Nissan Almera under the hood: we disassemble the device and maintenance nuances

Nissan Almera - one of the most popular sedans in Russia, combining accessibility, reliability and ease of maintenance. However, even in such a “people’s” car, the engine compartment hides many secrets for beginners. Not only the ease of repair, but also the safety of operation depends on a correct understanding of the location of components. In this article we will look in detail at what is under the hood and where. Almera different generations, what to look for during inspection, and how to avoid common mistakes when servicing yourself.

Feature Nissan Almera (especially models B17 And G15) is a compact but well-organized engine compartment. There are no excessive bells and whistles here, but each element has its own strict place. For example, a battery in Almera G15 hidden in such a way that replacing it without knowing the nuances can turn into an hour of agony. And in Almera Classic (B17) Access to some nodes is complicated by a specific layout. We'll show you how to avoid these problems.

Engine compartment arrangement: general overview

Under the hood Nissan Almera all nodes are grouped by functional areas. In the front part (closer to the radiator) there are elements of the cooling system, in the central part - the engine and attachments, and on the sides - the battery, fuse box and expansion tanks. This layout is typical for most front-wheel drive cars, but Almera has its own characteristics.

For example, in Almera G15 (2013–2019) engine HR16DE occupies almost the entire space, leaving minimal room for maneuver. And in Almera Classic (B17) with motor QG15DE access to some parts is blocked by the intake manifold. Knowing these nuances will save you hours during repairs.

• 🔧 Engine and attachments: Centrally located, with access from above and below (by lift).
• 🔋 Battery: in G15 - on the right under the plastic cover, in B17 - on the left, but partially covered by an air duct.
• ❄️ Cooling system: The radiator, fan and expansion tank are grouped at the front.
• ⚡ Electrical equipment: The fuse and relay box is located on the left (in G15) or under the hood near the windshield (in B17).

It is important to note that in Almera with automatic transmission (for example, variator Jatco JF015E) an additional reservoir for transmission fluid appears under the hood. It is often confused with the power steering or washer reservoir, which can lead to serious errors when adding fluids.

Location of key components: diagrams and photos

To avoid getting lost under the hood, remember the main landmarks. B Nissan Almera G15 (the most common version in Russia), the engine compartment can be divided into 4 zones:

1. Zone 1 (on the right in the direction of travel): battery, fuse box, washer reservoir.
2. Zone 2 (center): engine, air filter, throttle valve.
3. Zone 3 (left): coolant expansion tank, power steering reservoir (if equipped), adsorber.
4. Zone 4 (front): radiator, cooling fan, air conditioning condenser.

Below is a table with the exact location of the main elements for Almera G15 (HR16DE, manual transmission/variator):

Knot	Location	Access Features
Battery	On the right, under the plastic cover	To remove it, you need to disconnect the air duct and the minus terminal first.
Washer reservoir	On the right, next to the battery	The cover has a blue mark, not to be confused with the power steering reservoir!
Coolant expansion tank	On the left, near the windshield	Transparent plastic with marks MIN/MAX, check on a cold engine
Fuse box	On the right, under the cover next to the battery	The fuse diagram is shown on the back of the cover.
Oil dipstick	To the left of the engine, yellow handle	In CVT versions, the automatic transmission dipstick is located nearby (red handle)

B Almera Classic (B17) The battery is located on the left, and the fuse box is located in the passenger compartment under the dashboard on the driver's side. This often confuses owners who are used to G15.

Where can I find the engine number?

On Almera G15 The engine number is stamped on the cylinder block on the gearbox side (visible when the protection is removed). On B17 - on the front of the block, next to the generator. You may need a mirror and a flashlight to check.

