Removing the starter on a Nissan Terrano: instructions with photos and secrets of the masters

The starter is one of the key components in the engine starting system Nissan Terrano. When it fails, the car either refuses to start or does so with difficulty, making characteristic clicks or grinding noises. Replacing a starter at a service station will cost 3-5 thousand rubles just for the work, not counting the cost of the part. However, if you have basic skills and tools, you can do this procedure yourself, saving time and money.

In this article we will analyze the process of removing the starter on Nissan Terrano (including models R20 And R50) taking into account all the nuances: from preparing tools to diagnosing faults. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes, such as damaged wiring or fasteners, and what small details often missed even by experienced car owners. If you have never done this kind of work, don’t worry: step-by-step photos and videos (links are provided at the end of the article) will help even a beginner figure it out.

Preparing for work: tools and safety precautions

Before you begin removing the starter, make sure you have everything you need. The absence of even one key or the wrong tool can turn a simple procedure into a multi-day epic. Here minimum setwhich will be required:

• 🔧 A set of open-end and spanner wrenches (required availability 10 mm, 12 mm, 14 mm)
• 🔨 Heads with extension and ratchet (for hard-to-reach bolts)
• 🔩 Wrench or torque wrench (to control the tightening torque)
• 🔌 Screwdrivers (phillips and flathead, preferably with a magnetic tip)
• 🔋 Multimeter (to check the voltage and resistance of the windings)
• 🧲 Magnet or tweezers (so as not to lose small parts in the engine compartment)
• 📸 Phone or camera (to record the location of wires and fasteners)

Pay special attention security measures. The starter is an electromechanical device and misuse may result in short circuits or personal injury. Never disconnect the battery terminals while the engine is running - this can cause a power surge and damage the vehicle's electronics. We also recommend working with gloves: sharp edges of metal parts under the hood Terrano often cause cuts.

⚠️ Attention: If your Nissan Terrano equipped with a system Nissan Intelligent Key (keyless entry), before disconnecting the battery, remove the key from the passenger compartment and close all doors. Otherwise, the central locking may become blocked and you will have to open the car through the trunk.

Before starting work, be sure to:

1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (this will prevent accidental activation of the starter).
2. Allow the engine to cool (if the car has been running recently).
3. Clean the area around the starter from dirt and oil (use a brush and a rag).

Where is the starter located on a Nissan Terrano?

The location of the starter depends on the engine type and year of manufacture. Terrano. In most cases it is located at the bottom of the engine, near the gearbox, but access to it can be complicated by attachments. Below is a table with the exact location for different modifications:

Model and engine	Starter location	Access Features
Nissan Terrano R20 (2.0 MR20DE)	On the right (in the direction of travel), under the intake manifold	It is necessary to remove the engine protection and partially the air duct
Nissan Terrano R50 (2.5 QR25DE)	On the left, closer to the checkpoint	The air conditioner pipe is in the way - it needs to be moved to the side
Terrano with diesel K9K (1.5 dCi)	Right, above the drive shaft	Difficult to access - may require removal of engine mount

To accurately identify the location of the starter on your car, use service manual or watch a video demo for your model (links at the end of the article). If you are not sure where exactly the node is located, pay attention to the thick positive wire (usually red) coming from the battery - it always leads to the starter.

On some versions Terrano The starter may be partially covered by a heat shield or flywheel guard. Do not try to dismantle it without removing these elements - you risk damaging the wires or breaking the fasteners. In the next section we will analyze in detail the removal process using the example of a gasoline Terrano R20 with engine MR20DE.

Step-by-step instructions: removing the starter on a Nissan Terrano R20

Let's consider the process using the example of a popular modification with a gasoline engine MR20DE. In other versions, the algorithm may differ slightly, but the general sequence of actions remains the same. For convenience, we have divided the process into stages:

1. Removing the engine protection. Unscrew the bolts securing the plastic or metal protection (usually 4-6 bolts per turnkey 10 mm or 12 mm). Be careful: some Terrano the protection is also attached to the subframe.
2. Disconnecting wires. On the starter you will find two or three wires:
   • 🔴 Thick red (positive from the battery) - disconnected with a key 12 mm.
   • 🔵 Thin black or blue (controlled from the ignition switch) - removed after pressing the latch.
   • 🟢 Green/yellow (mass) - may not be available on some models.
3. Unscrewing the fasteners. Starter on Terrano R20 secured with two or three bolts:
   • 🔧 Top bolt (key 14 mm) - the most difficult to reach, you will need an extension cord.
   • 🔧 Bottom bolt (key 12 mm) - usually unscrews without problems.

Removing the starter. After unscrewing the bolts, carefully pull the starter down by turning it counterclockwise. Be careful: it weighs 3-5 kg, and if you drop it, you can damage the Bendix gear.

