How to remove the starter on a Nissan...

Introduction: When does a starter need to be replaced? Nissan Sunny FB15

Starter in Nissan Sunny with engine QG15DE - a unit that rarely fails suddenly. Typically, malfunctions appear gradually: first clicks without scrolling, then slow rotation of the crankshaft, and then complete failure. If you are faced with the fact that the car does not start or the starter works every once in a while, do not rush to blame the battery - in 30% of cases the problem lies in this device.

Removing the starter FB15 complicated by the cramped engine compartment and inconvenient location of the fasteners. However, with the right approach and the availability of tools, the procedure takes no more than 1.5–2 hours. In this article we will look at step-by-step withdrawal algorithm, we will list the necessary tools, point out typical errors and give recommendations for diagnosing faults. Let us separately dwell on the nuances associated with the design features QG15DE - for example, why you can’t ignore checking the solenoid relay before installing a new starter.

Signs of a starter malfunction Nissan Sunny FB15

Before proceeding with dismantling, make sure that the problem is really in the starter. Here are the key symptoms that indicate its malfunction:

🔋 Clicks without scrolling: When turning the key, multiple clicks are heard, but the crankshaft does not rotate. This is a sign of a problem solenoid relay or burnt contacts.
🐢 Slow rotation: the starter turns, but with difficulty, especially when cold. Possible causes are wear of the brushes or bearings.
🔊 Grinding or squealing: indicates wear on the bendix or damage to the flywheel teeth. In this case, it may be necessary to replace not only the starter, but also the flywheel.
🚫 Complete lack of reaction: There is no sound when turning the key. Check the fuse (usually F10 10A in the block under the hood) and the starter relay.

If at least one of these signs appears, it is worth conducting a diagnosis. On Sunny FB15 The starter is located at the bottom of the engine on the gearbox side, making access difficult. Before removing it, check:

🔋 Voltage at the battery terminals (must be at least 12.4V with the engine off).
🔌 Condition of starter terminals - oxidation or poor contact can simulate a malfunction.
🔧 Integrity of wiring from the ignition switch to the starter (especially pay attention to the retractor relay connector).

📊 What symptom of a starter malfunction have you encountered?

Clicks without scrolling
Slow rotation
Grinding/squealing
Starter does not respond
Other symptom

Tools and materials for starter removal

To dismantle the starter Nissan Sunny FB15 you will need a standard set of tools, but taking into account the specific location of the node. Here's the full list:

Tool/material	Purpose	Note
Head on `10 mm` And `12 mm`	Unscrewing the starter fasteners	It is better to use an extended wrench
Ratchet handle	Ease of working in cramped conditions	Preferably with a flexible extension
Head extension	Access to the upper starter bolt	Length no less `15 cm`
Flat blade screwdriver	Disconnecting terminals and connectors	Preferably with an insulated handle
Jack and stand	Lifting the vehicle for access from below	Be sure to use safety stops!

In addition, prepare:

🧴 Penetrating lubricant (For example, WD-40 or Liqui Moly) - the starter bolts often stick.
🔦 Flashlight — the lighting of the lower part of the engine leaves much to be desired.
📸 Smartphone - to photograph the location of the wires before disconnecting.

💡

Before starting work, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery! This will prevent a short circuit if the positive wire accidentally touches ground.

Step-by-step instructions for removing the starter

The process of dismantling the starter Nissan Sunny FB15 can be divided into several stages. Follow the instructions strictly in order to avoid mistakes.

Stage 1: Preparing the car

1. Place the machine on a flat surface, secure the wheels with wheel chocks.

2. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (the key is on 10 mm).

3. Jack up the front of the vehicle on the driver's side and install a safety stand. This is necessary to access the starter from below.

Stage 2: Removing the protection and accessing the starter

1. Remove the plastic engine protection (mounts on 10 mm).

2. Unscrew the metal crankcase protection (if installed). On FB15 it is attached to 12 mm bolts.

3. Clean the starter and surrounding area of dirt to prevent debris from entering the engine.

Step 3: Disconnecting Electrical Connections

1. Disconnect solenoid relay connector (plastic plug, fixed with a latch).

2. Unscrew the fastening nut positive wire (key to 12 mm) and remove the wire from the contact.

How to distinguish the positive wire from the control wire?

The positive wire is thick (cross section ~10 mm²) and comes directly from the battery. The control is thin, often braided, connected to the solenoid relay.

Step 4: Removing the Starter

1. Unscrew two starter mounting bolts:

- Top bolt (access from above, head on 12 mm with extension cord).

- Bottom bolt (access from below, head on 12 mm).

