Nice video I had a lot of trouble with that last bolt passenger side at the firewall Use a flex bit for an impact driver. Much faster Do yourself a favor and unclip the big wire harness on the passenger side at the two points forward of the bracket that is bolted to the manifold Loosening the harness will make getting that bolt out easier as my harness was right up against the bolt You should also push on the harness hard towards the firewall to get your socket on that back bolt
Thank you for the video. I have an M56S I need to replace the starter on, and I'm not going to spend $2200 at the dealership or $1000 at a mechanic. The position of the starters are the same.
I have a 2010 qx56,I put a brand new battery in a it..it will start and bunch of times and every now and it won't crank up at all now. I turn it, it lights up but won't crank..I think it's the starter..
Just did the one on my wife's 2014 qx80. Sat with the battery disconnected for about a week waiting on the starter to come in. Now when she cranked it up all the warning lights came on and it was idling over a thousand (1000) rpms. Took to shop and was told there was a code for the right rear abs sensor and an engine ground strap issue. But I didn't see a ground strap in the video or on my wife vehicle, not counting the battery ground of course. The mechanic said there should be one that one of the starter bolts goes through?
UPDATE!!!!! I got a tip to help improve this video. When you get to the starter. undo the "power to unit wire" then the wire connected to the bottom of starter. After those 2 are removed, un-bolt the 2 bolts holding the black bracket to the starter. They are 12mm. Then the right side bolt (14mm) holding on the starter is easy to reach. Great Video
A couple words of wisdom from someone who spent a good chuck of their weekend performing this swap-out (thank you for the video, it helped immensely!) 1) Do yourself a favor and get a bright color of frog or painters tape and mark all the hoses/wiring harnesses with it - it really helps reconnecting everything and making sure you didn't miss any of them. 2) As some others have mentioned, the troublesome bolt on the actual starter (driver side) isn't too difficult to get to if you take the two bolts off the starter/solenoid bracket before removing the original and before installing the new one. The nuts on that side bracket that connects the starter to the solenoid are really easy to get to and really opens up some real estate in there with turning a wrench on the hard starter bolt. For the new one all I did was loosen the bolts and swing that bracket to the side but it gave me more room to play with. 3) One step I'd add is to bring a vacuum with a fine nozzle extension to the garage when you do this repair. I found a fair amount of what looked like beach sand and various small debris like broken plastic clips and other things in there. I vacuumed what I could before I removed the manifold, then removed manifold, then taped off the openings and vacuumed again. Less chance of dirt falling down the cylinders and nice to clean up those cavities while you're in there if you can. 4) Not sure why but I did not have a "wire" to unhook at the back of the manifold. I looked and looked and looked and nothing was connected back there. There is a little rubber capped off nipple-looking thing back there but nothing clipped onto it. I just thought I'd mention it in case others were doing this repair and confused by this step. 5) For the troublesome manifold bolt (all the way back and left on the passenger side), what worked for me was to unhook the large wiring harness snap-clips and take a large crow-bar - shove the rounded end against that harness and wedge the crow-bar under the metal bracket on the top of the manifold that the engine cover sits on. This helped not only push that big mess of wires out of the way, but the crow-bar held it there and out of the way while I worked. I also took some heavy duty gorilla tape and put a couple wraps around that hardness to hold it to something else out of the way so it wouldn't budge when I removed or re-installed the manifold. Obviously be careful shoving anything sharp against it, but the rounded end worked for me without damaging anything. I also used a very stretchy soft bungee cord to hold some of the air tubes out of the way which was also helpful. After holding that mess of wires out of the way, a 1/4 inch drive with 6-inch extension going to a 3/8 inch adapter/3/8-inch ratchet worked almost perfectly for turning a wrench above the manifold. For the other 9 bolts with more room I found having an extra 2-3 inch extension to be more helpful and raise the wrench higher. 6) If you don't have one of those flexible grabber tools where there is a magnet and claw hook at the end of it, I'd get one before this job. The hard manifold bolt was much easier to grab out of there (putting it back in I'd maybe set it in the the bolt hole before setting the manifold there?) and other small pieces of this or that that I had to grab - so I used this tool probably 1/2 dozen times for grabbing whatever I dropped or debris I saw and wanted to get out of the engine cavity. 7) I'm a big dude (240 lbs) and laying flat on top of all the uncomfortable engine parts really did a number on my rib cage and belly. I'd suggest some soft foam or something to lay out there both to make it more comfortable for you and also minimize possible damage since most of those parts aren't meant to be laid on for extended periods of time. It's early May and I've been watching 2 NHL hockey playoff games per night, so a 20 minute intermission between periods was the perfect amount of "I'll lay on this uncomfortably for a bit then take a break" before repeating it all again 45 minutes later. I didn't keep track of how much time I spent start to finish but would wager it was probably 4-5 hours if I did it start to finish. Was a lot easier putting everything back afterwards versus taking it apart and figuring out how things connected and what snap clips to un-do. 8) I bought replacement gaskets for the manifold, but ended up not using them. I took the old ones off and any that were flattened or smooshed on the mating side I just flipped over and they looked brand new again on the other side. I bought the same starter this video recommends and it was $94 + tax so right around $100 on Amazon. So re-using the manifold gaskets saved about $60. I obviously would have replaced them if mine weren't re-usable. 9) Lastly - I was a bit concerned with torque values on the manifold bolts as I have a tendency to over-tighten things. I searched online and couldn't find them, so I tried to snug them up without over-tightening them. Many cars have a tightening procedure for this in a certain order and torque spec. My wife's car is a 2016 Infiniti QX80 and had 161,270 miles when I did the starter swap-out - oddly enough almost the same mileage as the one in this video. Hope these notes may help some other folks viewing this video and tackling this DIY repair.
