Nissan Starter Replacement

What Is the Starter?

The starter (also known as self-starter, cranking motor, or starter motor) is one of the most critical components of your vehicle. It is responsible for getting the engine going. For combustion engines, the starter rotates the engine to start the combustion processs. When you turn your key in the ignition or push the button to start your car, several key elements work together as the starter comes to life and the engine begins to turn and spark plugs fire. The term "turn the engine over" means the starter is turning the crankshaft which gets the pistons going in the cylinders.

What Happens When You Turn the Key or Push the Start Button?

Your vehicle's battery is used to power the the starter. It requires heavy electrical current to switch it on and a solenoid is used as a relay to help complete the ciruit. When you turn the key or push the ignition button, you are essentially feeding current to the solenoid. This activates the motor in the starter which turns the crankshaft.

That familiar grating heaving sound you hear when you turn your key or push the button is the sound of the crankshaft turning and the pistons moving. This is starts the engine cycle and compression.

Is Your Nissan Not Starting?

If your vehicle is not starting, that generally means that the starter process described above has been interrupted in some way. Here are some common symptoms that indicate that it might be time to have your starter serviced:

Something Sounds Off

Generally you can tell your starter has an issue if you hear strange noises when starting the car. Here are several noise to look out for and what they might tell you.

• Whirring sound: This might mean that the solenoid is worn out and unable to engage the flywheel. The sound you hear is the armature in the starter spining on its own but unable to crank the engine to start.
• Buzzing sound: This usually indicates poor current flow as the buzzing sound means the current is making its way to the solenoid but could not activate the plunger to engage the pinion gear and flywheel of the starter motor.
• Loud click: If you hear a loud click, that means the starter is getting enough current but the starter motor or solenoid might be malfunctioning.
• Grinding noise: The grinding noise might be coming from metal teeth clashing from the gears on the flywheel and pinion not meshing properly.
• No noise: This could indicate an electrical issue such as failed battery, failed system component such as the relay (solenoid) or switch, or corroded connections that is preventing the current from reaching the starter motor.

Smell or See Smoke

Since electrical power is needed to power the starter, it is subject to blown fuses and short circuits. If after many attempts and the starter won't start, you might overheat the starter causing electrical issues.

Intermittent Issues Starting the Engine

This symptom is likely due to the issue with the relay. The relay helps power the starter motor. It either carries full current or not current at all. So if you are experiencing intermittent issues with starting your vechicle, it is a good time to get your starter checked.

If your vehicle is having trouble starting, it may also be time for an oil change, transmission service, or belt repair.

Nissan Starter Repair in Marietta

Nissan of Marietta is dedicated to making Nissan service and repairs as worry-free and easy as possible. Don't let starter issues turn into something more severe! If you are experiencing issues starting your Nissan, bring it in to our trusted Nissan service center today.