2. Carefully pull the starter down, turning it for better removal. Be careful - the device weighs approx. 3.5 kg.

☑️ Check before installing a new starter

Inspect the bendix teeth for wearCheck the solenoid relay (apply 12V to the contacts)Clean the seat from dirtLubricate the mounting bolts with graphite grease

Done: 0 / 4

Important: On Nissan Sunny FB15 The starter is attached to the cylinder block through a gasket. When reinstalling it, it must be replaced, even if it is visually intact. The cost of the gasket is minimal, and the risk of air leaks or oil getting into the starter is high.

Typical mistakes when removing the starter and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when working with the starter on QG15DE. Here are the most common ones:

⚡ Ignoring the Solenoid Relay Test. Many people change the entire starter, although the problem lies in the relay. Please submit before substitution 12V directly to the relay contacts - if the bendix extends, the relay is working properly.
🔧 Using excessive force when loosening bolts. Starter bolts on FB15 often stick, but using an impact tool can strip the threads in the cylinder block. It is better to treat them with a penetrating lubricant in advance.
🔌 Incorrect wire connection. Mixed-up terminals can cause a short circuit or failure of the new starter. Always take a photo of the original connection!
🛠️ They forget about the gasket. As mentioned earlier, it definitely needs to be replaced. An old gasket can cause oil leaks or air leaks.

💡

If the problem persists after installing a new starter, check the flywheel for damaged teeth. A worn flywheel can block the bendix from working properly.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Sunny FB15 With automatic transmission, the starter is located slightly differently than on versions with manual transmission. When dismantling an automatic transmission, you must first remove the transmission pan to avoid damage to the torque converter.

Diagnostics of a removed starter: what you can check yourself

Before buying a new starter, make sure that the old one is really faulty. Here are some tests that can be done in a garage environment:

1. Checking the solenoid relay

Connect the starter to the battery:

- Minus - on the body.

- Plus - to the control contact of the relay (thin wire).

If the bendix does not extend or extends weakly, the relay must be replaced.

2. Checking the electric motor

Connect the plus directly to the starter power contact (thick wire), and the minus to the housing. A working starter should rotate reliably. If the rotation is slow or absent, the problem is in the brushes or winding.

3. Bendix inspection

Check:

- Condition of the teeth (there should be no chips or severe wear).

- Bendix moves along the shaft (should move smoothly, without jamming).

- Return spring (should return the bendix to its original position).

If at least one of the tests fails, the starter must be repaired or replaced. On QG15DE Often it is the solenoid relay that fails - it can be replaced separately (original article number - 23300-4M000).

Choosing a new starter: original vs analogues

When purchasing a new starter for Nissan Sunny FB15 you have three options:

Type	Article	Price (approximate)	Pros	Cons
Original (Nissan)	`23300-4M000`	12 000–15 000 ₽	Quality guarantee, exact compatibility	High price, possible fakes
Analogue (Denso)	`280000-8690`	8 000–10 000 ₽	The quality is not inferior to the original, widespread in stores	Unliquid items may come from the warehouse
Budget analogue (Bosch, Valeo)	`0001108150` (Bosch)	5 000–7 000 ₽	Low price, good resource	There may be compatibility issues with mounts

When choosing, pay attention to:

🔍 Mount Compatibility: on FB15 The starter has a non-standard arrangement of lugs, so not all analogues are suitable.
🔧 Complete set: The box should contain mounting bolts and a gasket (often sold separately).
📄 Guarantee: minimum period is 12 months. Official dealers Nissan They provide a 2-year warranty on original spare parts.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a starter from a disassembly facility, make sure that it is removed from a vehicle with a similar engine (QG15DE). Starters from QG16DE or QG18DE They look similar, but have different characteristics and will not fit!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing a starter with Nissan Sunny FB15

Is it possible to replace the starter without a pit or lift?

Theoretically yes, but it is extremely inconvenient. Starter on FB15 located at the bottom of the engine, and without lifting the machine, access to the lower mounting bolt is almost impossible. If there is no hole, use a jack with reliable stops.

How long does it take to replace a starter?

If you have the tools and experience - approx. 1.5–2 hours. It may take up to 3-4 hours for a beginner, especially if the bolts are stuck. Most of the time is spent on dismantling the protection and unscrewing the fasteners.

What kind of oil is in the starter gearbox and does it need to be changed?

In the starter gearbox Nissan Sunny FB15 a special lubricant is used that does not require replacement during the entire service life. When disassembling the starter (for example, to replace the Bendix), the lubricant must be renewed using Molykote BR2 Plus or similar.

What should I do if the car does not start after replacing the starter?