Where is the starter located in a Nissan Note: a detailed guide with photos and diagrams

Starter in Nissan Note is a key component of the engine starting system, and its malfunction can immobilize the car at the most inopportune moment. Owners of this model often encounter difficulties in finding a starter due to the compact layout of the engine compartment. Unlike many cars, where the starter is located in an accessible place, in Note it is hidden behind other units, which complicates diagnosis and repair.

This article will help you determine exactly where the starter is located in Nissan Note first (E11, 2004–2012) and second (E12, 2012–2020) generations, including versions with gasoline engines HR15DE, HR12DE and diesel K9K. We will analyze visual landmarks, nuances of access to the unit and give practical advice on checking it without removing it. If you are planning to replace or repair the starter yourself, here you will find step-by-step instructions taking into account common mistakes.

Starter location in Nissan Note: photo and diagram

B Nissan Note The starter is installed at the bottom of the engine, on the gearbox side. The specific position depends on the type of power unit:

• 🔧 Gasoline engines (HR15DE, HR12DE): The starter is located under the intake manifold, closer to the flywheel. Its body is partially covered with a heat shield and cooling system pipes.
• ⚙️ Diesel engines (K9K): the unit is shifted to the left (in the direction of travel) and located higher than in gasoline versions due to the design of the cylinder block.
• 🔄 Automatic transmission: access to the starter is complicated by the torque converter, so for dismantling you will need to remove the automatic transmission pan or use a special key.

The diagram below shows a typical starter location for Nissan Note E11 with engine HR15DE:

Engine	Starter location	Search guidelines
HR15DE (1.5 l)	Under the intake manifold, to the right of the flywheel	Near the crankshaft position sensor, under the cooling system pipe
HR12DE (1.2 l)	Likewise HR15DE, but shifted 3–5 cm to the left	Under the generator, next to the engine mount bracket
K9K (1.5 dCi)	Higher than in petrol versions, closer to the top of the crankcase	Under the turbocharger, next to the high pressure fuel pump

Important! On vehicles with air conditioning, access to the starter may be blocked by the compressor. In this case, you will need to temporarily loosen the compressor and move it to the side (without disconnecting the lines).

How to find the starter without removing it: visual signs

If you are not sure where exactly the starter is located in your Nissan Note, use these visual cues:

1. Watch out for the thick positive wire (usually red, with a cross-section of 10–12 mm²), which goes from the battery to the starter. This is the most reliable guide.
2. Look for a cylindrical body ~10 cm in diameter with a pull-in relay attached to it (a small box with a connector for a thin wire).
3. Pay attention to the mounting bolts: starter in Note It is fixed with two bolts (M10 or M12) to the clutch housing.

The photo below shows the starter in Nissan Note E12 (view from below the car). Pay attention to its position relative to the flywheel and gearbox:

⚠️ Attention: Don't confuse the starter with the generator! The generator is located higher, closer to the front of the engine, and has a pulley with a belt. The starter is always located lower, closer to the gearbox, and does not have a belt drive.

Step-by-step instructions: how to get to the starter

To diagnose or replace the starter in Nissan Note Partial dismantling of the engine compartment elements will be required. Below is a universal instruction suitable for most versions:

Remove the negative terminal from the battery|Disconnect the air duct from the throttle body|Remove the engine protective cover (if equipped)|Loosen the air conditioning compressor (if necessary)|Jack the car or use an inspection hole-->

Step 1: Power off

Before starting work necessarily remove the negative terminal from the battery. This will prevent a short circuit when disconnecting the starter wires. B Nissan Note The battery is located in the engine compartment, on the right in the direction of travel.

Step 2. Dismantling the air duct

Remove the air duct pipe connecting the air filter to the throttle body. To do this, loosen the clamps using a screwdriver or wrench on 10 mm. On some versions, you will also need to remove the air filter housing.

Step 3. Access to the starter

• 🔩 On gasoline engines (HR15DE/HR12DE) the starter is partially covered by a heat shield. Remove it by unscrewing 2-3 mounting bolts.
• 🔧 On diesel (K9K) it may be necessary to remove the upper timing cover or remove the turbocharger.
• 🔄 On cars with automatic transmission, access is complicated by the torque converter. In this case, it is recommended to use a viewing hole or a lift.

