The engine starting system is a critical component of any vehicle, and Nissan Almera N16 is no exception. When you turn the key in the ignition and only hear a click or silence in response, this is a direct signal of problems with the starting mechanism. Owners of a Japanese sedan often encounter this situation, especially on cars with a mileage of more than 150 thousand kilometers.
Understanding of operating principles starter on N16 will help you avoid costly repairs at the dealer and save time. Often the problem lies not in the unit itself, but in the contacts, wiring or battery, which require simple cleaning or tightening. We will analyze all the nuances, from diagnostics to complete replacement of the unit.
Typical symptoms of a faulty starting unit
Determine what exactly starter has failed, based on a number of characteristic signs that are dangerous to ignore. The very first bell is the lack of engine response to turning the key, while other electrical appliances are working properly. Sometimes you can hear the characteristic single click of the retractor relay, but the crankshaft does not turn.
Another common scenario is that the starter turns, but very sluggishly and slowly, preventing the engine from starting. This often indicates a low battery charge or poor ground contact, but if the battery is new, the problem may be in the windings of the starter itself or worn bushings. Also pay attention to an unusual metallic grinding noise when starting up.
- π Sluggish cranking crankshaft with a fully charged battery.
- β‘ Single click under the hood without turning the gear.
- π§ Metal scraping, indicating improper engagement of the bendix.
If you hear a hum, but the engine does not catch, this is a sure sign that bendix does not extend or transmit torque to the flywheel. In this case, continuing to try to start is pointless and even harmful to the gears.
β οΈ Caution: If the starter makes a loud grinding noise, stop attempting to start immediately, otherwise you may damage the flywheel teeth, requiring costly replacement of the engine gearbox.
Electrical diagnostics and contact testing
Before removing the unit, it is necessary to rule out electrical problems, as they account for up to 60% of all cases of βmalfunctionβ. On Nissan Almera N16 Often the contacts on the battery oxidize or the ground terminal becomes loose. Check that the negative wire is securely attached to the body and engine.
Use a multimeter to check the voltage at the starter terminals when attempting to start. If the voltage drops below 9-10 volts, the problem is in the power cable or the battery itself. Pay special attention to the power cable running from the positive terminal of the battery to the starter, as it often chafes or oxidizes inside the insulation.
- π Check it out lock contact group ignition, since it may not send a signal to the solenoid relay.
- π Clean and strip all power terminals on the starter to a metallic shine.
- π Measure voltage drop at each section of the chain under load.
Often, owners change the starter itself, although it was enough to simply clean the contacts. Pay special attention to the bolt that secures the power wire to the solenoid relay housing. Over time, it may simply unscrew or βstick.β
- The starter doesn't turn at all
- Spins very slowly
- Grinding is heard
- I can hear the Bendix hum
Mechanical failures and wear of parts
If the electrics are OK, then the problem lies inside the mechanism. The most common mechanical failure in N16 - this is wear on the bushings (sliding bearings) of the armature. When the bushings break, the armature begins to cling to the stator, creating enormous friction that even a powerful current cannot overcome.
The second most popular defect is wear of the commutator brushes. With their short length, the armature stops rotating or rotates very weakly. Also often fails bendix (overrunning clutch), which stops blocking and turns without transmitting force to the flywheel. The solenoid relay may also have burnt contacts inside.
- π© Broken bushings lead to jamming of the anchor in the hull.
- βοΈ Worn out bendix does not engage with the flywheel.
- π₯ Burnt contacts Solenoid relays do not allow current to pass through the windings.
Sometimes the problem is a loose spring that presses the brushes against the commutator. In this case, contact is lost and the starter stops working. Checking the brush assembly requires disassembling the housing, but this is often easier and cheaper than buying a new unit.
βοΈ Preparing to remove the starter
The process of removing and dismantling the unit
Removing the starter Nissan Almera N16 with a QG15 or QG18 engine requires a certain sequence of actions so as not to damage adjacent components. First you need to de-energize the car by removing the negative terminal from the battery. Then you need to find access to the starter, which is located at the bottom of the engine on the gearbox side.
You will need to remove the engine crankcase guard, if installed. Access to the starter is often difficult due to the proximity of the exhaust system and fuel hoses. Be extremely careful when removing bolts as they may be over-tightened or rusty.