At this stage, many people encounter a problem: the starter “gets stuck” and does not want to come out of its seat. The cause is usually corrosion or deformation of the fasteners. To avoid this, before unscrewing the bolts, treat them with a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and let stand for 10-15 minutes.

I photographed the location of the wires|Disconnected the negative terminal of the battery|Cleared the space from dirt|Checked the presence of all keys and sockets|Prepared a place for storing the removed parts-->

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Terrano With an automatic transmission, the starter may have an additional connector to block the start when the gear is engaged. Do not pull the wires with force - first press the plastic connector lock!

After removing the starter, inspect it for visible damage:

• 🔍 Cracks on the body (may indicate mechanical damage).
• 🔋 Burnt contacts on the solenoid relay (a sign of a short circuit).
• 🛠️ Bendix gear wear (if the teeth are worn out, the starter will spin idle).

If you plan to install a new starter, compare it with the dismantled one - they should completely match in size and location of the fasteners.

Diagnosis of starter faults: when is replacement needed?

The problem does not always lie in the starter itself. Sometimes the battery, wires, or even the ignition switch are to blame. Before spending money on a new part, get it diagnosed. Here main symptoms and their possible reasons:

Symptom	Possible reason	Verification method
The starter does not respond to turning the key	Open circuit, faulty solenoid relay, discharged battery	Check the voltage on the control wire with a multimeter
The starter turns, but the engine does not start	Bendix wear, flywheel damage, fuel system problems	Check if the Bendix gear engages the flywheel
The starter clicks but does not turn	The contacts of the solenoid relay are burnt, the battery is weak	Apply voltage directly to the starter (bypassing the relay)
Starter spins too slowly	Worn brushes, bearings or windings	Measure the current consumption (should be 80-120 A)

To check the starter without removing it from the car, you can use direct launch method:

1. Place the car in neutral and set the parking brake.
2. Remove the control wire from the solenoid relay.
3. Briefly connect the positive terminal of the starter and the control contact with a screwdriver.

If the starter spins, the problem is in the control circuit (ignition switch, relay, wires). If not, the starter itself is faulty.

For deeper diagnostics, you will need to remove the starter and disassemble it. Please note:

• 🔋 Solenoid relay: when 12V is applied it should operate with a characteristic click.
• 🔄 Brushes and commutator: brushes worn out by more than 50% or commutator burning requires replacement.
• ⚙️ Bendix: The gear should rotate freely in one direction and be locked in the other.

How to check the starter windings with a multimeter?

To check the starter windings, switch the multimeter to resistance measurement mode (200 Ohms). Connect the probes to the terminals of the winding (after first disconnecting it from the body). The resistance of a working winding should be in the range of 0.1–0.5 Ohms. If the device shows infinity - a break, if zero - a short circuit. Also check the resistance between the winding and the housing: it should tend to infinity (otherwise there is a breakdown to ground).

Typical mistakes when removing the starter and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to additional expenses or breakdowns. Here are the most common ones when working with a starter Nissan Terrano:

1. Ignoring connector locks. On starters Terrano Often plastic latches are used, which break when removed roughly. Always press down on the latch before disconnecting the wire!
2. Loss of small parts. When disassembling the starter, it is easy to lose springs, washers or even the Bendix gear. Work on a clean surface and use a magnet.
3. Tightening the bolts. The tightening torque of the starter fastenings is 25–30 Nm. Exceeding this value may result in stripped threads in the engine block.
4. Failure to check flywheel. If the Bendix gear is worn out, it may not engage the flywheel. Before installing a new starter, make sure that the flywheel teeth are not worn out.
5. Forgetting to clean contacts. Oxidized starter terminals or ground wire can cause repeated starting problems.

One of the most insidious mistakes is incorrect starter installation. If the polarity of the wires is reversed or the fastenings are not tightened properly, the starter may:

• 🔥 Overheat and fail after a few days.
• 🔊 make a lot of noise due to the Bendix gear being skewed.
• ⚡ Shorten, which leads to burning of fuses or relays.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Terrano with the system Start/Stop (if any) after replacing the starter, it may be necessary to reset errors in the control unit. To do this, use a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431) or contact service.

To avoid mistakes, follow a simple rule: take photographs of each stage of disassembly. This will help not only to put everything back together correctly, but also to notice little things that you might have missed. For example, on some Terrano There is a damper gasket installed under the starter, which is easy to forget to install during reassembly.

Choosing a new starter: original vs analogues

If diagnostics show that the starter cannot be repaired, you will have to buy a new one. Here with the owners Nissan Terrano there are three options:

1. Original starter (Nissan).
   • ✅ Pros: 100% compatibility, long service life (150-200 thousand km).
   • ❌ Cons: high price (from 12 to 20 thousand rubles).