Step 4: Disconnecting Wires

Unscrew the nut securing the positive wire (the key is on 12 mm) and disconnect the solenoid relay connector. Attention: do not pull on the wires - this may damage the contacts! Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully release the connector latch.

What to do if the starter bolts won't come off?

If the starter mounting bolts are stuck or rusty, use a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then try unscrewing the bolts with an impact wrench or a socket wrench with an extension. As a last resort, you can use a heat gun (do not overheat above 200°C to avoid damaging the thread).

Starter diagnostics without removal: 3 proven methods

Before removing the starter, make sure that this is the problem. Here are three diagnostic methods that can be performed without dismantling:

1. Checking the solenoid relay

   Turn the ignition key to the "Start" position. If you hear a clear click, but the engine does not rotate, the problem is in the solenoid relay or starter winding. If there is no click, check the power at the relay connector (there should be 12 V when you turn the key).

2. Checking the voltage at the starter

   Connect the multimeter in voltmeter mode to the positive wire of the starter (red wire) and ground. When turning the key, the voltage should be at least 11.5 V. If the voltage drops below 10 V - the problem is in the battery or wiring.

3. Check "short"

   ⚠️ Attention: This method requires caution! Only make contacts with a metal object with an insulated handle (for example, a screwdriver).

   Remove the connector from the solenoid relay and use a screwdriver to close two contacts (thick positive and control). If the starter spins, the relay or control circuit is faulty. If not, the problem is in the starter itself.

If the starter does not respond to all three tests, it must be removed for detailed diagnostics or replacement.

Typical starter faults in Nissan Note

Starters in Nissan Note have a number of “diseases” characteristic of this model. Here are the most common problems:

• 🔋 Brush wear: manifests itself as slow starter rotation or complete failure. Brushes in Note They wear out after about 150–200 thousand km.
• 🔊 Burning of the solenoid relay contacts: Causes clicking without rotation. Often occurs due to poor contact at the battery terminals.
• ⚙️ Bendix wear: The starter turns, but does not engage the flywheel. In this case, a metallic grinding sound is heard.
• 🔌 Armature winding break: the starter does not respond to turning the key, there are no relay clicks. Requires replacement or rewinding of the armature.

The table below shows symptoms and possible causes of malfunctions:

Symptom	Probable Cause	Recommendation
Starter does not respond to key	Open circuit control, faulty relay or ignition switch	Check the fuse F30 (10 A) in the block under the steering wheel, use a tester to test the circuit from the lock to the starter
There is a click, but the starter does not turn	The contacts of the solenoid relay are burnt or the brushes are worn out.	Remove the relay and check the contacts. If necessary, replace the relay or starter
Starter turns slowly	Low battery, worn brushes or bearings	Check the battery voltage under load. If the battery is good, disassemble the starter
Grinding noise on startup	Worn bendix or flywheel teeth	Replace bendix or flywheel. Check starter alignment

B Nissan Note With a mileage of more than 150 thousand km, a combined malfunction often occurs: wear of the brushes + burning of the relay contacts. In this case, it is cheaper to replace the starter assembly than to repair it.

Replacing the starter in a Nissan Note: step-by-step guide

If diagnostics show that the starter is faulty, it must be replaced. For Nissan Note original starters fit Nissan 23300-4M000 (for HR15DE) or 23300-4M005 (for K9K), as well as analogues from Bosch, Denso or Valeo. The average cost of a new starter is 8–15 thousand rubles.

Required tools:

• 🔧 Socket wrenches or sockets 10 mm, 12 mm, 14 mm
• 🔩 Extension and universal joint for the key
• 🔌 Screwdriver with flat and Phillips blade
• 🔋 Multimeter to check voltage
• 🛠️ Penetrating lubricant (WD-40 or equivalent)

Replacement procedure:

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Remove the air filter and any obstructing pipes.
3. Unscrew the nut of the positive wire of the starter (the key is on 12 mm).
4. Disconnect the solenoid relay connector.
5. Unscrew the two starter mounting bolts (usually on 14 mm).
6. Carefully remove the starter by turning it counterclockwise (for petrol versions).
7. Install the new starter in reverse order. Important! Before installation, check the gap between the Bendix gear and the flywheel (should be 1–2 mm).