Thanks so much for the tips. My wife's is a 2016 as well. I changed the spark plugs today, waiting for parts to begin the starter issue. And let me tell you at 60, that whipped my butt good. My backs killing me. So I'm going to rest tonight, and get the starter job going in the morning. I just don't see how it could be harder than the plugs, but hearing the time it took you. I'm not so sure now. I'll feel lucky if I can get it done in four hours too.
I just did mine today. It was a gods damned miserable job. Not difficult; just a pain in the ass. I couldn't have done it without your video. Thank you, sir!
Just wanted to give you a big thanks, followed this video step by step and got the starter changed out on my dad and step moms QX56. Took us about 6 hours to do so at a leisurely pace but well worth the savings of having someone else do it.
I had same issue with 2012 qx56 (clicking sound sometimes it would start sometimes you had to press ignition button couple of times) and dealer suggested starter replacement I did not agree and did a little digging and found out that starter relay under the hood was to blame, there are three identical relays in the fuse box under the hood, one for starter relay second one for radiator fan and the third one I don't recall but I replaced all three about year and half ago and never had this problem again not even once,
Amazing video. I had same issue and was able to knock out the whole job with relative ease because of you’re very detailed instructions. Thank you for taking the time to make the video. One of the best maintenance videos I’ve ever seen.
Perfect video. I have a 2013 qx56 and it kept clicking every now and then but not starting. U saved me $1,100. Premier gear starter cost me $125. Intake gaskets and throttle body gaskets was $55. Infiniti dealership wanted $1,300. Thanks man u made it easy. I will say that those bolts holding the starter was hellacious. Took me forever to get em off. Took me a total of 6 hours to fix. I am a rookie at it
Wifes 2016 QX had the same issue. Dealer quoted me $1,558 to replace the starter. No thanks. I had no idea the starter was where it was. Thanks to your awesome video, I'll not spend 3 hours under the car looking for a starter.
Thanks a lot for the video, this is exactly what I needed! I did this yesterday morning and it took exactly 3 hours. I could have shaved 30 minutes or so if I'd had an air or electric ratchet. The only thing I might add is you can just remove the top of the air box without removing all of it. Also, I did see comments where others removed the "bracket" on the starter to help access the bolts, but that didn't seem to help me. I just used about a 2" extension and was able to get around the hoses that were in the way-those really weren't too bad though. The hardest part was the bolt closest to the firewall on the passenger side. It is a huge pain, but do remove the ties on the wiring bundle that's in the way and just push those back with one hand while you get the socket on that bolt - just make sure you have a long enough extension for your ratchet. Overall, although not easy, it is a very doable project if you've spent any time on a car. My biggest peice of advice is do this job first thing in the morning, not late at night when you're tired. I was tempted to try it the night before but glad I waited until the next morning when I was rested.
