Nissan Almera Classic (also known as Nissan Sunny or Samsung SM3 in some countries) is a reliable sedan, but even it has problems with the fuel system over time. One of the most common malfunctions is failure fuel pump relay, due to which the engine suddenly stalls or refuses to start. In this article, we will look at how to independently diagnose and fix the problem without resorting to an expensive car service.

Fuel pump relay Almera Classic (body B10 And N16) is responsible for supplying voltage to the fuel pump when the ignition is turned on. If it fails, the pump stops pumping gasoline, which leads to the engine stops completely 2–3 seconds after starting (until the residual pressure in the fuel line is used up). In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by replacing the relay, which takes no more than 10 minutes.

Where is the fuel pump relay located in Nissan Almera Classic?

B Nissan Almera Classic The fuel pump relay is located in fuse and relay box under the hood. The exact location depends on the year of manufacture and configuration:

  • 🔧 Models 2006–2012 (B10/N16 with engines QG15DE And QG18DE): the block is located to the right of the battery, under a plastic cover. The fuel pump relay is usually black or dark gray with markings FUEL PUMP or E16.
  • 🔧 Restyled versions (2013+): the block has been moved closer to the windshield, next to fan control unit. The relay can be designated as FP RELAY.
  • 🔧 Diesel modifications (rarely found in Russia): the relay is integrated into fuel system control unit and requires diagnostics with a scanner.

To avoid confusion, focus on diagram on the back of the block cover — the location of each relay is indicated there. If there is no diagram, use a flashlight: the fuel pump relay is usually located next to fuel pump fuse (15–20A).

📊 What engine is installed in your Almera Classic?
  • QG15DE (1.5 l)
  • QG18DE (1.8 l)
  • Other petrol
  • Diesel
  • I don't know

Signs of a faulty fuel pump relay

Symptoms of a broken relay are often confused with malfunction of the fuel pump itself or fuel pressure sensor. However, there are key signs that will indicate the relay:

  • 🚗 Engine starts and immediately stalls (after 1-3 seconds) is a classic symptom when the pump does not receive power after starting.
  • 🔊 There is no sound from the fuel pump when the ignition is turned on (normally a slight buzzing sound should be heard from under the rear seat).
  • ⚡ Problems with hot starting: after stopping, the car does not start until it cools down (the relay could be “stuck” due to overheating).
  • 🔋 Power surges on the dashboard when trying to start (gauges twitch, lights flash).
  • 🛑 Error P0190 or P0230 on the on-board computer (low pressure in the fuel system).

If any of these symptoms appear, check the relay. You don't need special tools for this - just multimeter or even a regular 12V light bulb.

⚠️ Attention: If the engine stalls in 5–10 seconds after startup (and not immediately), the problem is most likely in fuel filter or clogged fuel pump screen, and not in the relay.

How to check the fuel pump relay with a multimeter?

Checking the relay takes 5 minutes and consists of two stages: power circuit diagnostics And checking relay contacts. You will need:

  • 🔧 Multimeter (or 12V test lamp).
  • 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for removing the block cover).
  • 🔧 Tweezers or thin pliers (for removing the relay).

Verification algorithm:

  1. Remove the relay from the block (carefully pry it off with tweezers or your fingers).
  2. Check the voltage at the terminals of the block:
    • 🔋Connect negative multimeter probe to a mass (for example, to a car body).
    • 🔋 Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
    • 🔋 Positive probe tap the contacts one by one 85 And 86 (see diagram below). One of them should have 12V.
  3. Check the relay coil resistance:
    • 🔧 Connect the multimeter probes to the contacts 85 And 86 (relay must be removed!).
    • 🔧 The winding resistance must be within 50–120 Ohm. If it shows 0 (short circuit) or ∞ (break) - the relay is faulty.
  4. Check contact closure 30 And 87:
    • 🔧 Connect the probes to these contacts.
    • 🔧 Normally there should be resistance ∞ (open). When submitting 12V to pins 85 and 86 (can be from a battery) the relay should click, and the resistance between 30 And 87 fall to 0 ohm.
Relay contact Purpose Normal value
85 Control minus (from the ECU) 0V when ignition is off, 12V when on
86 Plus 12V (constant) 12V always
30 Input plus (from battery) 12V always
87 Output plus (to fuel pump) 12V when relay is activated

Remove the relay from the fuse box|

Ring contacts 85 and 86 (resistance 50–120 Ohms)|

Apply 12V to 85 and 86 - there should be a click |

Ring 30 and 87 after click (resistance 0 ohm)|

Check the voltage on the block (pin 86 should always be at 12V) -->

Top 3 reasons for relay failure

Fuel pump relay Nissan Almera Classic It breaks for a reason. Here are the main reasons:

  • ⚡ Power surges in the on-board network (for example, when “lighting” from another car or a faulty generator). The relay is not designed for voltages higher than 14.5V, and its winding burns out.
  • 💧 Contact corrosion due to moisture getting into the fuse box. Often occurs after washing under the hood or in rainy weather.
  • 🔥 Overheating relay due to prolonged operation of the pump under high load (for example, when driving with an almost empty tank, when the pump overheats).

