Where is the starter located on the Nissan Sunny FB15: detailed diagram with photos and replacement nuances

Owners Nissan Sunny FB15 (model years 1990-1995) often experience engine starting problems, and the first suspect is the ignition system. But if the battery is charged, but the engine does not turn, the culprit most often turns out to be starter. Finding it on this model is not as easy as on modern cars: the cramped engine compartment and the inconvenient location of the unit force even experienced mechanics to waste time.

In this article we will not only show exact location of the starter on FB15 with photo and diagram, but we will also analyze the typical symptoms of its malfunction, diagnostic methods without removal, and also give step-by-step instructions for dismantling. We will pay special attention to nuances that are often missed in general manuals: for example, how not to damage the wiring when disconnecting the terminals or why on some versions of the FB15 the starter may be shifted by 2-3 cm relative to the standard position.

Design and role of the starter in Nissan Sunny FB15

Starter on Nissan Sunny FB15 - This is an electromechanical unit that converts the electrical energy of the battery into mechanical energy to crank the crankshaft. Unlike modern models, where starters are often integrated with the generator or have a compact housing, the FB15 uses a classic design with solenoid relay And Bendix (overrunning clutch). This is a reliable, but outdated circuit, sensitive to wear of brushes and bearings.

Features of FB15 starter:

• 🔋 Rated voltage: 12 V, but at startup it consumes up to 200–250 A.
• ⚙️ Bendix gear has 9 teeth (important when selecting a replacement!).
• 🔧 Fastening: 2 bolts to the engine block (they often stick, require WD-40).
• 📏 Dimensions: ~15 cm in length, weight ~3.5 kg.

On FB15, the starter works in tandem with flywheel of GA14/GA16 engine (depending on modification). If the Bendix gear is worn out, it can slip along the flywheel crown, which leads to a characteristic metallic grinding noise when starting. This is one of the key signs that the unit requires replacement or repair.

Exact location of the starter: diagram and photo

On Nissan Sunny FB15 starter is located at the bottom of the engine on the gearbox side. If you look at the car from the front, it is located:

• 📍 Under the intake manifold, closer to the right side (in the direction of travel).
• 🔍 Visually it can be identified by two thick wires: red (plus from the battery) and black (control from the ignition switch).
• 🛠️ To access you will have to remove protective cover (if installed) and possibly air filter.

Below is the layout diagram (view from below the car):

[Схема]
--------------------------
|                        |
|   🔋 Аккумулятор       |
|                        |
|   🚗 Двигатель GA16    |
|   [_____Стартер____]   | ← Здесь!
|                        |
|   🔧 Коробка передач   |
--------------------------

📌 Important! On versions with air conditioning Access to the starter may be blocked by the compressor. In this case, you will have to temporarily loosen its fastening or remove the belt.

Photo of the actual location (clickable)

Photos of FB15 owners show that the starter is partially hidden under the thermal shield of the exhaust system. Its body is painted black or dark gray, and on the top there is a characteristic “hump” of the retractor relay.

Signs of a bad starter: when to check

Starter on Nissan Sunny FB15 rarely fails suddenly - usually malfunctions appear gradually. Here are the key symptoms that should alert you:

Symptom	Probable Cause	Is it possible to drive?
Clicking sound when turning the key, but the engine does not turn over	Faulty solenoid relay or burnt contacts	❌ No (risk of being left with a discharged battery)
The starter turns slowly, despite the charged battery	Wear brushes or bearings, low terminal voltage	⚠️ It’s possible, but soon it will completely refuse
Grinding or squealing noise when starting up	Gear wear bendix or flywheel crown	⚠️ It’s possible, but it damages the flywheel
The starter works, but the engine does not "get enough"	Bendix slipping or drive fork broken	❌ No (risk of flywheel breakage)

🔍 Diagnostic lifehack: If the starter does not respond when you turn the key, but you can hear the relay clicking, try lightly tapping the starter housing with a wrench. If after this it starts working, the problem is the burnt contacts of the retractor or worn brushes.

⚠️ Attention! If the starter turns, but the engine does not start, do not hold the key in the "Start" position for more than 5 seconds. This can lead to overheating of the windings and final breakdown of the unit.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the starter on FB15

To dismantle the starter Nissan Sunny FB15 you will need:

• 🔧 Set of sockets and keys (10 mm, 12 mm, 14 mm).
• 🔩 Extension cord and cardan for heads (access in tight places!).
• 🔥 WD-40 or similar rust remover.
• 📦 Marker for marking wires.

📝 Procedure:

Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery|Remove the air filter (if it interferes)|Clean the starter mounts from dirt|Jack the car or use an inspection hole-->

1. Disconnect negative battery terminal (required!). This will prevent a short circuit when the starter wires are disconnected.

2. Remove protective cover (if installed) and move away the wiring harnesses that are obstructing access. On some versions of FB15 you will have to temporarily remove coolant expansion tank.

3. Unscrew the fastening nut positive wire (key 12 mm) and disconnect it. Be careful - the wire often “sticks” to the terminal.

4. Disable control wire (thin black) from the solenoid relay. It is secured with a plastic clip - do not pull the wire, but press the latch!

5. Unscrew the two bolts securing the starter to the block (head 14 mm with extension cord). The bottom bolt often becomes soured - use WD-40 and do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the threads.

6. Carefully pull the starter down, turning it for better removal. Be prepared for the fact that it weighs ~3.5 kg!

⚠️ Attention! On vehicles with automatic transmission The starter may have an additional wiring harness to prevent starting when the gear is engaged. Do not damage it when removing it!