Oh man... Thank you for this video. Thank you. THANK YOU! Saved us at least $1000. Just finished this today and your directions are spot on (we have a 2015 QX80). I have some tips for anybody looking to do this. - Get a metric set of wrenches if you're worried about the sizes. You'll use the 10mm the most. - Get a good socket wrench and some extensions. This will help a lot with the 10mm manifold bolts - The clips are a bit of a pain, but we just pried them lose and snapped them back in. - As others have said, take the bar off of the starter. It will give you more room to remove the 14mm bolts - We used the box end of a 14mm wrench on the "easy to get to" bolt and a socket on the "not so easy to get to" bolt. Wouldn't advise effin' around here as I almost stripped that bolt being goofy. - Careful tightening the bolts around the manifold - don't over tighten (!) - If you buy wrenches/sockets, spend a little extra on quality...you don't want to have broken pieces falling down in here - Take your time or you're going to lose something in that clusterf*ck of fuel lines, hoses, and like...a thousand dark crevices - If you can find somebody with little-bitty hands, your life around the back side of the manifold will be 100% easier - Take the battery brace off if you have one and get something comfortable for your knees. I'm 6'1" with long arms and I was UP IN THAT ENGINE. We definitely leveled up today. Not difficult, but time consuming. I kept wondering how big this dude's hands are because man...I couldn't do SQUAT on the back side! One more time THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
just completed this job. my one recommendation is removing the bracket on the starter. the one that goes from the back of it (held on by a nut) and goes to the front, and you put the main power wire from the vehicle on. this allows much more room when loosening and tightening the starter bolts. thx for vid
Excellent video and description! The patience to deal with all that is not for everyone. I've been there. Every repair on my Infiniti took much more time than expected with me being a novice. I keep doing it myself though to save money. Videos like this cut down on time for sure. I can't thank you enough!
This would be my first comment ever on UA-cam use account just for background viewing, but mannn god bless this guy almost paid stealership 1500.00 to do this and trust me I don’t even change my oil and I was able to do this, now happy wife happy life, 2013 Qx56 105,000 miles and started acting up, forgot to add bought the starter in his link seems like great quality
Vlad - great video! You explained things perfectly. The steps were specific and clear. I can't thank you enough. This job took way too long because of a few extremely difficult bolts. But that is the fault of the Nissan engineers (who should lose their professional licenses for this miserable design). If you post a way to contribute a some money to you, I would because you saved me a bunch of cash that would have gone to a dealership/mechanic. Fixing the starter also gave me an excuse to buy a new angled breaker bar. Super awesome video. Thanks again!
Thanks for the video, I especially appreciate your description of the original symptoms. My 2016 QX80 is behaving the same. No crank no start. Very intermittent.
Called around, $1500 to repair, minimum $100 to diagnose. I had no previous issues in starting, this was 1st and only failure. I could hear the starter click but not turn over. Followed video and was able to fix with the starter, link provided for $100.. Took sometime on the back left intake bolt…. Not easy to get to for sure. Great video, thank you! 2016 Qx80 with 65k miles
I found this video after my 2016 with 88,000 miles just did this to me last night. I was stranded for a while until my car finally started back up. it looks like it’s a starter issue. I didn’t know that before because I took it to Infiniti and they said that I was just having a battery malfunction lol
Man you save me money i will follow you. Texas weather 107 is not joke so it took me 2 days to fix. everything is true on the video i bought the part from amazon 110 2 year warranty and gasket from dealership. the intake left side is the hardest but just remove zip ties from engine. Tip you can remove that black bracket on the starter just remove that black plastic cover, then you can reach that 2nd bolt. i used a jack handle pipe to loosen bolt super eazy over the wrench. The Dealership confirm they used autozone parts sometimes. I found acorns on top of engine with the wire chewed up by squirrels.
Man O Man! You know your stuff. I followed everything you said in the video and the final results was a running truck. Thanks for the DIY video. It couldn't have been more accurate on starter replacement. I will definitely turn to you for any other issues I have. Thanks again.
Thanks so much for the tutorial. Saved me about a $1,000 on replacing the starter on a 2011 QX56 rocking 160k on it now. Mine doing something similar, started fine most of the time, but occasionally I would push the button and get nothing. After a couple pushes it would finally fire up, but was for sure on its way out and I didn't wand the family to get stuck somewhere. Got the starter from Rock Auto for $90 and took maybe 3 hours to install (including about 1 hour working on those impossible starter motor bolts). I nearly gave up on those bolts, but they finally came loose after I cut the wire ties to move the wire loom back there and disconnected/capped off a coolant hose to make more room for a breaker bar.
Awesome video. Wouldn't have attempted this without it. We just passed the 106K mile mark and started having issues. Yes, that one back manifold bolt was a pain to get to, but not as bad as the starter bolts. I used a breaker bar on the right starter bolt and used your method on the left side (breaking it free with a hammer). The Premier starter is great as well. If you have the tools, go for it. Thanks!