It's interesting that in Almera Classic with a mileage of more than 150 thousand km, the fuel pump relay fails in 3 times more oftenthan on new cars. This is due to wear of the contacts and deterioration in the quality of soldering inside the relay.

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If the relay clicks but the pump does not work, the problem may be oxidized contacts of the block. Try cleaning them with an eraser or WD-40 before replacing the relay.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the fuel pump relay

Replacing a relay is a simple procedure, but there are nuances that will help you avoid mistakes:

  1. Turn off the ignition and remove the negative terminal from the battery (this will prevent a short circuit).
  2. Remove the fuse box cover (it is fixed with latches or a screw).
  3. Find the fuel pump relay (see diagram on the lid or photo above).
  4. Remove the faulty relay with tweezers or gently with your fingers, shaking left and right.
  5. Install a new relay (original article - 25230-31U00 or analogues Hella, Bosch).
  6. Check your work: Turn on the ignition (the sound of the pump should be heard) and start the engine.

If the problem remains after replacing the relay, check:

  • 🔌 Fuel pump fuse (usually 15A, located next to the relay).
  • 🔌 Wiring from the relay to the pump (often grinds near the fuel tank).
  • 🔌 The fuel pump itself (may be jammed or burnt out).
⚠️ Attention: Do not buy cheap relays from unknown brands! B Almera Classic often come across fakes of the original Nissan, which fail after 1–2 months. Focus on trusted manufacturers: Hella (article 4RA 003 507-361), Bosch (article 0 332 014 150).

The cost of the relay and where to buy it?

Fuel pump relay price for Nissan Almera Classic varies depending on the manufacturer and place of purchase:

Manufacturer Article Price (RUB) Where to buy
Original Nissan 25230-31U00 1 200–1 800 Official dealers, Exist.ru
Hella 4RA 003 507-361 600–900 Autodoc, Autosphere
Bosch 0 332 014 150 700–1 100 Emex, Auto49
ERA 550107 400–600 Markets, small shops

Tip: if you need to save money, take a relay from Renault Logan (article 7700470168) - it is completely identical in parameters and costs less (about 500 rubles). A relay from Kia Spectra or Hyundai Accent (article 95210-26000).

How to distinguish an original relay from a fake?

Original relay Nissan has:

1. Clear labeling 25230-31U00 or 25230-31U10 (for restyling).

2. Plastic body without burrs and uniform color.

3. Contacts made of brass (counterfeits often have steel contacts, which quickly oxidize).

4. On the reverse side is the production date (month/year in format MM/YY).

Counterfeits are usually lighter in weight and have blurry markings.

Common mistakes when replacing relays and how to avoid them

Even such a simple operation as replacing a relay can result in new problems if mistakes are made:

  • 🔌 Installing the relay upside down. Contacts 85 And 86 not symmetrical - if mixed up, the relay will not operate. Focus on the marks on the body.
  • 💡 Ignoring fuse check. If the fuse is blown, the new relay will also quickly fail.
  • 🔧 Using relays from other systems (for example, from a fan or headlights). They may have a different winding resistance and will not withstand the load of the fuel pump.
  • 🚗 Failure to check the contacts of the block. Oxidized or burnt contacts in the fuse box will lead to repeated failure.

If after replacing the relay the car still does not start, check:

  1. Voltage at fuel pump connector (under the back seat).
  2. Integrity postings from the relay to the pump (often grinds near the tank).
  3. Job immobilizer (sometimes it blocks the fuel supply).
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If the relay clicks, but the pump does not work, the problem is pump power supply (wiring, fuse) or in the pump itself. If the relay does not click, it is either faulty or there is no control from the ECU.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the fuel pump relay in Nissan Almera Classic

Is it possible to drive with a faulty fuel pump relay?

No. If the relay does not work, the fuel pump does not pump fuel and the engine won't start. In rare cases, the car may start on residual pressure in the line, but will travel no more than 50–100 meters and stall.

How to temporarily bypass the relay in order to get to the service station?

You can close contacts 30 and 87 in the relay block with a piece of wire (for example, a paper clip). This will provide constant power to the pump. Danger! The pump will run continuously, which may cause it to overheat. Use only for short trips!

Why does a new relay burn out quickly?

Reasons:

  • Short circuit in fuel pump wiring (check insulation).
  • Faulty fuel pump (consumes too much current).
  • Problems with mass (bad contact on the body).
  • Poor quality relay (buy only trusted brands).
Where is the fuel pump fuse located?

B Nissan Almera Classic The fuel pump fuse (15A) is located in same block, as the relay. It is usually denoted as FUEL PUMP or E16 and is located next to the relay.

Can I fix the relay myself?

Theoretically yes, if the problem is oxidized contacts (they can be cleaned) or broken winding (resolder). But in practice this is unprofitable - a new relay costs from 400 rubles, and repairs will take several hours. Exception: if you have a rare relay that is difficult to find.