Owners Nissan Cube AZ10 (first generation, produced 2002–2008) often encounter problems starting the engine, and the culprit in 70% of cases is the starter. But before you check or change it, you need to know exactly where is it located - and this is not as obvious as in classic sedans. In a compact body Cube access to the unit is difficult, and without a diagram you can spend hours searching.

In this article you will find exact coordinates of the starter on Nissan Cube AZ10 with a photo, learn how to quickly identify it among other components, and also receive a checklist for diagnosing faults. We will look at why the starter can be “hidden” behind other parts, and give tips on how to make it easier to access without removing the pan or gearbox. If your Cube If your car refuses to start the first time or makes suspicious clicking noises, these instructions will save you time and nerves.

1. Exact location of the starter on the Nissan Cube AZ10: diagram and photo

On Nissan Cube AZ10 starter installed at the bottom of the engine, gearbox side, but not on the right (as on most front-wheel drive cars), but on the left - if you look in the direction of travel of the car. This is due to the transverse location of the power unit and the design features of the body. More specifically:

  • 🔧 Landmark 1: The starter is attached to clutch block (between the engine and gearbox) and is partially covered by a heat shield.
  • 📏 Landmark 2: Its body is visible from below, if you look under the car from the driver’s side - look for a cylindrical unit with a diameter of ~10 cm with a thick positive wire.
  • 🔍 Landmark 3: Two wires go to it: thick red (from battery) and subtle manager (from the ignition switch).

The photo below shows the bottom view (the car on a lift). The starter is circled in red:

Visually: The starter is located to the left of the oil filter, just above the drive shaft of the left wheel. It can easily be confused with the generator, but the latter is located higher and to the right (on the passenger side).

⚠️ Attention: On models with Automatic transmission access to the starter is even more difficult - it is partially blocked by the box tray. You will have to remove the engine protection and, possibly, disconnect some of the air ducts.

2. Why is the starter on the Cube AZ10 “hiding”: layout features

Constructors Nissan placed the starter inconveniently not out of harm, but because three key factors:

  1. Transverse engine arrangement. B Cube AZ10 the motor is turned at an angle, so the starter is shifted to the left, closer to the transmission.
  2. Compact body. The short wheelbase and high ceiling of the cabin limited the space under the hood - engineers had to “pack” the units more tightly.
  3. Common platform with Micra K12. Cube built on the basis Nissan Micra, where the starter is also located non-standardly, but there it is easier to get to it.

Because of this, when replacing the starter with AZ10 Problems that often arise:

📊 What difficulties did you encounter when finding a starter for Cube?
  • Couldn't find its location
  • Pipes or wires are in the way
  • Not enough space for tools
  • The starter was protected
  • Other

For example, 14 mm wrench (standard size mounting bolts) is difficult to operate due to the drive shaft being close together. Many owners recommend using extension with universal joint or even flexible knob.

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Before starting work, remove the negative terminal of the battery and let the car cool down - this will protect you from short circuits and burns from hot pipes.

3. Signs of a faulty starter: when it’s time to look for it

If your Nissan Cube AZ10 It doesn't start well, don't rush to blame the battery or spark plugs. Typical symptoms of a “dying” starter:

  • 🔊 Clicks without scrolling. One or more clicks when turning the key, but the engine does not turn. This is a sign of a faulty solenoid relay.
  • 🐢 Slow rotation. The engine barely turns, although the battery is charged. The culprit is worn out brushes or bearings.
  • 🔥 The smell of burning. When trying to start for a long time, the starter overheats and there is a smell of burnt insulation.
  • 🔄 Periodic failures. Sometimes the car starts the first time, sometimes only after 3-4 attempts. This is a signal of imminent failure.

For diagnosis, you can carry out quick test:

  1. Turn the key to position ON (but don't start it).
  2. Take an insulated screwdriver and close starter positive contact (thick wire) with control contact (thin wire).
  3. If the engine starts, the problem is solenoid relay or wiring. If not, the starter is faulty.
⚠️ Attention: Do not close contacts with metal objects without insulation - there is a risk of short circuit and fire! Use only tools with rubberized handles.

4. Step-by-step instructions: how to get to the starter on Cube AZ10

To remove the starter you will need:

  • 🔧 Keys on 10 mm, 12 mm And 14 mm (preferably with an extension cord).
  • 🔩 Ratchet handle with cardan joint.
  • 🔋 Multimeter for checking voltage.
  • 🧤 Gloves and a flashlight (required!).

Procedure:

Disconnect the negative battery terminal|Remove the engine protection (4 bolts)|Disconnect the air duct from the filter housing|Unscrew the heat shield (if equipped)|Jack the car or use an inspection hole-->

  1. Removing the terminals. Disconnect thick red wire (12mm wrench) and subtle manager (10 mm wrench). Remember their location!
  2. Unscrewing the fasteners. The starter is attached two 14 mm bolts. The top bolt is usually accessible, but the bottom bolt will have to be accessed from below.
  3. Extraction. Carefully pull the starter down, turning it counterclockwise (to avoid snagging the wires).