Thx for the video. Helped a ton. Did the plugs at the sane time. They were harder than the starter. Just got done this morning. My backs killing me, lol.
Thank you! I have a Q70 and QX80 with the same motor. Both are having some issues starting. Battery and alternator check out fine. I'll be doing this soon.
Take the two bolt off the bar on the starter then both starter bolts are easy to get to and just take the top one off of the new one and loosen the bottom them it’s easy to install
I just finished this. What made this loads easier was disconnecting that coolant hose right above the starter. Just plugged it with some rags and I was able to get a swivel head ratchet in there real easy.
Thanks for the excellent video! 2018 Imfinity QX80 (120k)that randomly wouldn’t turnover/start unless boosted. Swapped batteries out a number of times and it was good for a few months until weather was hot and then went back into no starts. This was the best video that I followed and had it changed in 3+ hours. Also ordered the same starter on Amazon for $90 and so far so good. He’s right about the last bolt on passenger side is a bit of a dick but nothing too bad. Get yourself some needle nose pliers to drop a couple of the hard to reach bolts back into holes when buttoning things up. Fat fingers dropped the last one and of course it went under manifold so I had to take it off again 😂. Easy with needle nose pliers.
Followed your video to a "T". New starter installed and everything put together perfectly. When I push the start button I just get a large "click", like the starter is not engaging the flywheel. Did I do something wrong? Are there shims for the starter that need to be placed? Any help would be appreciated.
Great video!!!!!!!! Do you have anymore QX56 videos….. my friend just spent $1500 at the dealership for this repair! I wish he would’ve found your channel first! How’s the starter holding up!!!???
Dealership (toyota) said they could not do this because they do not have the software to update after the install. Does the software have to be updated just to install a new starter?
Is there anyway you can let me know what size wrenches are needed. I'm assuming a 10, 12 and 14mm, but I'll have to do this job off site (not my house) so I want to make sure I have every thing I'll need
I'm dealing with, what i think is the same issue. 2016 QX80. When I go to start everything comes on, I hear a click then nothing. But everything stays on, I have to disconnect the battery to shut it off, is that what you were dealing with as well?
Thanks a bunch for the vid. I’ve got a 2015 qx80 I’m going to do the job on this weekend. Any specialized tools needed? What torque value on manifold bolts?
Thank you, Vlad. There are some key points skipped in the video. 1. Don't really need to remove the air filter box. Just the air intake hose 2. Be prepared for the 2 bolts in the rear of the intake to be challenge to remove. One on the left side is more or less ok. One on the right, pass side, is a bitch, as it is covered by thick wiring harness, solid connected to several brackets AND 2 heater core hoses. So if you look carefully, you'll notice that you can remove 2 10mm head bolts, holding harness and hoses brackets in place, so that you can ease hoses out of the way and push harness towards the firewall, clearing more access to the bolt. 3. even worse is getting that one bolt back in, as you can't get either hand at the right angle to safely drop the bolt into its hole, without dropping it into the depths of the engine somewhere. I used 4 prong grabbing tool, to hold bolt vertical and slide it into position, while having right hand going from the top to slide 3/8 extension with 10mm socket on it onto the bolt head, to secure it in place. Then, release the grabber tool. Getting that bolt back in was the worst part of the job. Tool is one of those: www.amazon.com/OEMTOOLS-25291-Four-Claw-Pick/dp/B000CMFK0Q 4. undoing 2 14mm head starter bolts was very hard. There are greatly torqued AND cowl overhangs them, so you can NOT get a long wrench or extension on them, as cowl prevents this. Plus, you are very limited in movement side to side by engine components. I ended - and I do have swivel head socket wrench, won't fit, neither would 2ft 1/2 inch swivel head extension - using a box wrench with another box wrench locked on its open end, angled out. That gave me leverage and I could pop it. Once popped, bolts go easy. PUT ANTISEIZE ON THEM, before retightening. Overall, job took almost 3 hrs slow pace, with 40 min trip to the parts store included, as I found that my PCV valve was broken in a half. Slow pace, no rush. 2nd time I'd have it done in an hour plus, now that I know the shortcuts.
One more thing i having issues with my qx 80 shuttering at low speeds no check engine light. i changed spark plugs and all the fluids . i am lost not sure what is to check other then the coils. any suggestions will help me.
