Nissan Liberty (known in some countries as Nissan Bluebird Sylphy) with engine QR20DE - a reliable car, but even it is not immune to problems with the starter. If your Liberty refuses to start the first time, makes strange sounds when starting, or is completely silent - this particular unit may be the culprit. In this article we will look at how Diagnose a starter malfunction yourself, select a high-quality replacement and carry out repairs without contacting service.

Engine QR20DE (2.0 l, 140 hp) was installed on Liberty from 2000 to 2006, and during this time the starters managed to wear out even with careful use. The main “symptoms” of a malfunction are: slow crankshaft rotation, clicks without scrolling or complete lack of response to turning the key. In this case, the battery can be fully charged, and the electrics are in order. Next, we’ll tell you how to distinguish a starter breakdown from problems with the battery or alarm, and what to do in each case.

Signs of a starter malfunction Nissan Liberty QR20

The starter is an electromechanical device, and its breakdowns are divided into two categories: electric (problems with the winding, brushes, solenoid relay) and mechanical (wear of bendix, bearings, gears). They can be recognized by their characteristic features:

  • 🔋 The starter does not respond to turning the key - most often the culprit is the solenoid relay, broken circuit or worn brushes. Check the fuse F30 (10A) in the block under the hood and relay K25 (on some modifications).
  • 🔊 Clicking sound, but the engine does not turn over - a classic symptom of burnt contacts of the retractor or wear of the bendix. Sometimes several startup attempts in a row helps.
  • ⚙️ The starter turns, but does not engage the flywheel — a problem with the Bendix gear (teeth cut off) or its clutch. Requires disassembly or replacement of the unit.
  • 🐢 Slow crankshaft rotation - may indicate wear of brushes, bearings or low voltage due to oxidized contacts.

Feature Liberty QR20 — the starter here works in tandem with immobilizer, and sometimes “glitches” of the alarm simulate its breakdown. To eliminate false alarms, try starting the car with second key or disable the immobilizer during diagnostics (if possible).

⚠️ Attention: If the starter hums but does not crank the engine, do not hold the key in the “Start” position for more than 5 seconds. This can lead to overheating of the windings and final failure of the unit.

Articles and analogues of starters for Nissan Liberty QR20DE

Original starter for Liberty with engine QR20DE has an article number 23300-4M000 (until 2003) or 23300-4M005 (after 2003). However, original spare parts Nissan are expensive (from 12,000 to 18,000 rubles), so many owners choose high-quality analogues. The table below shows verified brands and their catalog numbers:

Brand Article Average price (RUB) Features
Denso 280000-0760 8 500–10 000 Direct analogue of the original, high resource
Mitsuba M000T02901 7 000–8 500 Good price/quality ratio, but shorter brush life
Bosch 0 001 110 009 9 500–11 000 Reinforced design, suitable for harsh conditions
Valeo 438086 6 500–7 800 Budget option, may require replacement after 80–100 thousand km

When choosing a starter, pay attention to engine number (indicated on the plate under the hood). For QR20DE until 2003 will do 23300-4M000, for later models - 23300-4M005. Also check the contents: the box should contain mounting bolts (sometimes you have to buy them separately) and installation instructions.

📊 Which starter do you prefer to install?
  • Original Nissan
  • Denso
  • Bosch
  • Mitsuba
  • Other brand

Diagnostics of the starter without removal: step-by-step instructions

Before removing the starter, make sure that this is the problem. All you need is a multimeter and a couple of minutes. Follow the algorithm:

  1. Check the battery: the voltage at the terminals should be 12.6–14.4 V (with the engine off). If less 12 V - Charge the battery or check the generator.
  2. Ring the chain: when you turn the key to the “Start” position, the control wire (thin wire on the solenoid relay) should appear 12 V. If not, the problem is in the ignition switch or fuse.
  3. Check the weight: The negative contact on the body or engine often oxidizes. Clean the terminals and try starting again.
  4. Retractor test: if upon submission 12 V directly to the control contact of the relay, the starter starts to turn - the relay or the control circuit is to blame.

If all tests are passed, but the starter is silent or is unstable, it will have to be removed for troubleshooting. On Liberty QR20 this can be done without a hole, but it will be required 14 mm head and an extension cord.

Make sure the battery is disconnected|Remove the engine protection (if equipped)|Disconnect the starter terminals (+ first)|Prepare tools: 14mm socket, extension, ratchet handle-->

Removing and installing the starter on Nissan Liberty QR20: step by step analysis

On Liberty with engine QR20DE The starter is located at the bottom of the cylinder block, next to the gearbox. To access it, you don’t have to remove the pallet or box, but you will have to tinker with the fasteners. Here are the detailed instructions:

  1. Disconnect the battery: First remove the negative terminal, then the positive terminal. This is a must for safety!
  2. Remove protection: if it is installed, unscrew the 4 mounting bolts (head on 10 mm).
  3. Disconnect the wires:
    • First, remove the chip from the control wire (thin wire).
    • Then unscrew the nut securing the power cable (the key is on 10 mm).
  • Unscrew the starter: it is secured with 2 bolts (head on 14 mm). It is more convenient to unscrew the top bolt with an extension.
  • Remove the node: Carefully pull the starter down, turning it for convenience.

    • When installing a new starter do not tighten the fastening bolts with a force of more than 40 Nm - this can deform the body. Also check that bendix gear does not rest against the flywheel (the clearance should be 1–2 mm).

