Won't start, time for a new /reman starter at 178k (fixed!)

[db_autotek]

(Fixed! See updates below) This new lovely problem began yesterday after replacing the remote control module (LCU 07) and programming the remote. All functions of the remote work, OEM master key has always worked perfectly in all cylinders the first try, nothing else unusual. The car always started perfectly before yesterday, after programming the remote, they starter will not activate. It seems stuck in interrupt mode The key unlocks everything fine, activates the ignition and I hear the fuel pump, but no starter.

I checked the starter relay by removing it, it ohms fine, and it does actuate when given +12 so I am sure the relay is fine. No other previous starting or relay issues. It must have been something I did yesterday.

Ironically, after I left it alone for a few hours yesterday, it started and ran fine. Today, again no love to the starter. I tried reprogramming the remote again, twice, tried jiggling the key, tried removing the remote lcu, tried removing the battery for awhile, no errors in the LAN sys check, banged on the relay a bunch, checked all the fuses, unlocked all the doors and trunk with the key two dozen times, still nothing from the starter.

Ideas?

[db_autotek]

Update: I was too quick to assume that I must have gotten it stuck in a security mode... Doh! (Homer voice). It appears now that the starter has failed at a generous 19 years and 178k miles, so I was on borrowed time anyway.

Here's where I am so far, in case it could help some day. Removed the starter relay, tested it for continuity/ohms and actuation, it tested fine, but I bought a new one today for $20 at the parts store. Starter still inop, so now I know for sure it's not the relay. Removed relay to test voltage at the relay wires, yes for 12v at the output to starter wires, and yes for 10v signal to the relay when key is turned to crank. So it must be the starter.

I used to rebuild treadmill motors so I certainly know how motors operate and how they fail. I know the brushes must be done by now, and the solenoid may be at the end of it's life. Most likely though, I killed it by my own actions. It was flooded here last month, the only road in or out was flooded both ways, neighbors had to be rescued, they were on the news, ect ect. So I had to drive through some water, enough to kill a starter.

So in a case of Ockham's Razor meets Darwin, I thought I got the car stuck in a security inhibit mode, when I likely killed the starter lol.

[nissancima_life]

HELLO
I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, CAR WONT START EVERYTHING IS GOOD TOOK IT TO THE DEALER SAID IT WENT INTO SAFE MODE TO PROTECT FROM STEALING THE CAR, REPROGRAMMED THE KEYS STARTED GOOD DROVE HOME AND STALLED AGAIN, NOW WONT START HAVE NO CLUE WHAT TO DO HOPEFULLY SOMEONE CAN SHINE A LIGHT GOOD LUCK LET ME KNOW IF YOU FIGURE SOMETHING OUT

[Brew Q]

db,
I've got a new (not rebuilt) Nissan starter that I'll part with if you're interested (for 90-93's, should fit 94-96 too). PM or email me twelfthman01 at gmail d0t com

[db_autotek]

Thank you for the offer to help Bret, PM sent. "nissancima_life" have you started diagnosing anything yet? Welcome to NICO by the way. To begin, you'll need a multimeter (can be bought at radio shack, auto zone, advance auto, ect) and every owner should have the FSM available here: http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Q45/ Find your year and download all sections. You can learn a lifetime of knowledge about cars, and your car, by reading it.

An easy thing to try is opening the hood, locate the starter relay: it's a small blue box up by the passenger side corner near the firewall. Remove it and test (with your multimeter) that there is 12 volts between the two connectors on the big plug. On the smaller plug, while someone turns the key to crank the car and check if you have 9 to 10 volts between the two connectors on the small plug.

[Q451990]

I dread this job when the day comes... that thing looks impossible to reach with a wrench!

Heath

[nissancima_life]

Thank you for the offer to help Bret, PM sent. "nissancima_life" have you started diagnosing anything yet? Welcome to NICO by the way. To begin, you'll need a multimeter (can be bought at radio shack, auto zone, advance auto, ect) and every owner should have the FSM available here: http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Q45/ Find your year and download all sections. You can learn a lifetime of knowledge about cars, and your car, by reading it.

An easy thing to try is opening the hood, locate the starter relay: it's a small blue box up by the passenger side corner near the firewall. Remove it and test (with your multimeter) that there is 12 volts between the two connectors on the big plug. On the smaller plug, while someone turns the key to crank the car and check if you have 9 to 10 volts between the two connectors on the small plug.

yeah reading all these forums everything leads to the starter solenoid but why would the dealer miss this? they should have caught it but i was told only my alternator was making a noise and everything else was good, ill have to check out this starter relay (which i have looked under my hood i have a 99 infiniti q45 so i dont see a blue box near the firewall) but ill have to keep looking i guess thanks for all the info hope it works!

[Skibane]

So you're saying that your starter just happened to fail at the exact same instant that you replaced the remote control module?

That sounds....fishy.

[db_autotek]

So you're saying that your starter just happened to fail at the exact same instant that you replaced the remote control module?

That sounds....fishy.

Yes I thought so too, but it did start once since then, but not again. Like I said it's been flooding here and I drove through water many times, and that is well known to kill starters lol.

Well I have a new starter on the way, so we will know soon.

I dread this job when the day comes... that thing looks impossible to reach with a wrench!

Heath

Yes Heath I'm dreading changing it, but I've read here that it's easier than changing the alternator, which I did on my 1st Q, and that was a pain in the arse! I've got the tools and the time... if I feel up to it, I may take pictures for a G50 writeup!

[Q451990]

Please do a write up... we don't see many starter failures.

Heath

[elwesso]

Just so you guys know, if you switch to 5-speed it takes about 10 mins to change the starter...

I just had the starter go out on my Q, $75 reman and about 15 mins and I was back in business!

[Brew Q]

Just so you guys know, if you switch to 5-speed it takes about 10 mins to change the starter...

How many hours are the 5 speed swaps taking these days?

[elwesso]

Just so you guys know, if you switch to 5-speed it takes about 10 mins to change the starter...

How many hours are the 5 speed swaps taking these days?

With all the fabrication, a good estimate would be 100 hours or so assuming you have most of the parts you need..

[Skibane]

I think I could probably swap quite a few starters in 100 hours...

[db_autotek]

Final update before write-up

Yup, it was the starter! Let me say now, that was a big pain in the arse to change. Weird how all of the sudden, we are seeing a bunch of starter failures on here. I guess we are finding the standard end of life for the original starters. Also weird in my case, is that it died with no warning, at the same exact time I replaced the remote control module LCU-7. Of course they were unrelated, but I thought it was too coincidental.

After testing the relay and voltage, I ordered a brand new starter on ebay. $85 delivered, exact same physical appearance as the oem. Some have bought aftermarket starters with bolts on the outside of the unit, making it even harder to install. Mine looked oem.

Took about 6 hours lol, but I had to try a hundred tool combinations to find what worked, and I took pics for the write-up. I suggest having a shop do it, seriously, some say a good tech can change it in 40 mins to an hour lol.

Full write-up to follow later. Thanks for the advice and support! It's projects like this when I'm so thankful for this forum and the search button haha.

[Q451990]

Nice! Can't wait to see the write-up.

Heath