I have a '17 Nissan Armada doing the exact same thing. The same starter on Amazon is now only $101. Any complaints after nearly 4 years about the part? I don't want to go cheap on something that is such a pain to replace but why spend $500+ on OEM if I don't have to :) . Awesome video btw. The vids specific to Nissan are terrible but seeing yours gives me confidence to do it myself. Everything explained well. Thanks
Here's a dumb question but I have a 06 and the starter clicks once so I was messing with it and nothing anyway I jumped the starter relay pin 30 and 87a and it sparked but no crank now it will not click at all . Is there a fusible link on the ignition
this replacement Is a pain in the butt man I'm on loosen the bolts of the starter but like you say they so tight I m haven problem w that also my socket is 15 m hope somebody knows knows if is a close standard socket or something? thanks for the video
Question.. I have a 2012 qx56 and have intermittent starting problems, and I am not sure it has to do with the starter.. once in a while after driving( doesn't matter for how long) when I turn the truck off and come back like 45 minutes later the truck will not start, it will try to turn over but it acts as if the battery is dying and will turn over slower and slower with every start button push but then I boost it and it works fine for weeks. I have brought the truck to Autozone as well as AAA and they both say that the battery(less than 2 years old)and alternator are fine. And now it is happening more frequently, Have you ever come across this problem?
I have seen this problem. I'm a Infiniti Technician for 3 years. In those years there is a wire in the IPDM that controls your alternator and when it decides to use power when it doesn't need it. You cut the wire and shouldn't have any more problems after that
@@Smarties3991 This is exactly the problem I am having. Could you direct me to some info on what wire to cut? Is there any other consideration with this that I should be aware of?
@@jasonmorgan4448 So the IPDM box is behind the battery. Open the the top cover and you'll see a block with a bunch of wires. There is two tabs on each side, push them together and pull towards you and out comes the box with everything connected. I'll comment back tomorrow, going to work tomorrow and I'll look at the IPDM and tell you exactly what connecter to take out and exactly what wire to cut.
@@jasonmorgan4448 What I've been told is that wire somewhat controls the alternator. So the alternator thinks it need a bunch of power so it sucks out all the battery power. Once that wire is cut the alternator no longer thinks it needs all of the power and works as a regular alternator
I have the same problem with mine and eventually it stops starting luckily it was at my house luckily.I didn’t know that I damn near had to take the engine apart to put the starter on.
Thank you for great video 5 stars... this 5.6 engine is very stupid designed... tons of pulleys no space to work.. manifold cracks frequently.. starter located end of the world... I have qx56 and qx80 unfortunately wife choice and we suffer 😅
Same starter as my 2010 Nissan Titan, also the Infiniti FX50. You can’t buy one of these new from Nissan or Infiniti. They only sell a remanufactured starter. Makes me wonder where the OEM gets their remans from and how the quality is compared to another reputable company.
Buy starter here: geni.us/WKA3pG2
Recommended: geni.us/JustVlads
Nice video
I had a lot of trouble with that last bolt passenger side at the firewall
Use a flex bit for an impact driver. Much faster
Do yourself a favor and unclip the big wire harness on the passenger side at the two points forward of the bracket that is bolted to the manifold
Loosening the harness will make getting that bolt out easier as my harness was right up against the bolt
You should also push on the harness hard towards the firewall to get your socket on that back bolt
Thank you for the video. I have an M56S I need to replace the starter on, and I'm not going to spend $2200 at the dealership or $1000 at a mechanic. The position of the starters are the same.
I have a 2010 qx56,I put a brand new battery in a it..it will start and bunch of times and every now and it won't crank up at all now. I turn it, it lights up but won't crank..I think it's the starter..
Just did the one on my wife's 2014 qx80. Sat with the battery disconnected for about a week waiting on the starter to come in. Now when she cranked it up all the warning lights came on and it was idling over a thousand (1000) rpms. Took to shop and was told there was a code for the right rear abs sensor and an engine ground strap issue. But I didn't see a ground strap in the video or on my wife vehicle, not counting the battery ground of course. The mechanic said there should be one that one of the starter bolts goes through?
@Just Vlad how is that starter holding up? Have you had any issues with the starter since you replaced it?
UPDATE!!!!! I got a tip to help improve this video. When you get to the starter. undo the "power to unit wire" then the wire connected to the bottom of starter. After those 2 are removed, un-bolt the 2 bolts holding the black bracket to the starter. They are 12mm. Then the right side bolt (14mm) holding on the starter is easy to reach. Great Video
A couple words of wisdom from someone who spent a good chuck of their weekend performing this swap-out (thank you for the video, it helped immensely!)
