voltage circuits can damage the engine control unit.

1. Symptoms of no spark: how to pinpoint the problem

Before digging into the ignition system, make sure it is the culprit. Here 100% signs of no spark on Almera:

• 🔧 The starter turns, but the engine is not “enough” even when cold.
• 💨 The exhaust pipe smells like gasoline (fuel is supplied, but does not burn).
• 🔋 Lights up on the dash CHECK ENGINEand the scanner shows errors P0300–P0304 (misfire).
• 🔥 When unscrewing the spark plug, it is dry (no traces of fuel) or filled with gasoline.

If at least 2 of the 4 points match, the problem is definitely in the ignition. But there is a nuance: on Almera N16 with engine QG15DE/QG18DE similar symptoms are given by a faulty one crankshaft position sensor (CPS). They check it first!

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse lack of spark with fuel system problems. If you cannot hear the fuel pump operating when you crank the starter (there is no buzzing in the tank), it is not the ignition module that is to blame, but the pump relay or the pump itself.

For an accurate diagnosis you will need arrester (or a known working spark plug) and a multimeter. Next, we will look at a step-by-step check of each element of the circuit.

2. Checking spark plugs and high-voltage wires

Let's start with the simplest thing. On Nissan Almera (especially G15 with engine HR15DE) spark plugs often “die” in groups due to low-quality fuel or oil in the wells. Here's how to check them:

1. Unscrew all 4 spark plugs. Pay attention to the soot:
   • ⚫ Black dry carbon – rich mixture (problem in sensors or ECU).
   • ⚪ White soot - poor mixture or overheating.
   • 🛢 Oil deposit - oil gets into the combustion chamber (rings or seals are worn out).

Check the spark. Insert the spark plug into the high-voltage wire, apply it to the engine ground and crank the starter. There must be a spark blue and stable (orange or intermittent - a sign of a malfunction).

If there is no spark at any spark plug, the problem is in the ignition module or wiring. If there is a spark on only 1-2 cylinders, the culprit is coils or wires.

element	Normal resistance	How to check
High voltage wire	5–10 kOhm	Multimeter in resistance mode between contacts
Ignition coil (primary winding)	0.5–1.5 Ohm	Measurement between terminals 1 and 3 of the connector
Ignition coil (secondary winding)	6–15 kOhm	Measurement between high voltage terminal and terminal 2

⚠️ Attention: On Almera Tino with the system DIS (Direct Ignition System) individual coils on each cylinder. If one coil fails, the engine will throttle but will not stall completely.

3. Diagnostics of the ignition module and coils

The ignition module (or individual coils) is the most vulnerable point in the system. On Nissan Almera N16 often fails transistor block inside the module, and on G15 - breaks through the insulation of the coils. We check like this:

Step 1. Visual inspection:

• 🔍 Cracks on the coil or module body.
• 💧 Traces of moisture or corrosion on the connectors.
• 🔥 Darkening or melting on contacts.

Step 2: Check Resistance (see table above). If the values ​​are outside the limits, the part needs to be replaced.

Step 3: Check Power:

• Disconnect the connector from the module/coil.
• Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
• Using a multimeter, measure the voltage between +12V And mass on the connector. Must be 11.5–12.5 V.

If there is no power, the problem is fuse (on Almera this is usually F15 (10A) in the block under the hood) or in the wiring to the module.

Visual inspection for cracks|Checking the resistance of the primary winding|Checking the resistance of the secondary winding|Measuring the voltage at the connector|Checking the mass (contact with the body)-->

4. Crankshaft position sensor (CPS) is the main reason for the lack of spark

On Nissan Almera all generations DPKV - the most capricious sensor. If it is faulty, ECU doesn't know when to spark, and simply blocks the ignition. Symptoms:

• 🚗 The engine does not start, but the starter turns.
• 🔧 Flashing on the dashboard CHECK ENGINEand the scanner shows an error P0335.
• 📉 When coasting, the engine stalls (on the move).

How to check DPKV:

1. Remove the sensor (located next to the crankshaft pulley).
2. Measure the resistance between the terminals: it should be 550–750 Ohm.
3. Check the voltage at the connector with the ignition on: 4.5–5.5 V.

If the sensor is working, but there is no spark, the problem is power circuit or in the ECU.

Where to buy original DPKV for Almera?

The original sensor from Nissan has the article number 23731-4M000 (for QG15DE/QG18DE) or 23731-ED00A (for HR15DE). Analogues: Bosch 0 261 210 115, Denso 550-0103. The average price is 1,500–2,500 rubles. Buy only from trusted sellers: there are many fakes on the market with the wrong resistance!

