Removing the starter on a Nissan Almera Classic: detailed instructions with photos and tips

Removing the starter Nissan Almera Classic (model range N16, 2000–2006) is a task that every owner faces sooner or later. A faulty starter manifests itself with characteristic clicks, slow rotation of the crankshaft, or a complete lack of response to turning the key. In 80% of cases the problem is solved by replacement bendix, solenoid relay or brushes, but to do this you must first dismantle the assembly.

Unlike many modern cars, where the starter is hidden behind a subframe or requires removal of the box, Almera Classic accessing it is relatively easy - provided you know key nuance: dismantling is possible only from below, through an inspection hole or a lift. In this article, we will analyze the process step by step, indicate the necessary tools, warn against common mistakes and give recommendations for diagnosing faults.

Signs of a starter malfunction on a Nissan Almera Classic

Before proceeding with removal, make sure that the problem is in the starter. Symptoms often overlap with malfunctions battery, ignition switch contact group or massive wires. Here are the key signs that indicate a starter:

• 🔊 Clicks without scrolling: the solenoid relay is activated (clicks), but the bendix does not extend or the flywheel does not rotate.
• 🐢 Slow rotation: The crankshaft turns with difficulty, although the battery is charged (typical of worn brushes or bearings).
• 🔄 Intermittent failure: the starter works “every once” - typical for burnt contacts of the solenoid relay.
• 🔥 Burning smell: when trying to start, you smell the smell of burnt insulation (signal of a short circuit in the windings).

If any of these symptoms occur, first check:

1. Battery charge (should be 12.6–14.4 V under load).
2. Condition of the terminals and ground on the body/engine (clean from oxidation).
3. Contact group of the ignition switch (check the voltage at contact 50 when turning the key).

⚠️ Attention: On Almera Classic with an automatic transmission, the starter may not operate due to a faulty trigger inhibitor (blocker on the gearbox selector). Before dismantling, check whether the lamp lights up P on the dashboard when you turn the key.

Required tools and materials

To remove the starter Nissan Almera Classic you will need:

Tool/material	Purpose	Note
Head on 10 mm + extension cord	Unscrewing the starter fasteners	Better to use head with magnet - bolts may fall into the pan
Ratchet wrench or wrench	For work in cramped conditions	Minimum extension length - 10 cm
Flat blade screwdriver	Removing the chip from the solenoid relay	The sting should be thin (3–4 mm)
Jack or inspection hole	Starter access from below	On Almera Classic removal from above impossible without removing the intake manifold
WD-40 or similar	Treatment of stuck bolts	Apply for 10–15 minutes before unscrewing

Additionally prepare:

• 🔦 Flashlight with magnet (lighting and bolt retention).
• 🧤 Gloves with rubber inserts (protection against oil and sharp edges).
• 📦 Plastic container for fasteners (so as not to lose small parts).

Step-by-step instructions for removing the starter

The dismantling process takes 1.5–2 hours in the presence of a pit and tools. Follow the algorithm strictly in order to avoid mistakes.

Step 1: Preparing the car

1. Place the car on a flat surface, lock the handbrake and place supports under the rear wheels.

2. Disable negative battery terminal (key to 10 mm). This will prevent short circuits when working with the starter wiring.

3. If you are using a jack, lift the front of the car and secure it on stands. Never work under a machine that is only supported by a jack!

Step 2: Removing the protection and accessing the starter

1. Remove plastic engine protection (if installed). It is attached to 4–6 self-tapping screws (screwdriver or head on 8 mm).

2. Find the starter - it is located to the right of the flywheel (if viewed in the direction of travel), below the intake manifold. On Almera Classic with engine QG15DE/QG18DE access to it is blocked exhaust manifold pipe — there is no need to deflect it, just work through the gap.

Battery terminal disconnected|Engine protection removed|Car fixed on stands|Tools prepared and treated with WD-40-->

Step 3: Disconnecting Electrical Connections

1. Disconnect solenoid relay control chip (plastic connector with wires). It is fixed with a latch - carefully pry it off with a screwdriver.

2. Unscrew the fastening nut power wire (key to 12 mm) and remove the terminal. Don't pull the wire! - this may damage the contact.

⚠️ Attention: On some versions Almera Classic the power wire is soldered to the pull-in relay. In this case, you will have to bite it off with side cutters and subsequently restore it with soldering or a terminal.

Step 4: Removing the Starter Mounts

Starter on Nissan Almera Classic attached to 2 or 3 bolts (depending on year of manufacture):

1. Two bolts at the front (head on 10 mm).
2. One bolt at the rear (may be hidden by the wiring harness).

Unscrew the bolts one by one, starting from the top. Hold the last bolt with your hand so that the starter does not fall.

Step 5: Removing the Starter

After unscrewing the bolts, carefully pull the starter down, turning it counterclockwise (this will help free the bendix from engaging the flywheel). Be careful - the weight of the unit is 3–4 kg, and it may slip out.

If the starter is stuck, do not hit it with a hammer! Try rocking from side to side or using puller.

What to do if the starter doesn't work?

