boodro

2000 5speed transmission grenaded, but I enjoy the car and took this as an opportunity to learn. I read that there are often grounding issues after this job so I made sure to sand where the new bell housing and engine make contact along with the starter opening. The starter seemed to not be spinning but the solenoid was activating. After adding a spare ground it still made the noise. I've added a couple videos showing with the noise and action.
before replacing wires
after wires and aux ground

I have access to 3(the original, works in testing unreliable in practice, three month old one used before swap, and new one to rule out starter) working starters and have added an aux ground to the 8mm bolt on the starter motor. I tested the trigger wire and it showed ~12v while in the start position.

I have tested with 3 battery's and have ruled that out, one out of a 98 maxima that runs well, and a brand new one in response to the old one no longer holding a charge through this ordeal. I replaced the wires with new 4 gauge since there was about .3-.4v showing through voltage drop tests. I sanded the 3 body grounds around the battery and the 1 toward the passenger side that I think is connected to the alternator. Plus there's still the aux ground added to the starter.

I took out the ignition switch to clean and sand. Over all it seemed to be in decent condition, but there is a pit on one of the contacts. See picture


I have swapped around the blue 5 prong relays found in the inhibition terminal and around the car. I don't really think it's the relays them self. I haven't checked the pins them self and I'm not sure how.

After all this I'm getting the classic forum topic of 1 click from the solenoid, I guess it's better than the rapid solenoid clicking I was getting. I think now that the solenoid is engaging and the starter is spinning but not fast enough to turn the flywheel.