How to Replace a Car Starter on a Maxima
If the headlights and dashboard lights on your Nissan Maxima come on, but the car refuses to start, it may mean it's time to replace your starter. There may be a clicking or there may not be any sound at all. The starter receives an electrical pulse from your battery. The starter turns a flywheel that turns the drive shaft, which ultimately starts your Maxima's engine. Once you make your way to the starter, it only takes a few minutes to change it out.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Socket set
- Piece of chalk
- Ratchet extension
- New starter
Instructions
-
-
1
Remove the negative battery cable on your Maxima by loosening it with a socket.
-
2
Locate your Maxima's starter. It is generally found on the driver's side of the engine mounted on the block. Depending on the year of your Nissan Maxima, you may have to remove the air intake assembly first. To accomplish this, use the screwdrivers and sockets to remove any clamps holding it in place. You may have to remove a hose too.
-
-
3
Remove the cables that attach your starter to your battery with a socket set.
-
4
Loosen and remove the mounting bolts that hold your starter to the engine block using your socket set. You will probably need the ratchet extension to reach the mounting bolts. Also be sure to mark, with chalk, which bolt comes from each hole, as most Maxima starter mounting bolts are two different sizes.
-
5
Lift the old starter out and set the new one into place.
-
6
Replace the mounting bolts to hold your new starter in place and then re-attach the starter cables.
-
7
Re-assemble the air intake assembly and any hoses or clamps you may have removed to get to your Maxima's starter.
-
8
Replace the negative battery cable and then test your new starter by turning the ignition. The engine should turn over immediately.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit holding car key image by Photosani from Fotolia.com
