How to Replace a Car Starter on a 2002 Maxima

Replacing the starter in a 2001 Nissan Maxima is the same as changing one on any fifth-generation Maxima from 2000 to 2003. The starter motor is mounted within the engine compartment, with the air-cleaner assembly being the biggest component in the way. In some cases, you may need to replace not the entire starter but just the solenoid; you will still need to remove the starter motor in order to change the solenoid.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench
• Phillips screwdriver

Instructions

Starter Motor

1. Disconnect the car's negative battery cable, loosening the cable clamp with a wrench. Use one with an insulated handle for extra protection.

2. Remove the air-cleaner duct and housing--disconnect the mass-airflow sensor's electrical connector from the air filter, loosen the intake duct's clamp with a screwdriver, unclip and remove the upper housing with the airflow sensor and then unbolt the lower housing with a wrench.

3. Disconnect the battery cable from the starter and the wire from the solenoid terminal. Unbolt the starter with a wrench and remove it from the engine.

4. Install the replacement starter motor in the engine and secure it with the mounting bolts. Attach the wire to the solenoid terminal and the battery cable to the starter.

5. Reinstall the air-filter assembly to the engine, connecting the lower housing with its bolts, the upper housing with its spring clips and the intake duct to the airflow sensor with its clamp. Reconnect the electrical connectors.

6. Reconnect the car's negative battery cable.

Starter Solenoid

1. Remove the starter motor from the engine as described in Section 1.

2. Disconnect the electrical connector from the solenoid's lower terminal.

3. Unscrew the two mounting screws with a Phillips screwdriver and separate the solenoid from the body.

4. Install the replacement solenoid on the starter body and screw it in place. Connect the electrical connector.

5. Install the starter motor in the engine as described above.

References

• "Chilton Nissan Maxima Repair Manual"; Bob Henderson; 2004