    What to do if the starter does not come out of its seat?

    If the starter is stuck and cannot be pulled out, try:

    1. Rock it from side to side, while pulling it down.

    2. Treat the seat with WD-40 and wait 10–15 minutes.

    3. Check if the wiring harness or air conditioner pipe is in the way (on some modifications).

    If all else fails, the bendix shaft may be bent. In this case, disassembly of the unit will be required.

    Ремонт или замена: что выгоднее для Liberty QR20?

    The cost of a new starter is from 6,000 to 18,000 rubles, and service repairs will cost 3,000–5,000 rubles. However, repairs are not always justified. Here are the criteria to help you make a decision:

    • ⚡ Worn brushes or bushings — repair is possible if the starter housing is not damaged. Cost of spare parts: brushes - 500–800 rub., bushings - 300–500 rub..
    • 🔧 Problems with the solenoid relay - often the relay is sold separately (article number 23330-4M000, price ~2,000 rub.). Replacing it takes 10 minutes.
    • ❌ Sheared bendix teeth or cracks in the body - Repair is not practical, only replacement.
    • ⚠️ Burnt out winding - restoration will cost more than a new starter.

    Critical point: if the starter “burnt out” due to a short circuit in the winding, be sure to check the control circuit (fuses, relays, ignition switch) before installing a new one. Otherwise, the new node will fail just as quickly.

    💡

    Before installing a repaired or new starter, clean the solenoid relay contacts and battery terminals special lubricant for electrical contacts (For example, Liqui Moly Kontakt-Spray). This will prevent oxidation and extend the life of the unit.

    Typical mistakes when replacing a starter with Nissan Liberty

    Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to repeated breakdowns. Here are the most common:

    1. Ignoring flywheel check: If the teeth on the flywheel are worn out, the new starter will quickly fail. Check the condition of the flywheel through the inspection window in the clutch housing.
    2. Incorrect bolt tightening: overtightened bolts deform the starter housing, and weak tightening leads to vibrations and gear wear.
    3. Forget about lubrication: Bendix bushings and shaft need to be lubricated high temperature grease (For example, Molykote BR2 Plus). Regular lithol is not suitable!
    4. Confusion with wires: If you mix up the power cable and the control wire, the starter will burn out the first time you start it.
    ⚠️ Attention: On Liberty QR20 after 2004, the starter may conflict with the immobilizer if not key learning procedure. After replacing the starter, try starting the car with both keys. If the engine does not start, immobilizer diagnostics are required (possibly resetting errors via Nissan Consult).

    Prevention: how to extend the life of a starter by Nissan Liberty

    Average starter life at QR20DE — 150–200 thousand km, but with proper use it can last longer. Follow these tips:

    • 🔋 Do not keep the key in the "Start" position for more than 3-4 seconds. If the engine does not start, pause for 10 seconds.
    • ❄️ In cold weather, do not start the starter “cold” without first warming up the battery. Turn on the high beams for 10 seconds - this will warm up the electrolyte.
    • 🛠️ Every 50 thousand km, check the condition of the starter contacts and clean them of oxides.
    • 🚗 Avoid “lighting up” from other cars with the engine running. Voltage surges are detrimental to the starter windings.

    If you frequently drive off-road or in high humidity conditions, treat the starter housing anti-corrosion composition (For example, WD-40 Specialist). This will protect the metal from rust, which could block the bendix shaft.

    💡

    On Nissan Liberty QR20 the starter often fails due to bad ground on the engine. Regularly check the attachment of the negative wire to the cylinder block and clean the contact pad.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the starter Nissan Liberty QR20

    Is it possible to start Liberty QR20 from the pushrod if the starter does not work?

    Yes, but with reservations. Cars with manual transmission can be started from a pusher (engage in 2nd gear and accelerate to 10–15 km/h). However, on Liberty with automatically This method will not work and will require towing or replacing the starter.

    Important: when starting from a pusher disconnect all consumers (headlights, heater, radio) to reduce the load on the generator.

    How long does it take to replace a starter? Liberty QR20?

    In the service, work takes 1–1.5 hours. If you replace it yourself, it will take you no experience 2–3 hours, especially if the bolts are stuck. The most difficult step is unscrewing the top mounting bolt (an extension cord and patience are required).

    Which starter is better - original or analogue?

    Original starter (23300-4M005) will last longer, but its price is not always justified. Optimal analogues:

    • Denso 280000-0760 — the best price/quality balance.
    • Bosch 0 001 110 009 - if you need increased reliability.

    From budget options (5,000–7,000 rub.) can be considered Valeo, but be prepared to be replaced via 80–100 thousand km.

    Why does the engine not start after replacing the starter?

    Probable reasons:

    1. Incorrect wire connection (+ and control contact are mixed up).
    2. The immobilizer has triggered (key relearning required).
    3. The solenoid relay is faulty (even on a new starter).
    4. Problems with the alarm or ignition switch.

    Check the voltage on the control wire when turning the key - there should be 12 V.

    Is it possible to repair the starter? Liberty QR20 with your own hands?

    Yes, if the problem is:

    • Worn brushes or bushings.
    • Faulty solenoid relay.
    • Contaminated contacts.

    For disassembly you will need:

    • Socket wrench on 8 mm And 10 mm.
    • Flat blade screwdriver.
    • Hammer and drift (to remove the retaining ring).

    The most difficult thing is to replace the bendix - you will need a press or vice. If the winding is burned out, repair is impractical.