On models with Automatic transmission removal may be required left drive shaft or partial disassembly of the suspension. If you have little experience, it is better to contact the service.

What to do if the starter bolts are stuck?

Use a penetrating lubricant (eg WD-40 or Liqui Moly MoS2) and let it run for 10–15 minutes. If it doesn’t help, try heating the bolt with a hair dryer (do not overheat!), then unscrew it with force. In extreme cases, you will have to cut off the bolt with a grinder and install a new one.

5. How to check the starter after removal: 3 key tests

Before buying a new starter, make sure that the old one is really faulty. Carry out these checks:

Test What to do Normal result Cause of malfunction
1. Checking the solenoid relay Connect the plus of the battery to the relay contact, the minus to the starter housing. There should be a click. There is a clear click and the rod extends. Broken relay winding or burnt contacts.
2. Checking the windings Using a multimeter, measure the resistance between the housing and the winding. Should be >10 kOhm. Resistance is high (no short circuit). Insulation breakdown or short circuit.
3. Checking the brushes Disassemble the starter and inspect the brushes. The minimum length is 7 mm. The brushes are intact, without chips or wear. Worn brushes or commutator.

If the starter has passed all the tests, but the car still does not start, look for the problem in wiring (especially in mass wire from the battery to the body) or in ignition switch.

6. Choosing a new starter: original vs analogues

For Nissan Cube AZ10 (2002–2008) the following starters are suitable:

  • 🔹 Original: Nissan 23300-4M000 or 23300-4M005 (depending on the year). Price: ~12,000–15,000 RUR.
  • 🔹 Analogues:
    • Denso 280000-0760 (Japan, quality substitute).
    • Bosch 0 001 108 005 (Germany, reliable, but expensive).
    • Valeo 438086 (France, good price/quality ratio).
  • 🔹 Budget options: KRAUF or STARTVOLT, but their resource is 2–3 times less than the original.

When choosing, pay attention to:

  • 🔋 Power: There must be at least 0.8 kW (original - 1.0 kW).
  • 🔄 Rotation direction: For Cube AZ10 — clockwise (when viewed from the drive side).
  • 📦 Equipment: The box should contain mounting bolts and instructions.
⚠️ Attention: Don't buy starters that are not labeled or labeled "Made in China" without the brand. Counterfeits often fail after 10–15 thousand km, and their brushes wear out 2 times faster.

7. Installing a starter: nuances and common mistakes

Installation of a new starter is carried out in reverse order, but there is 4 critical points:

  1. Tightening the bolts. The mounting bolts must be tightened firmly 25–30 Nm. Over-tightening leads to deformation of the body, under-tightening leads to vibrations.
  2. Connecting wires. Connect first control wire (thin), then - power (thick). If you mix it up, you risk burning the contacts.
  3. Checking gaps. Make sure the starter does not touch the heat shield or hoses. Minimum clearance - 5 mm.
  4. Lubrication. Apply copper grease on the contacts and bolt threads - this will prevent oxidation.

After installation be sure to check:

  • 🔋 Voltage at the starter terminals when starting (should be 12.5–14 V).
  • 🔊 No extraneous noise (grinding, squealing).
  • 🔄 Smooth engine rotation (no jerking).
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If the car is difficult to start after replacing the starter, check ground wire from the battery to the body - it often oxidizes and does not provide sufficient current.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the starter on the Nissan Cube AZ10

Is it possible to replace the starter on a Cube AZ10 without a pit or lift?

Theoretically yes, but it is extremely inconvenient. You will have to lie under the car on your back, twisting your arms into an uncomfortable position. We recommend using at least jack with stops or an overpass. On models with Automatic transmission You can't do without a hole - the box tray is in the way.

How long does it take to replace a starter?

If you have experience and tools - 1.5–2 hours. A beginner will need 3–4 hours, especially if the bolts are stuck. At the service station, work is assessed at 2 500–4 000 ₽ (excluding the cost of the part).

What happens if you drive with a broken starter?

If the starter clicks but does not turn, you can start the car “with a pushrod” (on Manual transmission). However, this leads to:

  • 🔥 I will overheat the starter windings (risk of fire).
  • 🔋 Battery discharge (each unsuccessful startup attempt “eats” 5–10% of the charge).
  • ⚙️ Wear of the flywheel (if the bendix does not disengage).

It is not recommended to drive for more than a week with a faulty starter.

How can you tell the difference between a starter problem and a battery problem?

Simple test:

  1. Turn on the headlights. If they burn dimly, it's your fault battery.
  2. Try starting the car. If the headlights go out when you turn the key, the problem is starter or wiring.
  3. Check the voltage at the terminals at startup: if it drops below 10 V — the battery is discharged or faulty.
Is it possible to repair the starter on Cube AZ10 or is it just a replacement?

Repair is possible if the following are faulty:

  • 🔧 Brushes or bushings (repair cost: ~2,000 ₽).
  • 🔌 Solenoid relay (can be replaced separately, price: ~1,500 ₽).

If the winding is burned out or the bendix is damaged, it is cheaper to buy a new starter. Repairs will cost 60–70% from the cost of the original, but the service life of the repaired unit will be lower.