Nissan Maxima: How To Replace Starter?

Replace Starter

Nissan Starter Replacing Procedure.

First Test and confirm that starter is faulty.

Starter Testing Procedure


The easiest way to test the performance of the starter is to perform a voltage drop test.

The battery must be in good condition and fully charged prior to performing this test.

• Connect a voltmeter between the positive and negative terminals of the battery.
• Turn the ignition key to the START position and note the voltage drop on the meter.
• If voltage drops below 11.5 volts, there is high resistance in the starting system.
• Check for proper connections at the battery and starter.
• Check the resistance of the battery cables and replace as necessary.
• If all other components in the system are functional, the starter may be faulty.

Many automotive parts stores have starter bench testers available for use by customers. A starter bench test is the most definitive way to determine the condition of your starter.


NOW FOLLOW THE BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF STARTER:



Maximas use a gear reduction starter which has a set of ratio reduction gears; the brushes on the gear reduction starter are located on a plate behind the starter drive housing. The extra gears make the starter pinion gear turn at about 1 / 2 the speed of the starter, giving the starter twice the turning power of a conventional starter.

The starting system is comprised of the following components:

1. Permanent magnet gear-reduction starter motor with a solenoid-actuated drive.
2. Battery.
3. Remote control starter switch (part of the ignition switch).
4. Park/Neutral Position switch (Automatic models).
5. Clutch Pedal Position switch (on manual transmission models).
6. Starter relay.
7. Heavy circuit wiring.

Starter Removal Procedure:

Recommended to 

See Figures 1 and 2

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery.
2. On the VE30DE and VQ30DE engines, remove the air duct.
3. Disconnect the starter wiring at the starter, taking note of the positions for correct installation.
4. On the VE30DE engine, remove the connector brackets.
5. Remove the starter-to-engine bolts ,and remove the starter from the vehicle.

Fig. Fig. 1: Removing the starter (automatic transaxle)

Fig. Fig. 2: Starter location and mounting detail-manual transaxle

To install Starter:


Holding the starter in position, insert and tighten the attaching bolts. Be careful not overtorque the mounting bolts as this will crack the nose of the starter case.

Install the starter wiring in the correct location.

On the VE30DE engine, install the air duct and the connector brackets.

Connect the negative battery cable.

Start the engine a few times to make sure of proper operation.