1) Do yourself a favor and get a bright color of frog or painters tape and mark all the hoses/wiring harnesses with it - it really helps reconnecting everything and making sure you didn't miss any of them.
2) As some others have mentioned, the troublesome bolt on the actual starter (driver side) isn't too difficult to get to if you take the two bolts off the starter/solenoid bracket before removing the original and before installing the new one. The nuts on that side bracket that connects the starter to the solenoid are really easy to get to and really opens up some real estate in there with turning a wrench on the hard starter bolt. For the new one all I did was loosen the bolts and swing that bracket to the side but it gave me more room to play with.
3) One step I'd add is to bring a vacuum with a fine nozzle extension to the garage when you do this repair. I found a fair amount of what looked like beach sand and various small debris like broken plastic clips and other things in there. I vacuumed what I could before I removed the manifold, then removed manifold, then taped off the openings and vacuumed again. Less chance of dirt falling down the cylinders and nice to clean up those cavities while you're in there if you can.
4) Not sure why but I did not have a "wire" to unhook at the back of the manifold. I looked and looked and looked and nothing was connected back there. There is a little rubber capped off nipple-looking thing back there but nothing clipped onto it. I just thought I'd mention it in case others were doing this repair and confused by this step.
5) For the troublesome manifold bolt (all the way back and left on the passenger side), what worked for me was to unhook the large wiring harness snap-clips and take a large crow-bar - shove the rounded end against that harness and wedge the crow-bar under the metal bracket on the top of the manifold that the engine cover sits on. This helped not only push that big mess of wires out of the way, but the crow-bar held it there and out of the way while I worked. I also took some heavy duty gorilla tape and put a couple wraps around that hardness to hold it to something else out of the way so it wouldn't budge when I removed or re-installed the manifold. Obviously be careful shoving anything sharp against it, but the rounded end worked for me without damaging anything. I also used a very stretchy soft bungee cord to hold some of the air tubes out of the way which was also helpful. After holding that mess of wires out of the way, a 1/4 inch drive with 6-inch extension going to a 3/8 inch adapter/3/8-inch ratchet worked almost perfectly for turning a wrench above the manifold. For the other 9 bolts with more room I found having an extra 2-3 inch extension to be more helpful and raise the wrench higher.
6) If you don't have one of those flexible grabber tools where there is a magnet and claw hook at the end of it, I'd get one before this job. The hard manifold bolt was much easier to grab out of there (putting it back in I'd maybe set it in the the bolt hole before setting the manifold there?) and other small pieces of this or that that I had to grab - so I used this tool probably 1/2 dozen times for grabbing whatever I dropped or debris I saw and wanted to get out of the engine cavity.
7) I'm a big dude (240 lbs) and laying flat on top of all the uncomfortable engine parts really did a number on my rib cage and belly. I'd suggest some soft foam or something to lay out there both to make it more comfortable for you and also minimize possible damage since most of those parts aren't meant to be laid on for extended periods of time. It's early May and I've been watching 2 NHL hockey playoff games per night, so a 20 minute intermission between periods was the perfect amount of "I'll lay on this uncomfortably for a bit then take a break" before repeating it all again 45 minutes later. I didn't keep track of how much time I spent start to finish but would wager it was probably 4-5 hours if I did it start to finish. Was a lot easier putting everything back afterwards versus taking it apart and figuring out how things connected and what snap clips to un-do.
8) I bought replacement gaskets for the manifold, but ended up not using them. I took the old ones off and any that were flattened or smooshed on the mating side I just flipped over and they looked brand new again on the other side. I bought the same starter this video recommends and it was $94 + tax so right around $100 on Amazon. So re-using the manifold gaskets saved about $60. I obviously would have replaced them if mine weren't re-usable.
9) Lastly - I was a bit concerned with torque values on the manifold bolts as I have a tendency to over-tighten things. I searched online and couldn't find them, so I tried to snug them up without over-tightening them. Many cars have a tightening procedure for this in a certain order and torque spec.
My wife's car is a 2016 Infiniti QX80 and had 161,270 miles when I did the starter swap-out - oddly enough almost the same mileage as the one in this video. Hope these notes may help some other folks viewing this video and tackling this DIY repair.
Thanks so much for the tips. My wife's is a 2016 as well. I changed the spark plugs today, waiting for parts to begin the starter issue. And let me tell you at 60, that whipped my butt good. My backs killing me. So I'm going to rest tonight, and get the starter job going in the morning. I just don't see how it could be harder than the plugs, but hearing the time it took you. I'm not so sure now. I'll feel lucky if I can get it done in four hours too.
