How To Remove the Starter From A Nissan Xterra/Frontier/Pathfinder

This video demonstrates how to remove the starter motor from a Nissan Xterra. This video will also work for the Frontier and Pathfinder. To reinstall the starter just simply reverse the steps! Make sure you tighten the bolts down to spec and remove the terminals from the battery before starting this job.
Find the parts used in this video here: tinyurl.com/ybpbsznj
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#howto #diy #auto

[@CaptainVelveeta]

lol...I swear I feel like you're a buddy I call every time I have an issue with my X...you have a video on EVERY thing I've had to do and I appreciate the time you put in.

[@Rythecarguy]

My pleasure man. So glad to help! You'll be my buddy that I call when I have cheese related issues. 😂

[@foxfyre841]

My starter started taking a crap this past month. I picked one up from a good local remanufacturer and was trying to figure the logistics of work and PTO and a colleague visiting and was just about to “abandon” the car at a local shop with instructions to fix it whatever the cost… then i saw this video. I set up shop, replaced it, put tools away, swept the floor, and was in the shower all within 1.5hrs. Thank you and subscribed.

[@JeffInDFW]

I can't believe you keep putting out videos right before I need them. Today I didn't even go to TheNewX first, I just searched your channel and sure enough you just put out a video I needed. I'm now at 249,400 miles and my original starter has finally gotten "iffy" enough that I'm going to go ahead and get it rebuilt. So.....I guess I need to buy you a Jeep Grand Cherokee so you will put out awesome videos for it so I will be covered in case I trade my X for one in the next 3-4 years. I need more tow capacity than Xterra has, but refuse to drive a giant truck I cant take on the trails in the San Juan mountains. Anyway, thanks AGAIN. You are a huge resource to the Nissan community.

[@ekaybeane]

Agreed. Same

[@christopherallison1627]

Great video Ryan, just completed my first starter swap and your tutorial made it so much easier bro. Thank you!

[@Zuchury]

Just replaced mine today after watching this great video. Thank you for posting such quality content!

[@Rythecarguy]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching.

[@mtnbound2764]

I just ordered a new one and will be doing this next week, thanks for the informative and brief vid!

[@Rythecarguy]

My pleasure, thanks for watching.

[@daltonsband]

This Is a great addition to the world. Weak point is having the starter down in the mud n water when you go for a dunk or stroll through the deep stuff. Long time owners know this and take pains to avoid the deep in favor of replacing the alt n starter.

[@jbodymike]

Found your video, and glad i did. Im my uncles mechanic for his 12 pro 4x and i gotta swap a starter. I always look up how to do it, so i know what to expect. This job looks pretty simple. His X is coming up to 380,000 miles and still going strong. I have been the only mechanic to touch it since brand new (reg oil changes, and whatever else is needed). Great video, appreciate the info!! You gained a follower!

[@mrmotofy]

Watch for the little dowel/inserts of 2 mount holes. They like to get stuck in holes when removing. New starter also has em, there can only be 1 in each not 2. With 2 the starter case can't seat far enough in Little sandpaper to clean battery cable terminal, smear dielectric grease on all surfaces and in wire connector then reinstall. The dielectric grease will keep corrosion free connection for many many years. The top heat shield bolt is easier reach with regular socket and 1" extension then ratchet.

[@keitheridge]

This video really helped me do the job. Thanks Ry!

[@Rythecarguy]

You're welcome, thanks for watching and subscribing.

[@rafaelarechiga8519]

Thank you so much for this video it help me from start to finish on my 2011 Xterra 🙏🏻

[@wilderness.brandon]

Glad to have a video for exactly what I need! Now to just get the new one in.

[@Rythecarguy]

Glad to help! Hope the job goes smoothly.

[@businessusa7761]

Appreciate the videos!!! Swapping the X starter today!

[@Rythecarguy]

Awesome! Hope it went well.

[@blueprismquivers4540]

In the process of changing mine out on my 05 frontier. Great video. Thanks. I'm 66 and get a little dizzy so it's slow going but I'm getting it. Sometimes it's hard to tell on car videos which way is front and back when you're underneath it.

[@Rythecarguy]

I get that. Hopefully the job is going smoothly for you

[@billhuman448]

Thank you for the info and the vid was excellent ours is a 2007 X 92ooo and still same starter crazy as it may seem but no b s will look forward for your other tubes on the X

[@Rythecarguy]

Be sure to sub, I am putting stuff out weekly right now.