Maintenance of the engine compartment: what you can do yourself

Most of the regulatory work Nissan Almera You can do it yourself without resorting to the help of a service. The main thing is to know the sequence of actions and have a minimum set of tools. Here's what you can really do with your own hands:

• 🔧 Replacing the air filter: Unfasten the 4 latches on the housing, remove the old filter and install the new one. B G15 the filter is located to the right of the engine, in B17 - left.
• 🛢️ Checking and adding technical fluids: oil, coolant, power steering fluid (if equipped), brake fluid. CVT versions require special attention to the oil level in the automatic transmission!
• ⚡ Replacing fuses and relays: The diagram is indicated on the unit cover. The main thing is not to confuse fuses with fuses that are similar in size but different in rating.
• 🔋 Removing and installing the battery: in G15 you will need to remove the air duct B17 — disconnect the ground terminal on the body.

However, there are jobs that are better left to professionals. For example, timing belt replacement on Almera requires special tools to fix the camshafts and tensioner. An error here can lead to the valves meeting the pistons and a major overhaul.

Cool the engine (operate only on a cold engine)|

Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (except for checking electrical equipment)|

Prepare containers for draining liquids (if required)|

Check that all fasteners and seals are present before assembly|

Have a diagram or manual on hand for a specific version of Almera-->

Attention! When working with the cooling system Almera G15 Be careful: the expansion tank is under pressure. Never open the cover on a hot engine. - This may cause burns from the release of steam or liquid. Wait until the engine temperature drops below 50°C (you can use the indicator on the dashboard).

Typical problems and how to avoid them

Even with careful operation under the hood Nissan Almera Typical malfunctions may occur. Their causes often lie in design features or maintenance errors. Here are the most common problems:

1. Coolant leak: in G15 The radiator pipes and pumps often “cry”. Reason: engine vibration HR16DE, which over time loosen the clamps. Solution: check the system for leaks every 20 thousand km and tighten the clamps.
2. Alternator belt whistling: in Almera Classic this may indicate wear on the alternator belt or bearing. B G15 Whistling often appears after replacing a belt due to improper tension. Solution: use only original belts Nissan 11720-JD00A and pull them with a force of 10–12 kg.
3. Battery terminal oxidation: in G15 The battery is located in an area where moisture accumulates. Solution: clean the terminals every six months and apply a special lubricant (for example, Liqui Moly Batterie-Pol-Fett).
4. Engine overheating: in Almera with a variator can be caused not only by a malfunction of the cooling system, but also by a clogged automatic transmission radiator (it is located in front of the main radiator). Solution: flush both radiators every 60 thousand km.

Attention! B Nissan Almera G15 with variator Jatco JF015E The transmission should absolutely not be allowed to overheat. At an oil temperature above 120°C, the variator goes into emergency mode, and at 140°C it may fail. If the icon on the dashboard lights up AT OIL TEMP, stop immediately and let the car cool down!

Comparison of the engine compartment of Almera Classic (B17) and Almera G15

Although both models bear the name Almera, their engine compartment differs both in layout and technical solutions. Let's look at the key differences that are important to know when servicing:

Parameter	Almera Classic (B17)	Almera G15
Engine	QG15DE (1.5 l, 98 hp)	HR16DE (1.6 l, 102–114 hp)
Battery location	Left, partially covered by air duct	On the right, under the plastic cover
Access to the air filter	Left, 3 latches	Right, 4 latches + pipe disconnection
Fuse box	In the cabin, under the dashboard	Under the hood, next to the battery
Cooling system features	Frequent thermostat leaks	Weak point - radiator pipes

Another important difference is intake system. B B17 a simpler intake manifold is used, whereas G15 it is integrated with a variable geometry system, which makes accessing the throttle difficult. This should be taken into account when cleaning the throttle or replacing the mass air flow sensor (Mass air flow sensor).

What to do if there are strange sounds under the hood

Extraneous noises under the hood Nissan Almera - this is always a signal of a malfunction. The main thing is to correctly identify the sound source. Here is the diagnostic algorithm:

1. Determine the nature of the sound:
   • 🔊 Whistling — problems with belts (alternator, timing) or bearings.
   • 💥 Knock — there may be problems with the piston group, valves or engine mounts.
   • 🌀 Noise when rotating — malfunction of the pump, generator or air conditioning compressor.