I just did mine today. It was a gods damned miserable job. Not difficult; just a pain in the ass. I couldn't have done it without your video. Thank you, sir!
Just wanted to give you a big thanks, followed this video step by step and got the starter changed out on my dad and step moms QX56. Took us about 6 hours to do so at a leisurely pace but well worth the savings of having someone else do it.
Great video! Just replaced my wife’s. Would never have tried this without this video. thank you!
I had same issue with 2012 qx56 (clicking sound sometimes it would start sometimes you had to press ignition button couple of times) and dealer suggested starter replacement I did not agree and did a little digging and found out that starter relay under the hood was to blame, there are three identical relays in the fuse box under the hood, one for starter relay second one for radiator fan and the third one I don't recall but I replaced all three about year and half ago and never had this problem again not even once,
Amazing video. I had same issue and was able to knock out the whole job with relative ease because of you’re very detailed instructions. Thank you for taking the time to make the video. One of the best maintenance videos I’ve ever seen.
Perfect video. I have a 2013 qx56 and it kept clicking every now and then but not starting. U saved me $1,100. Premier gear starter cost me $125. Intake gaskets and throttle body gaskets was $55. Infiniti dealership wanted $1,300. Thanks man u made it easy. I will say that those bolts holding the starter was hellacious. Took me forever to get em off. Took me a total of 6 hours to fix. I am a rookie at it
Did they want $1300 for the part or did that include labor?
Wifes 2016 QX had the same issue. Dealer quoted me $1,558 to replace the starter. No thanks. I had no idea the starter was where it was. Thanks to your awesome video, I'll not spend 3 hours under the car looking for a starter.
Thanks a lot for the video, this is exactly what I needed! I did this yesterday morning and it took exactly 3 hours. I could have shaved 30 minutes or so if I'd had an air or electric ratchet. The only thing I might add is you can just remove the top of the air box without removing all of it. Also, I did see comments where others removed the "bracket" on the starter to help access the bolts, but that didn't seem to help me. I just used about a 2" extension and was able to get around the hoses that were in the way-those really weren't too bad though. The hardest part was the bolt closest to the firewall on the passenger side. It is a huge pain, but do remove the ties on the wiring bundle that's in the way and just push those back with one hand while you get the socket on that bolt - just make sure you have a long enough extension for your ratchet. Overall, although not easy, it is a very doable project if you've spent any time on a car. My biggest peice of advice is do this job first thing in the morning, not late at night when you're tired. I was tempted to try it the night before but glad I waited until the next morning when I was rested.
Oh man... Thank you for this video. Thank you. THANK YOU! Saved us at least $1000. Just finished this today and your directions are spot on (we have a 2015 QX80).
I have some tips for anybody looking to do this.
- Get a metric set of wrenches if you're worried about the sizes. You'll use the 10mm the most.
- Get a good socket wrench and some extensions. This will help a lot with the 10mm manifold bolts
- The clips are a bit of a pain, but we just pried them lose and snapped them back in.
- As others have said, take the bar off of the starter. It will give you more room to remove the 14mm bolts
- We used the box end of a 14mm wrench on the "easy to get to" bolt and a socket on the "not so easy to get to" bolt. Wouldn't advise effin' around here as I almost stripped that bolt being goofy.
- Careful tightening the bolts around the manifold - don't over tighten (!)
- If you buy wrenches/sockets, spend a little extra on quality...you don't want to have broken pieces falling down in here
- Take your time or you're going to lose something in that clusterf*ck of fuel lines, hoses, and like...a thousand dark crevices
- If you can find somebody with little-bitty hands, your life around the back side of the manifold will be 100% easier
- Take the battery brace off if you have one and get something comfortable for your knees. I'm 6'1" with long arms and I was UP IN THAT ENGINE.
We definitely leveled up today. Not difficult, but time consuming. I kept wondering how big this dude's hands are because man...I couldn't do SQUAT on the back side!
One more time THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
just completed this job. my one recommendation is removing the bracket on the starter. the one that goes from the back of it (held on by a nut) and goes to the front, and you put the main power wire from the vehicle on. this allows much more room when loosening and tightening the starter bolts. thx for vid
Excellent video and description! The patience to deal with all that is not for everyone. I've been there. Every repair on my Infiniti took much more time than expected with me being a novice. I keep doing it myself though to save money. Videos like this cut down on time for sure. I can't thank you enough!
