How to Change the Starter on a Nissan 240SX

Print this article

Change the starter on your Nissan 240SX.

The electric starter motor on your Nissan 240SX is equipped with a front gear that turns the engine to help it start. However, the starter can wear down after so many starts and lose the power to crank the engine. You can find a replacement starter motor for your particular model in most auto parts stores, then use this guide to install it.
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
Wrench set
Floor jack
2 jack stands
Ratchet, ratchet extension and socket
Remove the Starter Motor
1

Detach the black, ground cable from the battery using a back up wrench to hold the bolt head and a wrench to turn the retaining nut loose.
2

Jack up the front of your Nissan 240SX using a floor jack, and safely support it on two jack stands. If you have a manual transmission model, go to Step 7; otherwise, continue on to the next step.
3

Support the automatic transmission with a floor jack.
4

Unscrew the four rear-mounting bracket bolts using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.
5

Lower the automatic transmission just enough to gain access to the starter motor for removal.
6

Unscrew the oil dipstick tube mounting bolt from the automatic transmission and remove the dipstick tube.
7

Unbolt the starter support bracket using the ratchet and socket.
8

Disconnect the wire and battery cable from the starter assembly using the ratchet and socket.
9

Support the starter motor with the floor jack, if necessary, and remove the starter mounting bolts using the ratchet and socket.
10

Lower the starter and remove it from the vehicle.
Install the New Starter Motor
1

Position the starter on the engine and support it with the floor jack, if necessary.
2

Start the mounting bolts by hand. Then tighten the bolts using the ratchet and socket.
3

Remove the floor jack from under the starter and connect the wire and battery cable to the motor using the ratchet and socket.
4

Install the starter support bracket using the ratchet and socket. If you have a manual transmission model, go to Step 7; otherwise, continue on to the next step.
5

Install the oil dipstick tube on the automatic transmission and tighten the mounting bolt.
6

Raise the transmission and tighten the four rear-mounting bracket bolts using the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.
7

Remove the floor jack and lower the vehicle.
8

Attach the black, ground cable to the battery using the backup wrench to hold to bolt head and the wrench to tighten the retaining nut.