Anyone ever have your starter go bad?

Not only did mine die, the outer case was cracked -- which meant that I could not use it for a core credit!

Not a cheap fix, to say the least!

If i'm not mistaken cant u get to it by just simply removing ur intake piping, 2 bolts and unbolt the wires pop it out, pop new on in? ((of course remove the [+] terminal from teh battery first))

i think he's talking about having to pay the 50 or 100 bucks or whatever it is extra because he couldn't get a core charge for his old starter... not how hard it was to do.

that does suck, dude, how did that happen?

Thats ridiculous! My starter had a lifetime warantee and all I have to do is take it back and get a new one. I dare them to say they cant take it back because its cracked. If it was properly rebuilt in the first place you wouldnt be in this situation. If they knew they did an excellent job remaning the starter they wouldnt have a lifetime warantee on it.

ye myn just died last week just put a new one in, its abot time myn died cus it wass making that wierd sound when it started it was making that sound forl ike two years its about time it went.

i had to just do mines also i went to the junkyard and got one for 75.00 compared to the 300.00 quoted by pepboys

The large bolt is a bish to get off if you don't have a breaker bar.

I had a hard time w/that bolt too, but discovered if the engine is warm (cooling off from full temp.) it's much easier to break loose.

I have a 1998 Maxima SE automatic. It's been such a reliable car for all these years. From last winter there's a grinding, sort of like a free-wheel spinning sound of gears slipping when I turn the ignition key. It takes a few attempts before the engine starts. The problem seems more frequent during colder weather. Someone suggested it's the battery; others say the starter needs to be replaced. It's the original starter, never been replaced before.

Can someone recommend:

1. A OEM (new or remanufacture) starter,.. brand like Denso, Bosch, Hitachi? Or which aftermarket is OK?

2. What does the core mean? That they hold a refundable deposit like a car battery, and you get it back when you return the old part?

3. Since I'm replacing this, and say if I want to install a remote, keyless engine start, is this function built-in to a starter or an add-on computer unit to some circuitry that has wireless capabilities? Any recommendations on brands, models and costs?

4. Can some post link(s) with photos to identify how to replace a starter, tools needed to perform this, and any (special) tips or hints?

I checked other threads and haven't seen any.
Thanks.
Tony

Basically, yep. They'll refund your money when you return the core part.

It's not a function of the starter per se, remote start works by tapping in to the ignition wires in the dash, any starter'll work for that. There's one in the GD section for $69 shipped, if you wanted.

There ya go - http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/516

motorvate.ca and vqpower.com are great resources.

By the way - I applaud your well thought out out post, rarely seen around here, especially for a first post. Welcome to the org.

Welcome man.

I had the same grinding sound on my car. It can be caused by either of 2 things: poor battery charge, or the need for the started to be regreased. I took my starter out myself and regreased it. The problem has never happened since.

P.S. Welcome to the org.

I will try to re-grease first before replacing. I'm trying to prevent a breakdown in the middle of winter.

Maxima.org has Google to thank. It ranked up there within the first two result pages.

Yeah, with so many likely answers in auto repair, I always try to present enough info to minimize red-herrings after methodical troublshooting to eliminate the obvious. It's only fair, that I do due diligence since you are all gracious enough to spread the wealth of knowledge.

I sincerely appreciate the quick responses and genuiness of everyone's comments.

maxima.org is bookmarked in my favorites!

also alot harder to work in that cramped space...since its hot as heck

Is it do-able for a weekend mechanic?

definitely...just make sure you dont confuse the solenoid for the starter like i did.

damn the bolts suck.. i can't get the big one out yet..

I replaced mine last week, quick and easy, I had no problems getting either of the bolts off. I think it took me less than 45 minutes from start to finish. When I returned the core to Advance Auto, they didn't even look inside the box.

The starter I had replaced was the original one. Now, unless there is a hidden manufacturer's warranty on the starter that I do not know about, I had to buy a new one.

I think the cover may have cracked when I ran into a huge pothole in the road...which, come to think of it, the city should pay for the repair. They did just that for my daughter's Integra when her tire and rim were damaged by an unfinished street corner, and I filed a claim with them.

how many bolts actually do u guys remember taking out that mounts the WHOLE unit? can't seem to take it out.. i guess shop prior used an impact gun..

also, about how much u guys paid for NEW NEW, REMAN NEW, or OEM?

i jsut wanna compare prices.

I had no idea, I thought you had already purchased a reman one with a warnatee, and just because it was cracked they didnt want to take it back,and you paid for another one.


2 bolts.
$140 reman new starter with lifetime warantee.