[@richardbenton9561]

Mine went out this morning, I'm so glad I found your video

[@Rythecarguy]

Sorry to hear yours died, glad the video helped. Be sure to sub to my channel. I have over 70 Xterra videos and news ones coming all the time.

[@richardbenton9561]

Already did my guy

[@Rythecarguy]

🤘🏻💪🏻

[@pbodymathis]

Thanks!

[@guyhoareau]

Very very good and very clear

[@Rythecarguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@danielcarrillo761]

Awesome clean video!!

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks!

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks!

[@kdtxtoolreviews1084]

Thanks for the vid Ry! perfect timing as mine is going out in our xterra as well, your videos have been helping us out a ton

[@Rythecarguy]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching.

[@St.Maurice]

Great work!!!

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks! 👍🏻

[@DavidHernandez-ue4fz]

@@Rythecarguy how many hours take to do it?

[@mrmotofy]

Watch for the little dowel/inserts of 2 mount holes. They like to get stuck in holes when removing. New starter also has em, there can only be 1 in each not 2. With 2 the starter case can't seat far enough in Little sandpaper to clean battery cable terminal, smear dielectric grease on all surfaces and in wire connector then reinstall. The dielectric grease will keep corrosion free connection for many many years. The top heat shield bolt is easier reach with regular socket and 1" extension then ratchet.

[@maurlife6095]

Hey I have a question: I went to the auto store for a starter replacement for my 2005 Nissan Frontier. I replaced it and the wire connection clamp doesn’t click in. I have a crank no start. Is this a potential reason for it? - thanks when you answer.

[@kickflip4057]

Know anything about Vdc problems mine turns it’s self off randomly big problem

[@jap4499]

Hello mate, quick question!? Do you know what quick strut will work for my pro 4 x i was looking at Bilstein but it said something about a factor 1inch lift any ideas?thanks in advance!

[@myrontapio8460]

I Just replaced the OEM Rancho shocks, struts, and springs with Bilstein 5400 and Moog Springs. Much better ride and was fairly simple to do.

[@atdi72]

Thanks Mate!

[@Rythecarguy]

No worries! Thanks for watching!

[@cheekys00]

Dear sir! Can you assist me with a KAM error? Internal control module KEEP ALIVE MEMORY. I keep getting this error. Is replacing it a necessity? Can a car idiot like me have a go at it? Thanks for all you post

[@jomeldemdayo3636]

Cool shirt! You have merch for sale?

[@JasaiSaiSaiHolmes]

What’s the part number or type of starter that you’re using ? I also have a 2005 Nissan xterra Thank you 😊

[@LawrenceWengler]

Nice thumbnail Ry. You are getting Fancy!

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks LAW! Hope all is well buddy. 👍🏻

[@DaBrute]

Thanks for the video! I have to do this job on my frontier and I was honestly expecting it to be a nightmare

[@Rythecarguy]

It's not too bad. Hope it goes well for you,

[@dFreemZ]

How did it go?

[@DaBrute]

@@dFreemZ so I haven't actually done it. The problem was the starter would make a single click when I turned the key, so I had to keep bumping the key until it finally cranked. Had a mechanic look at it and he said the starter was on its way out, which made sense to me. Later on I happened to clean and tighten the terminals while doing an unrelated job and I never had the starter issue again. Go figure...

[@dFreemZ]

@@DaBrute I just had a coworker say the samething to me this morning about the terminals. I wonder if that's my issue instead. Did you use some type of cleaner on your terminals?

[@dFreemZ]

@@DaBrute what year frontier do you have?

[@KeatonAGarcia]

how do i get the fat electrical cable off that has rubber boot connected to starter? please help

[@user-ys6nn6zy8b]

Good very good thanks

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks for liking

[@user-ys6nn6zy8b]

@@Rythecarguy Dear friend, how to vent the radiator if there is a video soon, Nissan Xterra

[@AlmightyyCres]

i did my lift like you did yours. my LCA bolts are seized up so i cant put those camber bolts in. any tips?

[@Rythecarguy]

Based on what I've heard you have to get a reciprocating saw and cut them off. Then you have to remove the control arm and pull them out.

[@hiransalgadoe411]

Hello RY I have Nissan Xterra 2008 i replaced the Battery but still it will not start .It does not even crank the engine can you help me

[@benzomatic7103]

@Rythecarguy is the starter for automatic and manual the same?

