Starters for Nissan Maxima
The starter in a Nissan Maxima is the electric motor that begins spinning the Nissan engine when the ignition key is turned over to the start position. Starters are a critical component of any vehicle. If the starter in your Nissan Maxima needs to be replaced, there are many options to choose from.
What brands offer starters for the Nissan Maxima?Starters for the Maxima sedan are typically available as Genuine OEM, also known for Original Equipment Manufacturer, parts from Nissan or from some aftermarket brands. Some of the aftermarket brands offering starters for the Nissan Maxima include ACDelco, BBB Industries, Bosch, and DENSO. Remu, Quality-Built, and TYC also offer starters that are compatible with the Nissan Maxima.
How do you know when to replace the Maximas starter?If the starter is bad, you will hear the starter solenoid click when you turn the key, but the engine will not turn on. This is typically caused by poor continuity between the starter solenoid and starter or a starter motor with an internal failure.
The pinion gear can fail to extend and contact the flywheel ring gear, so the starter motor is working when the key is turned, but a fast spinning or whirring noise is the only result. Either of these issues may mean the starter has failed and needs to be replaced.
Are all Nissan Maxima starters compatible?In short, no. If youre looking to replace your cars starter, you will need to make sure the new starter is compatible with your vehicles model year. Most starters are compatible with certain generations of Maxima. For example, the first generation of Nissan Maxima was produced from 1980 to 1984. Starters for this generation of Maxima may not be compatible with the second generation, which was produced between 1984 and 1988, or the third generation, which was produced between 1988 and 1994. Make sure to check which model years the starter is compatible with before making your purchase.
How do you replace the starter in a Nissan Maxima?Where the starter is located in your Maxima will depend on the model year of the vehicle and the type of motor it has. You may need to raise the front end of the car in order to crawl underneath it, or you may only need to remove the air duct in order to access the starter. If youre unsure where the starter is located in your vehicle, consult your owners manual. Then you can follow these steps to replace it:
- Open the cars hood and disconnect the black, negative battery cable.
- Remove the air intake assembly, which might require you to remove the hose clamps and mounting bolts that secure it to the engine. You should then have access to the starter.
- Disconnect the power or battery cable from the solenoid, which is located on top of the starter.
- Lift the protective rubber boot and then unplug the electrical connector from the solenoid by pressing the lock tab to release it from the harness.
- Remove the pair of mounting bolts from the starter, which will then allow you to remove the starter motor from the engine compartment.
- Place the new starter motor, making sure its flush against the mounting base. Replace and tighten the mounting bolts, and reconnect and replace all other components.