2002 Pathfinder starter? Help!

[Gatorash]

Ok I think the starter new needs be replaced- for the last several months it has taken multiple attempts to crank. It will click once and all the electrical comes on but the engine does not. Usually, after 5-10 turns of the key it starts and we are in business of course, back in February when I took it to the repair shop they "couldn't replicate" the problem and said it was probably a bad spot in the starter. About a month and a half ago I replaced the battery. Because I procrastinate, I have not yet replaced the starter and today it won't start at all. Any thoughts? Am I likely right it's the starter? Should I fix it myself and is it hard? What part do I even need? Sorry I'm a newb at diy repair but learning/trying to learn.

[rgk]

Yep, do a search for 'starter' on this subforum and find plenty of threads with the exact same problem. It's the starter for sure.

You will only need a starter. A remanufactured unit runs about $150.

It's not difficult to replace, but getting the old one out and the new one in may be challenging. If you're skinny like me, you can accomplish it without raising the vehicle. It will be near the cross member and exhaust - when you get your new starter, you will see what it looks like and be able to find it more easily.

You will need to disconnect the battery, then use 12 & 13 mm wrenches or sockets to disconnect the wiring to the starter. Then I believe a 14 mm socket to disconnect the two bolts that hold the starter in place on the engine block.

Remove it, but pay attention to how it comes out, because putting the new one in, in that tight of space, will be challenging.

Then just replace the wires you removed, plug the battery back in, and you should be good to go.

[Buzzman]

Been there done that:

truck-no-go-starter-clicks-t602149.html

We go off topic a bit in this thread, but you should find it helpful.
Cheers,
Buzzman