   Article numbers of original starters for Terrano:

   • 23300-4M000 - for gasoline models.
   • 23300-6J000 - for diesel engines.
2. Analogues from famous brands.
   • 🏆 Best manufacturers: Bosch, Denso, Valeo, Mitsuba.
   • 💰 Price: 6–12 thousand rubles.
   • ⚠️ Nuance: Check compatibility by VIN code or original article number.
3. Budget analogues (Chinese, Turkish).
   • 💰 Price: 3–5 thousand rubles.
   • ❌ Risks: Low resource (30–50 thousand km), frequent failures of the retractor relay.

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to:

• 🔧 Mounting type: starters for Terrano may differ in the location of the bolt holes.
• ⚙️ Bendix gear: The number of teeth must match the flywheel (usually 9 or 11 teeth).
• 🔌 Connectors: The control wire can have a different chip shape.

If you buy a used starter, be sure to test it on a test bench. Even an apparently serviceable part may have hidden defects:

• 🔋 Measure the resistance of the windings (should be 0.2–0.6 Ohm).
• 🔊 Crank the starter from the battery - there should be no extraneous noise.
• 🔍 Inspect the solenoid relay for burns.

Starter installation and performance check

Installing the starter on Nissan Terrano done in reverse order, but there are several key pointsthat are often missed:

1. Cleaning contacts. Before connecting the wires, clean the starter terminals and ground wire with sandpaper (400-600 grit). Contact oxidation is one of the main causes of repeated malfunctions.
2. Thread lubrication. Apply graphite grease to the starter mounting bolts or WD-40 - this will facilitate future dismantling and prevent corrosion.
3. Checking the gap. Make sure there are no foreign objects between the starter and flywheel. The minimum gap should be 1–2 mm.
4. Tightening torque. Tighten the bolts crosswise with a force of 25–30 Nm. Over-tightening can deform the starter flange.

After installation, do not rush to connect the battery. First:

1. Check that all wires are connected to the correct terminals.
2. Make sure that the starter does not touch other parts (such as air conditioning pipes).
3. Manually rotate the crankshaft (by the pulley bolt) - there should be slight resistance without jamming.

Now you can connect the battery and check operation:

1. Turn the key to the “ON” position (without starting the engine) - the instrument panel should light up.
2. Try starting the engine. If the starter turns too slowly, check the battery charge.
3. Listen for any extraneous noise (grinding, squealing).

⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the starter, the engine starts with difficulty or jerks are observed, check:

• 🔋 Battery voltage (must be at least 12.6V).
• 🔌 Quality of contacts on the starter and engine mass.
• ⚙️ Condition of the flywheel (the crown may need to be replaced).

If everything is done correctly, the starter should operate silently and the engine should start on the first try. Otherwise, recheck all connections or contact a professional for diagnosis.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Terrano starter

Is it possible to repair the starter yourself, or is it better to buy a new one?

Starter repair is possible if the malfunction is related to:

• 🔧 Wear of brushes or bushings (they can be replaced).
• 🔋 Burning of the contacts of the solenoid relay (the relay is cleaned or replaced).
• ⚙️ Bendix breakdown (purchased separately).

However, if the winding is burned out or the housing is damaged, repairs will cost more than buying a new starter. For Terrano with a mileage of more than 150 thousand km, it is usually more profitable to install a new part.

How long does it take to replace a starter on a Nissan Terrano?

Time depends on experience and complexity of access:

• 🔧 For beginners: 3–5 hours (including diagnostics and possible difficulties).
• 🔧 For experienced car owners: 1–2 hours.
• 🔧 At a car service: 1–1.5 hours (but taking into account the queue, it can last a day).

The longest step is unscrewing the top mounting bolt (due to limited access).

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

There may be several reasons:

1. 🔋 Battery is low (check voltage).
2. 🔌 The wires are connected incorrectly (check the polarity).
3. 🔑 The ignition switch or immobilizer is faulty (try the second key).
4. ⚙️ The flywheel or crankshaft is jammed (try cranking the engine manually).

If the starter turns, but the engine does not start, the problem may be in the fuel system or spark plugs.

How often do you need to replace the starter on a Nissan Terrano?

The starter is a durable part, and with proper use it lasts 150–200 thousand km. However, its resource is being reduced:

• 🔋 Frequent short trips (the battery does not have time to charge, the starter is overloaded).
• 🔥 Extreme temperatures (frost or overheating).
• 💦 Moisture or oil gets on the contacts.

Signs of an imminent breakdown: the starter begins to turn “tightly”, extraneous sounds or a burning smell appear.

Is it possible to start a Nissan Terrano with a faulty starter?

Yes, there are several ways:

1. 🔧 “Push” the car (only for manual transmission): engage 2nd gear, accelerate the car to 10–15 km/h and release the clutch.
2. 🔋 Direct start: if the solenoid relay is faulty, you can close its contacts with a screwdriver (but this is risky!).
3. 🚗 Use a starter charger (if the problem is a weak battery).

These methods are suitable for emergency situations, but you cannot use the machine this way all the time - this leads to even more serious damage.