The key is to disconnect the power wires. First, disconnect the thin control wire (from the ignition switch), and then loosen the nut on the power wire coming from the battery. Don't forget to mark the location of the wires so you don't mix them up during assembly.
Features of access to the starter on QG18 engines
On a 1.8 liter engine, access to the upper mounting bolt is often blocked by the generator bracket. You may have to remove the alternator or loosen the alternator belt to gain full access.
After disconnecting the wiring, unscrew the two main bolts securing the starter to the clutch housing. One bolt is usually located at the top, and the second at the bottom, in the depths. Be prepared that the bottom bolt may be difficult to access and will require an extension with a universal joint.
Choosing a spare part: original or analogue?
When choosing a new starter for Almera N16 you have two main options: buying an original product or a high-quality analogue. Original from Nissan It has high build quality and durability, but its price can be significantly higher than the market price. Often the original number corresponds to products from the manufacturer Denso or Mitsuba.
Analogs from trusted brands such as VALEO, ATP or StartVOLT, can offer good value for money. The main thing is to avoid cheap Chinese fakes, which can burn out after just a few months of use. Please note: some models are supplied without a retractor relay.
The repair kit is also an excellent solution for restoring an old unit. This usually includes new bushings, brushes, bendix and gaskets. If the starter housing does not have mechanical damage, repair using a repair kit is often more cost-effective than replacing the entire unit.
| Brand | Product type | Approximate price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan (Denso) | Original | High | Perfect compatibility, long service life |
| VALEO | High-quality analogue | Average | Good quality materials, reliable design |
| StartVOLT | Budget analogue | Low | Affordable price, acceptable quality for old cars |
| RemKit | Repair kit | Very low | To restore the functionality of the current node |
β οΈ Attention: When purchasing an analogue, be sure to check the number of teeth on the bendix and the length of the shaft with the original part, since a discrepancy of even 1-2 mm will make installation impossible.
Before purchasing a new starter, be sure to measure the distance from the mounting flange to the end of the shaft on the old device to avoid errors when ordering.
Installation and final performance check
Installing a new or rebuilt starter is done in the reverse order. First, carefully place the unit in place, aligning the Bendix gear with the flywheel teeth. This may require turning the engine slightly by hand with a wrench on the crankshaft bolt to get the teeth to line up.
Tighten the mounting bolts to the recommended torque to avoid vibration and thread stripping. Connect the power wire to the solenoid relay and screw on the thin control wire. Make sure that wires do not touch hot parts of the exhaust system or moving parts.
Before starting the engine, make sure that all tools are removed from the engine compartment. Connect the battery and try to start the engine. If the starter operates smoothly, without any extraneous sounds, and the engine starts quickly, the job is done successfully.
- π© Tighten the mounting bolts with a torque wrench, if possible.
- π Check the connection is secure ground wire to the body.
- π Listen to the work solenoid relay at startup.
If, after starting the engine, the starter continues to rotate (does not release), turn it off immediately and check the relay and ignition switch. This is an emergency situation that can lead to the destruction of the bendix.
Correct tightening of the mounting bolts and cleanliness of the contact groups are the key to long service life of even the highest quality starter.
Frequently asked questions from Nissan Almera N16 owners
Why does the starter turn, but the engine does not start?
Most likely, the problem is not in the starter, but in the fuel supply or ignition system. It is also possible that the bendix is ββslipping without transmitting rotation to the flywheel, but the starter itself is working.
Is it possible to push start the engine if the starter is broken?
Yes, this is possible with a manual transmission. Engage second gear, accelerate the car and quickly release the clutch. However, this method will not work automatically.
How long does it take to replace a starter yourself?
For an experienced technician, replacement takes about 1-1.5 hours. It may take 2-3 hours for a newbie due to the difficulty of accessing the bottom bolts and the need to remove the crankcase guard.
Does the starter assembly need to be replaced or can it be repaired?
If the body is intact, but the problem is in the brushes, bushings or bendix, it is more profitable to buy a repair kit. If the housing is cracked or the coils are burned out, it is better to replace the entire assembly.
What current does the starter on Almere H16 consume?
The current consumption at start-up can reach 200-300 Amps depending on the engine temperature and the condition of the engine oil. Therefore, it is important to have a battery of sufficient capacity.