[@Rythecarguy]

Yes it is

[@mj478]

Ry, how did you know your starter needed to be replaced? I’m having an issue where at times I turn the key and just get a click, but then I move the steering wheel left to right and and the Xterra will start. Any thoughts? Appreciate you.

[@nicolasbates4732]

This was my issue and sent me on a weird, confused path down the wrong road. First step is to check where the click is coming from. Get under the truck and have someone start it. If the click is from the starter/solenoid, it's getting power and that's your problem. If the click is coming from elsewhere, find it and start from there.

[@kevinloehndorf2692]

Where did you get the grill/nissan emblem? Beautiful.

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks! I found it on EBay. I made a video on how to install it. Here ya go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHeakImhhpl-bKc

[@junecruz5288]

Hey Ry I did replace the battery and starter of my 08 xterra won’t start can you give advice thanks a lot

[@Rythecarguy]

What happens when you try to start it?

[@GreenMasterMike]

Hey Ry bought the Xterra change out the camshaft sensors put a new battery and started it 20 minutes shut it won't even start ....I'm wondering Alternator? What do you think 🤔

[@Rythecarguy]

I would look at the crank sensor. If you do both cam sensors and not the crank it might get confused. Luckily the crank is pretty easy. Got a video for it.

[@aw11man26]

Not sure about yalls but my heat shield doesn't just slide out of the way. Removed vote bolts and had to bend it slightly back. Felt like it was wedged in on something. Other than that one of the easiest starters I've ever changed

[@Rythecarguy]

Right? They made the starter pretty damn accessible. Also I was not clear in the video but I definitely bent the heat shield back like you say. I always do to get them out of the way. I hate them so much lol.

[@nowukno9]

Hey Ry...today we stopped for gas in our 05 pathfinder and afterwards it would not start. Just a simple 1 click from the starter thats it. Battery/connections are good , starter fuse/really also good. Im assuming just replace the starter correct? Idk what else it could be... I bought one and will tackle the job in the gas station parking lot tomorrow lol yay!

[@Rythecarguy]

Yea you could have had your starter take a shit. It could also be crank/cam sensors if you have not done those yet.

[@nowukno9]

@@Rythecarguy went that next day to put on a new starter and figured i would try to start it before doing the work and it fired right up and has 100 times since then zero issues. Im probably going to go ahead and install new starter as precautionary.

[@liftoffagain]

I accidentally snapped part of the plastic electrical connector. I saw you called it a “standard electrical connector” but I don’t quite know how to get a replacement. Can anyone tell me the name of the connector so I can find a replacement?

[@mrmotofy]

Go to salvage yard snip off wire so you can sealed butt splice it on

[@LuisGalan-lf7ee]

I just pulled my starter out last night. I think that was the toughest part. There is such limited space. I would compare it to moving up a couch up a winding staircase.

[@digitalmdrealmd9124]

My starter seems fine but i think the solenoid is going out as it sometimes wont engage. Is it possible to just replace the solenoid or is it all a single assembly?

[@keitheridge]

It comes all as one. Same thing was happening to mine. Intermittent starts until it just wouldn't go anymore. Swapped the starter and it now starts mint.

[@digitalmdrealmd9124]

@@keitheridge what I thought, thanks.

[@Rythecarguy]

Right on

[@mrmotofy]

Heatshield top bolt use 1" extension

[@panamdragonboat]

Seems like you've upgraded your camera. Nice clear video Ry.

[@DonnieDeLo4577]

How many miles on the x now?

[@Rythecarguy]

147668

[@madnigerian]

I need that shirt and same in hoodie form

[@Rythecarguy]

It was a limited run. I was thinking about asking the artist to update the image and do another run. Keep a look out!

[@madnigerian]

@@Rythecarguy can I join a mailing list for that?

[@jimdavis9736]

Do you have to lift the car to reach the starter?

[@Rythecarguy]

Nope! Especially if it's lifted. Of you can squeeze under there there then you're all good.

[@Slyboots]

Wow. How come you have way more space than I do. Undid all the bolts but it doesn’t seem possible to pull the starter out. Mines a 2012. Cab barley fit a hand in there.

