🔧 Murano - Starter Motor Replacement

The starter motor cranks your engine when you turn the key/start button. When it fails, you may get a click-no-start, slow cranking, or intermittent starting. On your Murano, the starter is bolted to the transmission bellhousing and is typically reached from the top and/or underneath.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Disconnect the battery negative cable before touching the starter wiring (the main cable is always “hot”).
• ⚠️ Support the vehicle with jack stands on solid ground; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ Let the exhaust cool before working underneath; it can burn you.
• ⚠️ Keep keys/fob away from the vehicle so nobody accidentally tries to start it.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Wheel chocks
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• 10mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 3/8" ratchet
• 3/8" torque wrench (10–80 ft-lbs range)
• 6" socket extension
• 12" socket extension
• Universal swivel joint
• Flathead screwdriver
• Trim clip removal tool
• Needle-nose pliers
• Shop light

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Starter motor assembly - Qty: 1
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1
• Replacement splash-shield clips (assortment) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and make sure you have your radio presets if you care about them.
• Disconnect the battery negative terminal using a 10mm socket and isolate the cable so it can’t spring back.
• If you’ll work from underneath, chock the rear wheels, then raise the front with a floor jack and support with jack stands.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect the battery

• Use a 10mm socket to loosen and remove the negative battery terminal.
• Tuck the cable to the side so it can’t touch the post again. Prevents accidental short circuits.

Step 2: Remove the lower engine undercover (for access from underneath)

• Raise and support the front of your Murano using a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) and jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Use a trim clip removal tool and flathead screwdriver to remove the plastic clips/screws holding the splash shield.
• Set the shield and fasteners aside in order.

Step 3: Locate the starter motor

• Use a shop light to find the starter where the engine meets the transmission (bellhousing area).
• You’ll see a larger power cable (B+ terminal) and a smaller signal connector (starter solenoid connector).
• A “bellhousing” is the metal housing that joins the engine to the transmission.

Step 4: Disconnect the starter electrical connections

• Remove the small solenoid connector by releasing the lock tab with needle-nose pliers (or your fingers) and pulling it straight off.
• Remove the nut holding the main battery cable to the starter using a 12mm socket.
• Lift the cable off and move it aside so it cannot touch metal.
• Take a quick photo first for reference.

Step 5: Remove the starter mounting bolts

• Support the starter with one hand.
• Use a 14mm socket, 3/8" ratchet, and a 6" socket extension (add a universal swivel joint if needed) to remove the two starter mounting bolts.
• Carefully wiggle and lower the starter out of place.

Step 6: Install the new starter

• Compare the old and new starter (bolt holes, electrical studs, connector) before installing.
• Position the new starter and hand-thread both mounting bolts to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten the mounting bolts with a 14mm socket, then torque with a 3/8" torque wrench: Torque to 44 Nm (33 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reconnect the starter wiring

• Install the main battery cable onto the starter B+ stud.
• Thread the nut on by hand, then tighten with a 12mm socket and torque with a 3/8" torque wrench: Torque to 9.8 Nm (87 in-lbs).
• Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the small connector seal (not on the metal pins), then reconnect the solenoid connector until it clicks.

Step 8: Reinstall the splash shield

• Reinstall the lower undercover using the trim clip removal tool and flathead screwdriver.
• Replace any broken clips with your new clip assortment.

Step 9: Reconnect the battery

• Lower the vehicle off the jack stands using the floor jack.
• Reconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm socket.
• Tighten securely: Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Start your Murano and confirm it cranks quickly and starts normally.
• Check that no warning lights appear and listen for abnormal grinding (a sign the starter isn’t seated correctly).
• Recheck the starter main cable nut for tightness and ensure the cable is not rubbing on anything.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $500-$900 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$450 (parts only)

You Save: $320-$450 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-3.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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