I have a 1990 SE with a clutch I know is on it's last legs (due to when it picks up). I just got this car, so I'm not terribly familiar with it yet. Yesterday, before cleaning the snow off it (Canada), I tried to start it without pushing the clutch in (used to work on my Honda?), only to get a noise that sounded like the starter grinding. During the day it happened once (out of three start-ups) - all with my foot on the clutch. This morning I had my foot on the clutch and it made the grinding sound 3 times before it would finally start.
Any ideas what's wrong, or what I may have screwed up?

On a side note, my climate control is working, but not correctly, and not pumping out near enough heat. I've dismantled it and resoldered, but that just got it working to this extend (pitiful!). Does anyone have a lead on a good working unit (besides the dealership who wants $840 plus 15% tax Canadian for it!!)?

 

Anyone? Ideas?

 

starter teeth grinding with flywheel. change starter. Just had to go outside in 20degrees to help my gf start it cos it scares the crap outta her. Oh, get a nissan starter if you can. Others have lifetime warranty but suck major a#$

 

I agree it sounds like the starter solenoid is bad

 

That was my first thought too (and I admit I am leaning that direction again...). However, when I had a friend start the car while I had the hood open, it sounded as though it was coming from the front of the motor (center to extreme left side). The starter is located at the bottom rear on the passenger side (correct?).

Assuming it is the starter tho - is this a typical thing for these cars? Am I screwing up the flywheel teeth everytime I start this thing? (I ask this cause I can't afford to fix it at the moment...)

 

Its hard to say without being there. I have a 92 SE with 160K miles, and never a problem with the starter. You are right, its on the bottom right when looking in the engine compartment.

Have the starter tested or test it yourself with a multimeter. You could also pull it and see if the teeth are worn.

 

My car sits VERY low (1 7/8th's ground clearance), so I'm wondering if maybe the starter has come loose?

Anyhow...., thanks for the help guys.

 

Now you tell us!

Ever bottom that bad boy out?

 

Yeah......I probably should have mentioned that huh?

I've only been driving the car for a week, and I haven't bottomed it out (very cautious driving!). I didn't mention that earlier cause, like I said in my intial question, this noise didn't start until I tried to start the car without first pushing the clutch in. I though maybe I pooched an electrical switch or safety mechanism? I only considered a loose starter because of the Hayne's Manual.

 

The starter is on the driver side and sounds like thats what the problem is

 

Alright. Again, thanks for the help guys. Is the starter solenoid replaceable as a seperate unit from the starter? If so, should I start with that, or just replace the entire starter? (in your opinion of course)

 

I would replace them both if that's the problem. Check out this link, its pretty helpful.

http://www.thepartsbin.com/automobil...ter-motor.html