Localize the source: Use a long screwdriver (attach the metal part to different parts and the handle to your ear). The sound will be transmitted better.

Check attachments: loosen the alternator belt - if the whistle disappears, the problem is in it or in one of the pulleys.

For example, alternator belt whistling in Almera G15 often appears in winter due to thickened grease in the bearings. The solution is to replace the belt and tensioner pulley bearing. A knocking in the engine when cold may indicate wear on the hydraulic compensators (a typical problem for HR16DE after 100 thousand km).

Attention! If under the hood Almera Classic (B17) appeared metallic clang When starting the engine, stop operating immediately! Most likely this is a sign broken timing beltwhat for the engine QG15DE is fraught with bending of valves. In this case, major repairs will be required.

Modernization of the engine compartment: what can be improved

Under the hood Nissan Almera There are several components that can be upgraded to improve reliability or serviceability. Here are the most popular modifications:

• 🔋 Moving the battery to the trunk: relevant for G15, where the regular location of the battery is often flooded with water. It will be necessary to lengthen the wires and install additional ground.
• ❄️ Installing an additional radiator: useful for CVT versions prone to overheating. You can install a radiator from Nissan Juke with minor modifications.
• 🛡️ Motor protection: standard protection Almera often cannot withstand blows. An alternative is aluminum protection against NPP or Titan.
• 🔧 Replacing pipes with silicone ones: original pipes G15 they tan quickly. Silicone (for example, Samco) last 2–3 times longer.

However, not all improvements are justified. For example, installation of a “zero” air filter on Almera with engine HR16DE may lead to increased oil consumption due to poor air filtration. A replacing the standard pump with a “reinforced” one often does not have an effect, since the problem of overheating in G15 usually lies in clogged radiators, and not in the performance of the pump.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Where is the engine number on the Nissan Almera G15?

On Almera G15 The engine number is stamped on the cylinder block on the gearbox side (visible when the protection is removed or through the inspection window). You may need a mirror and a flashlight to check. On Almera Classic (B17) The number is located on the front of the unit, next to the generator.

What is the oil volume in the Almera HR16DE engine?

For engine HR16DE (1.6 l) Nissan Almera G15 required 4.3 liters oil with a complete change (including oil filter). Recommended viscosity - 5W-30 or 5W-40 (according to classification API SN or ILSAC GF-5). With a partial replacement (without removing the pan), ~3.5 liters will be required.

Is it possible to pour antifreeze of a different color into Almera?

B Nissan Almera antifreeze was added from the factory Nissan Long Life Coolant (green color). You can add antifreeze based on ethylene glycol (G11 or G12), but do not mix with propylene glycol (G13) or silicate. When completely replacing, the system must be flushed with distilled water. Color is not a determining factor - the base and additive package are important.

Why does the Almera G15 battery drain quickly?

B Almera G15 The battery discharges faster than usual due to:

1. Poor contact at the terminals (oxidation or loose tightening).
2. High current consumption of the alarm or multimedia system (especially if a non-standard radio is installed).
3. Generator malfunctions (check the voltage at the terminals with the engine running - it should be 13.8–14.4 V).
4. Current leakage to ground (you can check it with a multimeter in ammeter mode by disconnecting the negative terminal).

Solution: Clean the terminals, check the generator and eliminate current leaks. In winter, it is recommended to use a high-capacity battery (for example, 60 Ah instead of the standard 55 Ah).

How often do you need to change the timing belt on Almera HR16DE?

For engine HR16DE Nissan Almera G15 It is recommended to change the timing belt every 120,000 km or once every 5 years (whichever comes first). However, when operating in difficult conditions (frequent traffic jams, high loads), it is better to reduce the interval to 90,000 km. When replacing the belt, be sure to change the tensioner and bypass rollers.