Where is the starter on a 2000 Nissan Sentra SE-20?

Answer 1

AnswerLocated on the rear of the engine block in approximately half way across the car. To remove starter, first disconnect battery. Remove all intake materials, including box and hose that leads to throttle body. When viewing from the front left quarter panel area, you will see two bolts located on the bell housing of the transmission. They are placed on a diagonal, approximately 4 inches apart. These two bolts hold in the starter. Loosen bolts and remove starter from under vehicle (it is slightly to the left of the oil filter). To install new starter, two people are recommend to make things simple - one can hold the new starter in the proper position and the other can begin to insert and tighten those two bolts. I was able to do it myself, but ended up having to crawl on top of the engine and place my left hand down along the firewall to hold the starter in place while racheting the screws with my right hand. Once tightened, remember to confirm all electrical connectors are connected. Then replace air box and associated hoses, and finally reconnect battery.

Straight-forward, but it is in a very difficult location - you can barely see it unless you are underneath the vehicle. This step-by-step guide was a summary of replacing starter on my 2001 Sentra 2.0 SE with manual transmission. The starters in these cars are known to have problems...my original went out with only about 73,000 miles on it. -ZD