Questions and Answers
Pathfinder Starter
Q. I have a 1992 Nissan Pathfinder XE, two wheel drive, with a 3L V6 driving a 5-speed manual transmission. Occasionally, when the ignition key is turned to the Start position the engine fails to turn over. Instead, a buzzing sound is heard from the right side (starter?) of the engine bay. Returning the key to the Off position and then retrying to start the engine usually succeeds. This happens whether the engine is cold or hot.
This is a recent development which began sometime after I replaced the back up light switch on the manual transmission. Also, I believe I'll soon have to replace or rebuild the clutch release cylinder, as I discovered a small amount of hydraulic fluid in the dust cover between that and the clutch withdrawal lever. I doubt the above two problems are related to the start up issue, but mention them just in case they are.
I've compared what happens when I turn the key without depressing the clutch to engage the Neutral switch. When I do that, nothing happens at all (no noise, nada), as opposed to when I turn the key with the clutch depressed, where the engine either starts (most of the time) or I get that buzzing noise. Because of this, I think I can rule out a bad Neutral switch.
So I'm guessing that it's either a solenoid or starter problem, though I'm hoping its not. I have the Chilton manual for this vehicle and replacing the starter looks like an ordeal best left to a professional.
Any advice?
A. Actually, that starter is quite easy to replace. There are two 14 mm bolts holding it in that are quite easy to reach from underneath. Remove the bolts and let it drop a little bit. Then you can disconnect the two wires going to it. Just reverse the procedure to put it back in. 30 minutes, in and out.
The back up light switch has nothing to do with the starter, it's just coincidence that one followed the other. As for the slave cylinder, just replace it. They're cheap and you'll spend more time rebuilding it (if you can find a kit) than replacing it.
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