How to check the starter without removing it from the car

Before dismantling the starter, you can perform preliminary diagnostics directly on the car. Here are 3 peck tests:

1. Checking the solenoid relay:

Turn the key to the "Start" position and listen. If heard single click, but the starter does not turn - the problem is in the retractor or burnt contacts ("nickels"). If clicks several — the relay winding is faulty or the voltage at the terminals is low.

2. Voltage check:

Connect the multimeter in mode DC 20V to the positive terminal of the starter (thick red wire) and ground. When you turn the key, the voltage should be not lower than 11.5 V. If it drops to 9–10 V, the problem is in the battery or wires.

3. Bendix check:

If the starter turns, but the engine does not start, try turning on 4th gear and push the car forward 0.5–1 meter. If after this the engine starts, and the next time you turn the key there is a grinding noise again - the culprit is bendix.

Choosing a new starter: original vs analogues

When replacing the starter with Nissan Sunny FB15 you have 3 options:

Type	Article/Brand	Pros	Cons	Price, rub.
Original (Nissan)	23300-4M000 or 23300-4M005	100% compatibility, resource 150+ thousand km	Expensive, takes a long time to find	8 000–12 000
Analogue (Denso)	280000-8610	Quality like the original, easier to find	The price is close to the original	7 500–9 000
Budget (Bosch, Valeo)	0 001 110 009 (Bosch)	Cheaper, in stock	Resource ~80–100 thousand km, possible problems with bendix	4 500–6 000

🔍 What to look for when purchasing:

• 🔧 Check it out number of teeth on gear (should be 9).
• 📏 Compare the dimensions of the new starter with the old one - sometimes analogues may differ by 5-10 mm.
• 🔋 Make sure it comes with solenoid relay (some cheap analogues sell it separately).

💡 Advice: If you buy a used starter, be sure to test it on a test bench. Even an apparently serviceable unit may have burnt windings or worn brushes.

Common mistakes when replacing a starter and how to avoid them

Even experienced mechanics sometimes make mistakes when working with a starter on Nissan Sunny FB15. Here are the most common:

1. Mixed up wires. If you switch places manager And power wires, the starter will burn out the first time you start it. Always label them before disconnecting!

2. Insufficient tightening of bolts. The starter vibrates during operation, and a weak fastening leads to its displacement and damage to the Bendix gear.

3. Ignoring flywheel condition. If the flywheel teeth are worn, the new starter will quickly fail. Check the crown for chips!

4. Lack of lubrication. When installing the starter, apply a thin layer copper grease on the shaft splines - this will prevent corrosion and facilitate future dismantling.

⚠️ Attention! After replacing the starter, do not forget to check clearance between bendix gear and flywheel. It should be within 0.5–1.5 mm. If the gap is larger, the bendix will not engage with the flywheel; if less, the starter will turn with force, which will shorten its life.

🛠️ Useful lifehack: Before final assembly, check the operation of the starter by connecting it to the battery outside the car. To do this:

1. Connect plus to the power terminal.
2. Ground the starter housing to minus Battery
3. Briefly apply 12 V to the control contact of the retractor.

If the starter turns smoothly, without grinding or delays, you can install it on the car.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Sunny FB15 starter

Is it possible to repair the FB15 starter or just replace it?

Repair is possible if the problem is brush assembly, solenoid relay or bearings. However, replacing a bendix or armature is often more expensive than purchasing a contract starter. Estimated cost of repair:

• Replacement of brushes: RUB 1,500–2,500.
• Retractor repair: RUB 2,000–3,000.
• Bendix replacement: RUB 3,000–4,000.

If the starter is “tired” (lifetime 150+ thousand km), it is cheaper and more reliable to install a new one.

Why did it become more difficult to start the car after replacing the starter?

Probable reasons:

1. Incorrectly adjusted clearance between bendix gear and flywheel.
2. Poor contact on power cable (oxidation or weak puff).
3. Defective new starter (for example, weak retractor relay).
4. The battery is discharged (a new starter may require more current).

Check the voltage at the starter terminals when starting - it should not fall below 10.5 V.

Which starter is suitable for other Nissan models?

On Nissan Sunny FB15 you can install starters from the following models (if the engines match GA14/GA16):

• Nissan Pulsar N14 (1990–1995).
• Nissan Lucino (in some modifications).
• Nissan Almera N15 (only with engine GA16DE).

🔍 Important! Please check the part numbers before purchasing. For example, a starter from Almera with art. 23300-4M010 It won’t fit - it has a different Bendix gear.

How long does it take to replace a starter on an FB15?

Time depends on experience and conditions:

• 🔧 With pit or lift: 1–1.5 hours.
• 🚗 Without pit (on jacks): 2–3 hours.
• ⚠️ For stuck bolts: up to 4–5 hours (requires heat, penetrating lubricant).

💡 Advice: If you have never replaced the starter, be patient and take pictures of the location of all the wires before disconnecting.

What should I do if I hear a grinding noise after replacing the starter?

A grinding noise at startup indicates:

1. Incorrect starter installation (misalignment, weak tightening of bolts).
2. Flywheel crown wear (the Bendix gear does not engage the teeth).
3. Bendix marriage (gear does not extend completely).

🛠️ Solution: Remove the starter and check the movement of the Bendix gear. She should move to 10–12 mm when voltage is applied to the retractor. Also inspect the flywheel through the inspection window in the bell housing.