Hey guys.. Since about a week ago, whenever I start up my engine COLD, I hear kind of a grinding noise for about 1 second. It then goes away and everything is fine. If I start the engine up while it's warm, there is no sound.

I took it to a mechanic for him to diagnose, and he says my starter is going. (It indeed sounds like it's the starter being help down too long). According to him, there is a solenoid in it that determines when to stop cranking. Eventually, the solenoid will stop working altogether and keep the starter going all the time and burn itself out. The only option (again according to him) is to replace it.

Does this sound reasonable to you, or is it bunk? Is a starter servicable or would the labor costs of servicing outweigh just getting a new one installed? Also, although I'm a bit afraid to ask, what is the typical cost of this?

It's a 1997 Maxima SE 5-speed that I love dearly, so I want to keep it running smooth. I just don't want to get bent over while doing so. Thanks!

-John

 

I had the same problem. I just waited for it to go before I replaced it though.

 

Go here, and click on 'engine' in the toolbar on the left. Then click on 'starter noise fix'.

http://www.motorvate.ca/

My starter would make a whirring, screeching sound in really cold weather, and after lubing the planetary gears with some synthetic grease, life is good... and has been for many miles. Luckily the starter only did it a couple times before I researched it and fixed the problem. No visible damage had been done yet.

Good Luck!

 

Go here, and click on 'engine' in the toolbar on the left. Then click on 'starter noise fix'.

http://www.motorvate.ca/

My starter would make a whirring, screeching sound in really cold weather, and after cleaning and lubing the planetary gears with some synthetic grease, life is good... and has been for many miles. Luckily the starter only did it a couple times before I researched it and fixed the problem. No visible damage had been done yet.

Good Luck!

 

The noise you hear is just the gears in the starter. The grease has apparently dried out. It will only make this noise at cold startups. It seems to be a common problem in our starters. Actually, it's an easy fix if the starter is still good. The starter just needs to be opened up and re-greased (hi-temp. grease). As far as the solenoid, it can be replaced as a stand alone unit (if it's a Nissan OEM) if it's the only faulty part on the starter. This will save you money instead of buying a whole, brand new starter.

 

Thanks for the information! However, this may be a little out of my mechanical skill level. I get nervous when the first step is to "Remove everything up to the throttle body".

From the looks of the operation though, the labor costs may be high. Doh!

 

i had my starter replaced not too long ago with an OEM part at a reputable nissan specialist for ~$350.

i would've much rather done it myself and saved some money. i really don't think it would have been that hard. don't let the "remove everything..." part scare you. all that really includes is your air intake and filter box. that requires little more than a phillips and some socket wrenches.

good luck

 

Thanks for the encouraging words. I found another Web site (vbxmaxima.8m.com) that shows how easy it is. I'll swing by Autozone for the starter and install the sucker this weekend.

Another question to anyone out there: Is there damage being done to anything other than the starter when that grinding noise is happening? Somebody hinted at a flywheel gear? This has been going on for about a week and I don't want to trash anything.

 

Just replaced my starter for the same reason. grinding noise and very sluggish.

I got the starter brand new off ebay from Linney Auto Electric in NJ. Paid $129 great deal.
The new starter is the updated 10 tooth gear model (97+)......mine was the wimpy 8 tooth one (95-96)
Real easy to do as well took me 45mins...

She starts super fast now! This starter is tiny!!

Just a tad bit smaller than my mini starter on my big block Charger....almost sounds the same as well......well NOT after its started

 

I can pretty much guarantee you that if much damage was being done you'd see a lot less people on this forum and the ones that were here would be screaming about "the starter problem."

 

good luck getting it done. be sure to let us know how it goes.

as for damage, i don't think it really does much. sadly i let that same thing go on with my car for a long time (like 4-5 months) because the first mechanic told me it was more likely a problem with my fuel system not getting enough gas to the engine. eventually, my starter COMPLETELY quit and i had to push-start everywhere i went for a week. by then the true problem was obvious. the place that did replace my starter said it should not have hurt any other engine parts.

 

I found the starter being sold by Linney on Ebay. No mention of a warranty though.. Is yours Lester Part No 17713? Did one come with the one you purchased? Also, is this the full thing (solenoid, core, etc.. Local autoparts stores seem to make a big deal about the core)?

Thanks again everyone for the info - I think I'll be saving some $$ doing it myself.

 

Nope no warranty given or implied.....and no core.....seem like a pretty reputible auto electric rebuilder. Im sure if there was a problem they would step up......
Acutally I never even thought of asking about a warranty.....oh well

 

Hmm, so you just swap cores from the old to the new? Is this particularly difficult? And just to double-check.. The solenoid is included?

I'll call/email the guy on Ebay tomorrow morning and ask about a warranty, and pass that info on here.

 

same problem started on my 99 max about 2 weeks ago. i was gunna try greasing im at college and dont have the tools to do it. luckily i have an aftermarket warranty on my car that should cover it and hopefully ill be able to get it done by thanksgiving and not ahve any problems before then

 

I replaced it myself a few weeks ago too.
Not really all that hard at all.

Taking out the intake is like a 5 min job once you get used to it.

The hardest part was getting the large 17mm bolt loose on the back of the starter. That thing was on pretty tight. Had to find a nice 2 foot pipe to slip over my rachet for more leverage.

Definitely something anyone can do themselves though.

BTW, Autozone sells them for $140 + 45 core deposit. You get the $45 refunded when you bring back the old starter.

 

I found that out today as well. It's a "Duralast" brand. And it's rebuilt, with a 12 month / 24k mile warranty. I wouldn't mind paying an extra $20 for one with a lifetime warranty. I couldn't get thru to Pep Boys though (the guys who apparently carry them).