Hello All,

Just got my Max (95 SE, auto) back from the dealership and found out I have a bad EGR and my starter is going bad. They want $450 to replace both. My question to the group is, how difficult is it to change? And does anyone have any advice or tips on doing this job? Where can I get the best deal on buying these parts? Should I get them from the dealer or is there a particular brand I should get or stay away from? If I found a Maxima at a wrecking yard, would all years (4th gen) share the same parts?

Thanks a bunch,

 

I think it is better to buy a rebuilt starter with a warranty. A starter obtained from an auto recycler is already worn, and might not be much better than the one you've already got.

Remanufactured units are available for $140 (Brand X) up to $360 (Bosch).
If done by a shop the labor charge ought to be one hour. This is a job which can be done by
the home mechanic. No need to jack the car, the starter motor is accessed from above.

1. Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery.

2. Remove the air intake duct and the air cleaner housing assembly.

3. Disconnect the battery cable and the solenoid terminal connection from the starter solenoid.

4. Remove the starter motor mounting bolts and remove the starter from the engine. These bolts may be really tight!

 

The symptoms of a failing starter motor are familiar. Nasty sounds, slow cranking, no cranking. You *know* when the starter is in trouble. What makes you think a new EGR is needed? What symptoms does your engine exhibit?

 

The starter is exhibting those exact symptoms. No doubt a replacement is needed soon. The EGR is another story. My check engine light has been on for a while and I'm just going by the word of the dealership. I had the car in for other reasons and just asked them to look into it.

thanks again.

 

In all probability the dealer did a Diagnostic Trouble Code readout. Ask him (or look on your service department paperwork) which specific DTCs were set. When you know those codes you will have a good idea what repairs are needed. It's easy to reset that Check Engine light, but unless repairs are made it will just come back on again, sooner or later. Probably sooner.