How to Replace a Starter on a Nissan Pickup

Nissan trucks and SUVs have common parts

Automotive starters engage the engine flywheel and turn it, which starts your engine. Nissan pickups are equipped with smaller starters than average trucks. If you find yourself in a situation where your Nissan pickup needs a new starter, you can replace it yourself, if you are mechanically inclined and of a mind to do so. You will need a few basic tools, a level place to park and about an hour of free time to get the job done.
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
Wheel chocks
Floor jack
2 jack stands
Battery wrench
Socket set
Replacement starter
1

Set the parking brake, place chocks in front and back of the front wheels and raise the front end up with the floor jack. Lower it down onto the two jack stands. It is best to place the jack stands as far apart as possible, but make sure their placement doesn't interfere with access to the starter.
2

Disconnect the negative battery cable, using the battery wrench. Make sure to move the cable end to a position where it will not contact the battery terminal.
3

Climb underneath and disconnect the starter wiring, using the socket set. The starter is located where the engine and transmission meet. Familiarize yourself with the appearance of your replacement starter so you know what you're looking for when under the Nissan pickup.
4

Unbolt the starter from the engine, using the socket set. Make sure to support the starter body with one hand while you pull the bolts out with the other hand. Even though this starter is smaller than most, it can still cause injury if it falls on you.
5

Climb out from under the pickup and compare the old starter to the replacement starter. Make sure the connections, bolts holes, nose cone and Bendix drive (the metal gear in the nose of the starter that pushes out to engage the flywheel when you start the truck) are all located in the same positions.
6

Hold the replacement starter in position with one hand and thread the bolts back in with the other hand. Tighten the bolts down using the socket set.
7

Reattach the starter wiring using the socket set. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
8

Lower the Nissan pickup off the jack stands and start it up.

Tips & Warnings

You can take the old starter back to the store where you purchased the replacement unit and get your core charge refunded.