🔧 Rogue - Starter Motor Replacement

You’ll be removing the starter motor from your Rogue’s engine and installing a new one. This restores proper engine cranking when the key/push button is used.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2–3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Always disconnect the negative battery cable before working on the starter. This prevents electric shock and accidental short circuits.
• ⚠️ The starter has a direct connection to the battery; a metal tool touching power and ground can cause sparks, burns, or fire.
• ⚠️ Allow the engine and exhaust to cool fully before working; parts near the starter can be hot.
• ⚠️ If you raise the vehicle, always use jack stands. Never rely only on the floor jack.
• ⚠️ Keep the key fob at least a few meters away so the engine cannot be started accidentally.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 🧰 10mm socket
• 🧰 12mm socket
• 🧰 14mm socket
• 🧰 3/8" drive ratchet
• 🧰 3/8" drive extension (6")
• 🧰 1/4" drive ratchet
• 🧰 1/4" drive extension (3"–4")
• 🧰 Torque wrench (3/8" drive, 10–80 ft-lbs range)
• 🧰 Flathead screwdriver (medium)
• 🧰 Needle-nose pliers
• 🧰 Plastic trim clip removal tool
• 🧰 Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• 🧰 Jack stands (2-ton or higher, pair)
• 🧰 Wheel chocks
• 🧰 Work light or flashlight
• 🧰 Mechanic’s gloves
• 🧰 Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• 🔩 Starter motor (for 2.5L AWD, 2020 SV) - Qty: 1
• 🔩 Starter motor mounting bolts - Qty: 2 (recommended new)
• 🔩 Battery terminal cleaning brush - Qty: 1
• 🔩 Dielectric grease - Qty: 1 small tube
• 🔩 Anti-seize compound - Qty: 1 small tube
• 🔩 Fender cover - Qty: 1
• 🔩 Replacement plastic push-clips for engine under-cover - Qty: 4–6

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📋 Before You Begin

• 📝 Park the Rogue on level ground, shift to PARK, and set the parking brake.
• 📝 Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• 📝 Open the hood and keep the key fob away from the vehicle.
• 📝 Disconnect the negative battery terminal:
  • Use a 10mm socket to loosen the clamp nut, then lift the cable off and tuck it aside so it cannot spring back.
• 📝 Have good lighting under the front of the vehicle; the starter is accessed mostly from below on this engine.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and Support the Front of the Vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of the Rogue at the front jacking point (center front crossmember under engine).
• Place jack stands under the left and right front pinch welds or frame points, then slowly lower the jack so the vehicle rests securely on the stands.
• Give the vehicle a gentle shake to make sure it is stable.
• Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

Step 2: Remove the Front Engine Under-Cover

• The engine under-cover is the plastic shield under the front of the engine.
• Use a 10mm socket to remove the small bolts securing the cover.
• Use a plastic trim clip removal tool to pop out any plastic push-clips.
• Lower the under-cover and set it aside.

Step 3: Locate the Starter Motor

• The starter on the 2.5L is mounted on the transmission bellhousing, near where the engine meets the transmission, toward the front of the vehicle.
• From underneath, look up between the engine and the radiator area; the starter is a cylindrical unit with a smaller cylinder (solenoid) attached and a thick cable bolted to it.
• Use the work light to clearly see the wiring.

Step 4: Disconnect Starter Wiring

• Starter wiring has:
  • A thick battery cable attached with a nut (power cable).
  • A smaller plug (control signal from the ignition switch/ECM).
• Use a 12mm socket on your 1/4" or 3/8" ratchet to remove the nut holding the thick cable to the starter solenoid terminal.
• Carefully pull the thick cable eyelet off the stud and move it aside.
• Press the release tab on the small electrical connector:
  • Use a flathead screwdriver gently if needed to lift the tab while pulling the plug off.
• Do not pull on wires; pull on plastic connector.

Step 5: Remove Starter Mounting Bolts

• The starter is held to the transmission by two 14mm bolts.
• Use a 14mm socket with a 3/8" ratchet and 6" extension to remove the lower starter bolt first.
• Break the bolt loose, then unthread it fully and set it aside.
• Support the starter body with one hand, then use the 14mm socket and extension to remove the upper bolt.
• Once the upper bolt is out, carefully lower and remove the starter from the vehicle.
• Note starter orientation to match with the new one.

Step 6: Prepare New Starter

• Compare the old and new starters side by side:
  • Check mounting bolt holes, electrical terminals, and gear position are the same.
• Apply a very thin coat of anti-seize compound on the starter mounting flange where it meets the transmission (avoid the gear and electrical parts).
• If the new starter includes a new nut for the power cable terminal, use the new nut.

Step 7: Install the New Starter

• Position the new starter in place on the transmission, lining up the bolt holes.
• Hand-thread the upper mounting bolt first to hold the starter:
  • Start it by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Next, hand-thread the lower mounting bolt.
• Use the 14mm socket, 3/8" ratchet, and extension to snug both bolts.
• Use the torque wrench with the 14mm socket to tighten both bolts to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reconnect Starter Wiring

• Push the small electrical connector back onto the starter solenoid until it clicks.
• Apply a tiny amount of dielectric grease to the stud for the thick cable if available.
• Install the thick battery cable eyelet onto the solenoid stud.
• Thread the nut on by hand, then tighten it using a 12mm socket and ratchet:
  • Do not overtighten; snug and secure is enough: 9–12 Nm (7–9 ft-lbs).
• Hold cable straight so it’s not twisted when tightened.

Step 9: Reinstall the Engine Under-Cover

• Lift the under-cover back into position under the front of the Rogue.
• Install any plastic clips using your plastic trim clip removal tool to push them back in place.
• Install and tighten the bolts using a 10mm socket and ratchet. Just snug; do not strip the plastic.

Step 10: Lower the Vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift the front slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands from both sides.
• Slowly lower the vehicle to the ground.

Step 11: Reconnect the Battery

• At the battery, place the negative cable back onto the negative terminal.
• Use a 10mm socket and ratchet to tighten the clamp nut until the cable cannot twist by hand.
• Do not overtighten; just firm and secure.

Step 12: Initial Test of the New Starter

• Sit in the driver’s seat with the transmission in PARK and the parking brake set.
• Press the brake and push the start button.
• Listen for:
  • Strong, smooth cranking sound.
  • No grinding or unusual noises.
• If the engine starts normally, the starter is working correctly.

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✅ After Repair

• 🧪 Start the engine several times to confirm reliable cranking.
• 🧪 Check under the vehicle for any loose wiring or parts you may have missed.
• 🧪 Verify there are no new warning lights on the dash related to the charging or starting system.
• 🧪 If cranking is slow, have the battery tested; a weak battery can mimic starter issues.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $550–$800 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $200–$350 (parts only)

You Save: $350–$450 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100–$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5–2.0 hours.

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