⚠️ Attention: When installing a starter on diesel versions Nissan Note (K9K) it is necessary to use a torque wrench to tighten the mounting bolts. Tightening torque - 40–50 Nm. Excessive torque may damage the clutch housing.

Tips for Extending Starter Life

Starter in Nissan Note can last 200 thousand km or more if you follow a few simple rules:

• 🔋 Monitor your battery status: A discharged battery causes the starter to work with overload, which accelerates wear on the brushes.
• 🔌 Clean the terminals at least once a year. Contact oxidation increases resistance and reduces starter efficiency.
• ⚙️ Avoid holding the key in the "Start" position for long periods of time.. The optimal scrolling time is 3–5 seconds. If the engine does not start, pause for 10–15 seconds.
• 🛠️ Check the starter fastening at every maintenance. Loose bolts lead to misalignment and accelerated wear of the bendix.

If you frequently drive short distances (especially in winter), the starter will wear out faster due to frequent starts. In this case, it is recommended to remove the starter every 2-3 years for preventative cleaning and lubrication of the bearings.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to start a Nissan Note with a faulty starter?

Yes, but only if the problem is in the solenoid relay or control circuit. To do this:

1. Place the car in neutral and turn on the ignition.
2. Remove the connector from the solenoid relay.
3. Use a screwdriver to close two contacts on the relay (thick positive and control).
4. After starting the engine, immediately open the contacts.

Attention! This method does not work if the starter itself is faulty (for example, the winding is burned out or the brushes are worn out).

Which starter is suitable for Nissan Note with HR12DE engine?

For Nissan Note with engine HR12DE (1.2 l) the following starters are suitable:

• Original: Nissan 23300-4M000 or 23300-4M00A
• Analogues:
  • Bosch 0 001 108 005
  • Denso DRS1011
  • Valeo 438083

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to the number of teeth on the Bendix gear - there should be 9 teeth (for HR12DE).

How much does it cost to replace a starter at a service center?

Starter replacement cost Nissan Note depends on engine type and region:

• Gasoline engines (HR15DE/HR12DE): 1,500–2,500 rubles (excluding the cost of the part).
• Diesel engines (K9K): 2,500–4,000 rubles due to the difficulty of access.
• Automatic transmission: +500–1,000 rubles to the base, since partial dismantling of the automatic transmission pan is required.

The average replacement time is 1–1.5 hours. Some services offer free diagnostics of the starter before replacement.

Is it possible to repair the Nissan Note starter yourself?

Yes, if you have experience working with electrical equipment. The most common repair operations:

• Replacing brushes: You will need to disassemble the starter and press out the brush holder. New brushes cost 200–400 rubles.
• Replacing the solenoid relay: The relay is attached with 2-3 bolts to the starter housing. The cost of a new relay is 800–1,500 rubles.
• Bendix replacement: It is necessary to remove the retaining ring and knock the gear off the shaft. Bendix costs 500–1,200 rubles.

For repairs you will need:

• Set of screwdrivers and keys.
• Multimeter for checking windings.
• Special bearing grease (e.g. LIQUI MOLY Thermoflex Spezialfett).

Important! After assembling the starter, test it on a stand before installing it on the car.

What to do if the starter turns, but the engine does not start?

If the starter rotates the engine properly, but does not start, the problem may be the following:

• 🔥 Ignition system malfunction: check spark plugs, coils, high-voltage wires.
• ⛽ Problems with the fuel system: make sure that the fuel pump is pumping fuel (when you turn on the ignition, you should hear the sound of the pump).
• 📊 ECU errors: Connect the diagnostic scanner and check the fault codes.
• 🔗 Broken timing belt: If the belt breaks, the camshafts do not rotate and the engine cannot start.

B Nissan Note with the system Nissan Direct Ignition System (NDIS) Ignition coils often fail. Check their resistance with a multimeter (norm: primary winding - 0.5-1.0 Ohm, secondary - 8-12 kOhm).