Nissan Almera Common Problems and Solutions
Hissing Noise from Engine
Problem:
The engine is running rough, and there is a hissing noise coming from it, although there are no problems revealed when you do a fault check.
Solution:
Most likely, this is a problem with your airflow meter. It's probably a leak, which won't register when you do a diagnostic check because it won't be recognised by the ECU. Check your hose clips to start with, and make sure that they are tight and secure. You should take a close look at the trunking to see if there are any splits or cracks. If there are, then you'll need to replace them with spare parts from us. You can also try cleaning your airflow meter, just in case.
Difficulty level
Immobilizer Light Is On
Problem:
The immobilizer light on your dashboard is permanently on, and your car occasionally stalls.
Solution:
This is a sensor issue, so it's very easy to do yourself. Change the sensors on the crankshaft and the camshaft with replacements here, and then reset your car's computer. This should resolve the issue, and your immobilizer light should turn off.
Difficulty level
Car seat wearing early
Problem:
It is common on the Almera for the seats to wear early, particularly around the seat trim area and the drivers seat is usually the most prone to this issue. If the trim is not repaired then this will lead to the seats wearing out early.
Solution:
Replacing the seat trim will fix the problem, but as mentioned above, if you leave it too long then you will need to replace the seat cover also.
Difficulty level
Timing chain problem
Problem:
You may have noticed that the car is having irregular idling, the engine is misfiring or spluttering, or it is stalling. These are common indicators of problems with the timing chain. The timing chain is a known issue on the Almera.
Solution:
The timing chain will need to be adjusted, most likely tightened. This should fix your problem. Watch the video below on how to carry out this repair:
Difficulty level
Timing Chain
Electric windows problems
Problem:
It is known on the Almera for the electric windows to fail. If you are finding that the windows are sticking, or are moving up and down very slowly, this is an indication of a problem with the window regulator.
Solution:
Replacing the window regulator will resolve this issue.
Difficulty level
Engine management warning light
Problem:
If you have noticed that the engine management warning light is on the dashboard and the car seems to be misfiring, you have a problem with the oxygen sensor.
Solution:
You will need to fit a replacement oxygen sensor to resolve this problem.
Difficulty level
Oxygen Sensor
Condensated headlights
Problem:
It is known on the Almera for the headlights to fill up with condensation. This is particularly a problem on cold mornings.
Solution:
The best thing to do is to drill small holes at the bottom of the headlight covers in order to allow any water build up to drain out. This is the solution we have found for this issue.
Difficulty level
Hand brake self-releases
Problem:
When you put the car into park using the handbrake, it sometimes self-releases.
Solution:
There's a misalignment between the ratchets and the pawl teeth, which means that the brake can't be securely set. This was a big recall issue for Nissan, and if your car is still under warranty, then they will replace the brake assembly for free. If not, this is a job that you can do yourself with replacement parts from us.
Difficulty level
Constant Stalling
Problem:
The car constantly stalls and sometimes doesn't start again for a while after stalling.
Solution:
This is a major fault that only really affects Almeras made between March 2000 and July 2002. It only affects the petrol version, and it's caused by a misaligned engine crankshaft and camshaft. While you can make this repair yourself, it's quite a big job that takes a lot of steps. In most cases, it's best to leave this to a Nissan dealership that may do the repair for free if the vehicle is still under warranty.
Difficulty level
Grinding Brakes
Problem:
When you're driving at low speeds, there is a grinding noise coming from your brakes.
Solution:
This is a problem with your brake system, and the challenge is going to be finding which part of that system is causing the grinding. Check your brake pads and replace them with one of our options if they are worn. Clean your brake discs (and replace them if they are damaged) and any contact points, lubricating if necessary. In some cases, it will simply be a matter of replacing your brake fluid.
Difficulty level
The Engine Is Running Rough
Problem:
When driving, the engine misfires once it's warmed up. As it gets hotter during longer drives, the engine starts to feel rough.
Solution:
This is an unusual problem that could have several different causes. In most cases, it's going to be best to take this to a mechanic who can run a full diagnostic check. If you're determined to try repairs yourself, then your first step should be to change the airflow cam sensor. If that doesn't do anything, try changing the crank sensor. In worst-case scenarios, this is going to be a problem with your ignition coil or a plug lead, both of which may need replacing.
Difficulty level
Engine Stuttering
Problem:
Your Almera starts fine, but it stutters and sometimes cuts out when you rev the engine.
Solution:
This could be a variety of issues. Your first step should be to check the airflow sensor and then test that the fuel pump is working correctly. If that doesn't resolve the problem, try changing the engine coolant temperature sensor with one from our online store. This can be a tricky job to do yourself, but it is doable, and there are online guides that will walk you through it.
Difficulty level