[@Rythecarguy]

Bend the heat shield back. That will give you space

[@guyhoareau]

How to get it in french

[@ekaybeane]

What is the specs to tightened bolts? Ty

[@mrmotofy]

Just snugntight

[@ekaybeane]

@@mrmotofy thank you

[@mrmotofy]

@@ekaybeane I seen 10-30lbs... I'd estimate 30 for 2 starter bolts

[@ekaybeane]

Thank you

[@trickyrickgaming6982]

Can't get bolt loose under heat shield. Don't know how to get it loose

[@mrmotofy]

Watch for the little dowel/inserts of 2 mount holes. They like to get stuck in holes when removing. New starter also has em, there can only be 1 in each not 2. With 2 the starter case can't seat far enough in Little sandpaper to clean battery cable terminal, smear dielectric grease on all surfaces and in wire connector then reinstall. The dielectric grease will keep corrosion free connection for many many years. The top heat shield bolt is easier reach with regular socket 13 or 14mm and 1" extension then ratchet.

[@rolandarmstrong8211]

Why would the starter keep going out on my Xterra

[@Lexicologist1971]

You should include the model year in the title.

[@Rythecarguy]

I don't think "2005-2015 Xterra, 2005-2021 Frontier, 2004-2012 Pathfinder" would fit in the title.

[@zbcosmetics4912]

We have a 2006 Nissan Xterra that has no crank no start it did this after getting oil changed it only clicks

[@Rythecarguy]

If its clicking then it sounds like there is not enough power. Try jumping it.

[@zbcosmetics4912]

@@Rythecarguy we put the battery on the charger. That didn’t work. I will try to upload a video and tag you

[@DIY_AUTO_PHOTO]

oh look at that.. they trying to trick us.. randomly throwing not 10mm bolt in there lol but that true.. about truck dont even need a lift for the most part.. even my is not lifted I can slide under it to do most of the work.. but hopefully will lift it sometimes soon.. in the next couple months or so..

[@johnavery9764]

Anyone catch the size of the 2 nuts holding the starter shield on?

[@Rythecarguy]

Starter shield is gunna be 10mm

[@mrmotofy]

Upper is 13 or 14mm use a 1" extension

[@rafaelmarin1963]

I own a Frontier and all of the mechanical stuff are basically the same as your Ex.

[@Rythecarguy]

That's awesome! Thanks for coming and hanging out with the Xterra guys. 👍🏻💪🏻

[@user-yb1ct4mc3o]

Why doesn';t anyone ever mention the engine size in these videos????

[@Rythecarguy]

The second gen Xterra, frontier, and pathfinder all came with the same V6 and it was the only option on the Fronter and Xterra. The only exception would be the unicorn V8 pathfinder. So, no point.

[@user-yb1ct4mc3o]

@@Rythecarguy Sure, no point if we knew all that!!!!!

[@buttdreads]

Awful DIY

[@Rythecarguy]

Care to elaborate?

[@buttdreads]

@@Rythecarguy sorry for bing mean and leaving a rude comment for starters, I was having issues with the shim placement between the starter and the bell housing it fell out so I didn’t know which way it went in there and didn’t see anything on your video about the way it fits but figured it out, I didn’t notice any tool layout like what wrenches and sizes to use for the job. Really sorry for being mean and leaving that comment I just get frustrated when I work on my GF xterra it never goes smooth but that still doesn’t give me the excuse to take out my frustration in your comment section, I’m not used to working on yapanesse cars and always have trouble working on the xterra even on really simple jobs. Your DIY was helpful and gave me a good idea on how to do the job thank you for posting this there is not a lot xterra DIY for the 05- and up I think YT delete this comment please let me know if it posted.,

[@Rythecarguy]

It's alright! I understand. I work on my Nissans for a living now and I can relate. Nothing goes the way you want it to. It always seems to be a struggle. This video is actually an excerpt from a much larger/longer video I did about removing the transmission. That's likely why you may not get the whole story. I generally do not record the reassembly of parts I remove since it's usually just reversing the steps but I can see that in cases like this it would be beneficial to talk about how to put it back together. Glad you got it worked out. Have a good day. 👍🏻

[@buttdreads]

@@Rythecarguy thank you man, once again I apologize

[@vleldaddio210]

What are the electrical connectors for ?

[@Rythecarguy]

One to supply the power to turn the engine over and the other to control it.

[@liftoffagain]

Any chance you know the name of the plastic connector that controls the solenoid? I broke the female end that leads to the starter relay and I want to just replace the connector rather than the whole harness. Would love any help you can offer. Thanks! Great video btw.