On Almera Classic often the problem is stuck Bendix to the flywheel. In this case:

1. Have an assistant turn the crankshaft using a wrench using the pulley bolt (clockwise).

2. At the same time, pull the starter towards you.

3. If that doesn’t help, remove the wheel and try to move the starter through the hole in the arch with a pry bar (carefully so as not to damage the flywheel teeth!).

Typical mistakes when removing the starter

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to breakdowns or injuries. That's what can't do when working with Nissan Almera Classic:

• 🔧 Use key extensions: Excessive force may strip bolts or damage threads in the engine block.
• ⚡ Ignore battery disconnection: When a wrench touches the starter housing and the positive terminal at the same time, a short circuit will occur.
• 🔨 Hit the starter with a hammer: This may deform the housing or damage the armature windings.
• 🧲 Losing washers and bolts: on Almera Classic the starter mount often has special length — replacement with analogues may lead to play.

Another common mistake is reverse polarity during reassembly. At the starter Nissan terminal B (bolt) is "+", and S (solenoid) - control. If they are swapped, the solenoid relay or fuse will burn out.

Diagnostics of the starter after removal

Before installing a new starter or repairing an old one, diagnose it. This will help you pinpoint the cause of the problem.

Checking the solenoid relay

1. Connect positive wire from battery to terminal B starter, and minus - to the body.

2. Touch the terminal with a short wire S (control) and housing. A working relay should:

• 🔊 Make a clear click.
• 🔄 Move the bendix forward.

If there is no click, the relay is faulty. If there is a click, but the bendix does not extend, the problem is in the mechanical part.

Checking the armature and brushes

1. Connect the starter directly to the battery (positive on B, minus the body). A working unit should rotate at a frequency 5000–6000 rpm.

2. If the rotation is slow or jerky:

• 🔍 Check it out brush wear (minimum length - 7 mm).
• 🌀 Take a look armature commutator for the presence of burnt or wear.
• 🧲 Check it out bearings for play (rock the shaft with your hand).

⚠️ Attention: On Almera Classic with engine QG18DE often wears out bushing in the rear cover of the starter. Replacing it requires completely disassembling the unit and pressing in a new bushing.

Troubleshooting table

Symptom	Probable Cause	Solution
Clicking but no rotation	The contacts of the solenoid relay are burnt	Clean contacts or replace relay
Slow rotation	Worn brushes or bearings	Replacing brushes or starter assembly
Starter does not respond	Broken winding or faulty ignition switch	Ring the windings with a multimeter and check pin 50
Grinding noise on startup	Worn bendix teeth or flywheel	Replacing the bendix or flywheel (in case of critical wear)

Starter installation and reassembly

Installation of a new or repaired starter is performed in the reverse order, but taking into account several nuances:

1. Clean the seat on the engine block from dirt and oil. This will prevent the starter from twisting when tightening.
2. Lubricate the bolt threads graphite lubricant (this will facilitate future dismantling).
3. Tighten the bolts crosswise with effort 20–25 Nm (do not overtighten!).
4. Check the clearance between the bendix and the flywheel - he must be 1–2 mm. If the gap is larger, the starter will not engage well.

After installation:

1. Connect the battery and check the starter operation without starting the engine (listen to how the retractor works).
2. Start the engine and pay attention to:
• 🔊 Extraneous noise (grinding, squealing).
• 🔄 Smooth rotation (jerks indicate problems with the bendix).
• ⚡ On-board voltage at startup (must be at least 10.5 V).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Almera Classic starter

Is it possible to remove the starter on an Almera Classic without a pit?

Theoretically yes, but it is extremely inconvenient. You will have to:

1. Raise the car on a jack and hang the front right wheel.
2. Remove the wheel and part of the fender liner.
3. Work while lying down, which increases the risk of losing fasteners.

We recommend finding a hole or overpass - this will save 1–1.5 hours time.

Which starter is suitable for Almera Classic?

Original catalog number - 23300-4M000 (for engines QG15DE/QG18DE). Analogues:

• Bosch — 0 001 108 005.
• Denso — 280-0001.
• Valeo — 438086.

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to number of bendix teeth - on Almera Classic there should be them 9.

How much does it cost to replace a starter at a service center?

The cost of work varies:

• 🔧 Self-replacement: 0 ₽ (only spare part price).
• 👨‍🔧 Service station: 1500–2500 ₽ (excluding diagnostics).
• 🔄 Starter repair: 800–1500 ₽ (replacement of brushes/retractor).

Average price of a new starter - 4000–7000 ₽ (original/analogue).

What should I do if the car does not start after replacing the starter?

Check:

1. Connection polarity (plus on B, control on S).
2. Ground contact quality on the engine and body.
3. Voltage at terminal 50 of the ignition switch (must be 12 V when turning the key).
4. Fuse status (on Almera Classic this is F10 (10A) in the block under the hood).

If everything is in order, but the starter does not turn, check immobilizer (may block startup).

How to extend the life of a starter?

Follow simple rules:

• 🔋 Do not hold the key in the "start" position longer 5 seconds.
• 🔌 Regularly clean the battery terminals and ground on the engine.
• 🛢️ Every 50,000 km check the condition of the brushes and commutator.
• 🚗 In cold weather, turn on the high beams before starting 10 seconds — this will “warm up” the battery.