5. Problems with the ECU and wiring: when everything is checked, but there is no spark

If you have reached this point and there is still no spark, either the fault is engine control unit (ECU), or break in the wiring. On Almera N16 And G15 most often suffer:

• 🔌 ECU connector (oxidation of contacts or poor contact with ground).
• 📡 Wiring from DPKV to ECU (break or short circuit).
• 🔋 ECU power supply circuit (fuse F10 (10A) in the cabin block).

How to check:

1. Remove the cover of the fuse box in the passenger compartment (under the steering wheel). Check F10 And F20.
2. Disconnect the ECU connector (located under the panel, next to the gas pedal). Check the voltage at the contacts +12V And mass.
3. Test the circuit from the DPKV to the ECU with a multimeter (the resistance should be close to 0 Ohm).

If the ECU is faulty, you can try it reflash (on Almera often helps). As a last resort, replace it with a used one from disassembly (original article number: 23710-4M010 for QG15DE).

6. Typical repair mistakes: what not to do

Many owners Nissan Almera After a sleepless night, fiddling with the ignition aggravates the problem. Here TOP-3 errorswhich lead to expensive repairs:

• 🔧 Replacing spark plugs without checking the coils. If the coil is broken, the new spark plugs will die after 100 km.
• 💡 Ignoring ECU errors. Code P0340 (DPRV) can block the spark, even if the sensor seems to be working.
• 🔌 Checking the spark "to ground" without a spark gap. This kills the coils and the ECU! Use only a special tester.

Another common problem is mixed up high voltage wires after repair. On Almera N16 cylinder order: 1-3-4-2 (if viewed from the timing side). If you mix it up, the engine will stall or not start at all.

7. What to do if there is no spark and the cause could not be found

If you've tried everything but Nissan Almera still does not give a spark, follow this algorithm:

1. Check immobilizer. On G15 And N16 it often blocks the ignition. Try starting with the second key.
2. Reset battery terminals for 10 minutes. Sometimes this resets ECU errors.
3. Ring the ignition circuit from the lock to the coils. Often the problem is a broken wire IGnition.
4. Contact a diagnostician with an oscilloscope. He will see the signals of the DPKV and coils in real time.

If the car is under warranty, don’t take risks! Repairing electronics yourself may disqualify you from free service.

❓ Why do ignition coils often fail on Nissan Almera G15?

On Almera G15 with engine HR15DE the coils suffer due to design features: they are located close to the collector outlet and overheat. In addition, in Russian conditions, moisture often gets into the connectors, which leads to corrosion and short circuits. The solution is to install thermal screen or use coils from Renault (they are more heat resistant).

❓ Is it possible to drive if there is no spark in one cylinder?

Technically possible, but highly undesirable. Lack of spark in one cylinder leads to:

• Increased fuel consumption (up to 30%).
• Vibrations and imbalance, which accelerates wear of engine mounts.
• Unburnt gasoline entering the catalyst (risk of its melting).

On Almera with the system DIS (individual coils) you can temporarily disable the faulty coil, but it is better to fix the problem within 1-2 days.

❓ What multimeter is needed for ignition diagnostics?

To check the ignition system for Nissan Almera Any multimeter with:

• Resistance measurement mode up to 20 kOhm (for high-voltage wires).
• DC voltage measurement mode up to 20 V.
• Function of “continuity” of the circuit.

Recommended models: Mastech MS8229, UNI-T UT33D, FLUKE 101. Cost - from 1,000 ₽.

❓ How much does repair cost if there is no spark?

The cost depends on the reason:

Malfunction	Cost of spare parts (₽)	Cost of work (₽)
Spark plugs (set)	800–2 000	500–1 000
Ignition coil (1 pc.)	1 500–3 500	800–1 500
Ignition module	4 000–7 000	1 500–2 500
DPKV	1 500–2 500	500–1 000
ECU (used)	5 000–12 000	2 000–4 000

Total: from 1,000 ₽ (candles) to 20,000 ₽ (ECU + work).

❓ Is it possible to change the ignition module on Almera N16 yourself?

Yes, replacing the ignition module with Almera N16 - one of the simplest operations. You will need:

1. Remove the decorative engine cover.
2. Disconnect the power connector from the module.
3. Unscrew the 3 mounting bolts (10mm wrench).
4. Remove the module and install a new one in reverse order.

Important: after replacement, reset the ECU errors (for example, by disconnecting the battery terminal for 10 minutes). If the module is new but there is no spark, check mass on the module body.