DEAD Starter! :(

[i30daretodif]

So my car ('96 i30) wouldnt start, and based on previous experience, I'm 99% sure its the starter. I got the car started using a hammer (tapping on the starter), but afterwards it wouldnt start again (didnt use the hammer)... Starter was replaced in Dec. '00 (52k ago) by dealer. Is this a procedure I can do myself? If no, what should I expect to pay for this thing? Any thoughts would be much appreciated.. I still dont know how I'm getting to work in the morning!

[i30daretodif]

I guess more specifically, is my starter dead and should I just buy a new one??

[maxnix]

Check the relay before deciding.

[Jeff Williams]

Taping on the starter with a hammer (lightly) may get you a few more starts, but I wouldn't rely on it.

Replacing it is not too bad, if you have jack stands, and a creeper, and some mechanical skill.

Follow the directions in your manual closely, and it is a snap.

I did my 1995 Maxima, in about 2 hours, I think. It has been a few years.

[Q45tech]

Many times, the starters can be cleaned up, brushes and commutators, if there is no gear damage.

A few thousand cranks?? at most [in 50k].

[elwesso]

Are the I30 starters not as durable as the Q starters (from what I hear they dont die).....

If you can hit it with a hammer, that means to me the soleniod is bad (or relay, same diff)....... We had a solenoid stick on a 327chevy and it ran down the battery.... Now every so ofter we have to hit the solenoid with a rubber mallet.....

[i30daretodif]

OK - I've taken the thing apart. I hooked the starter up to a battery, and the thing spins just fine. The problem is that the shaft with the gear doesnt pop out. Isnt it the solenoids job to get that shaft to pop out? The solenoid has a piece of plastic that goes into the starter assembly that in theory should pop the thing out. Anyways, I tried hooking up the solenoid to the battery and it didnt really do anything. I expected it to retract its metal arm.... Anyways, that said, if its the solenoid, can I just buy a new solenoid, or do I need to buy a whole new starter assembly ($240)...? any help would be appreciated. thanks!

[Q451990]

I'd call Scottsdale tomorrow... they are open for a while on Saturdays and can answer that and the $$ questions too.

Heath

[maxnix]

Sounds like the starter solenoid has failed. Why don't you buy a new one and see if it operates correctly? __________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

Discover the power of the button!

[elwesso]

The solenoid shouldnt be too much........ Id be surprised for more than $20.......

[Q45tech]

A measure the brush length and cleanup the commutator, while you have it out and apart.