This would be my first comment ever on UA-cam use account just for background viewing, but mannn god bless this guy almost paid stealership 1500.00 to do this and trust me I don’t even change my oil and I was able to do this, now happy wife happy life, 2013 Qx56 105,000 miles and started acting up, forgot to add bought the starter in his link seems like great quality
Vlad - great video! You explained things perfectly. The steps were specific and clear. I can't thank you enough. This job took way too long because of a few extremely difficult bolts. But that is the fault of the Nissan engineers (who should lose their professional licenses for this miserable design). If you post a way to contribute a some money to you, I would because you saved me a bunch of cash that would have gone to a dealership/mechanic. Fixing the starter also gave me an excuse to buy a new angled breaker bar. Super awesome video. Thanks again!
Thanks for the video, I especially appreciate your description of the original symptoms. My 2016 QX80 is behaving the same. No crank no start. Very intermittent.
Called around, $1500 to repair, minimum $100 to diagnose. I had no previous issues in starting, this was 1st and only failure. I could hear the starter click but not turn over. Followed video and was able to fix with the starter, link provided for $100.. Took sometime on the back left intake bolt…. Not easy to get to for sure. Great video, thank you! 2016 Qx80 with 65k miles
I found this video after my 2016 with 88,000 miles just did this to me last night. I was stranded for a while until my car finally started back up. it looks like it’s a starter issue. I didn’t know that before because I took it to Infiniti and they said that I was just having a battery malfunction lol
Man you save me money i will follow you. Texas weather 107 is not joke so it took me 2 days to fix. everything is true on the video i bought the part from amazon 110 2 year warranty and gasket from dealership. the intake left side is the hardest but just remove zip ties from engine. Tip you can remove that black bracket on the starter just remove that black plastic cover, then you can reach that 2nd bolt. i used a jack handle pipe to loosen bolt super eazy over the wrench. The Dealership confirm they used autozone parts sometimes. I found acorns on top of engine with the wire chewed up by squirrels.
Man O Man! You know your stuff. I followed everything you said in the video and the final results was a running truck. Thanks for the DIY video. It couldn't have been more accurate on starter replacement. I will definitely turn to you for any other issues I have. Thanks again.
Thank you, did an install today with the same part. Got it all done in under 3 hrs with a few breaks.
Thanks so much for the tutorial. Saved me about a $1,000 on replacing the starter on a 2011 QX56 rocking 160k on it now. Mine doing something similar, started fine most of the time, but occasionally I would push the button and get nothing. After a couple pushes it would finally fire up, but was for sure on its way out and I didn't wand the family to get stuck somewhere. Got the starter from Rock Auto for $90 and took maybe 3 hours to install (including about 1 hour working on those impossible starter motor bolts). I nearly gave up on those bolts, but they finally came loose after I cut the wire ties to move the wire loom back there and disconnected/capped off a coolant hose to make more room for a breaker bar.
Top notch video. Just did exactly as shown and qx80 is rolling again. Thank you
Awesome video. Wouldn't have attempted this without it. We just passed the 106K mile mark and started having issues. Yes, that one back manifold bolt was a pain to get to, but not as bad as the starter bolts. I used a breaker bar on the right starter bolt and used your method on the left side (breaking it free with a hammer). The Premier starter is great as well. If you have the tools, go for it. Thanks!
Thx for the video. Helped a ton. Did the plugs at the sane time. They were harder than the starter. Just got done this morning. My backs killing me, lol.
Thank you for this video. I was able to replace my starter after watching the video. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! I have a Q70 and QX80 with the same motor.
Both are having some issues starting. Battery and alternator check out fine. I'll be doing this soon.
100% correct on every detail.
It took me about 2 hours.
Thanks so much.
👍🏽
Take the two bolt off the bar on the starter then both starter bolts are easy to get to and just take the top one off of the new one and loosen the bottom them it’s easy to install
I just finished this. What made this loads easier was disconnecting that coolant hose right above the starter. Just plugged it with some rags and I was able to get a swivel head ratchet in there real easy.
would love to see a video on changing spark plugs and trans fluid. I have the exact one please?!
Thanks for the excellent video! 2018 Imfinity QX80 (120k)that randomly wouldn’t turnover/start unless boosted. Swapped batteries out a number of times and it was good for a few months until weather was hot and then went back into no starts. This was the best video that I followed and had it changed in 3+ hours.
Also ordered the same starter on Amazon for $90 and so far so good.
He’s right about the last bolt on passenger side is a bit of a dick but nothing too bad. Get yourself some needle nose pliers to drop a couple of the hard to reach bolts back into holes when buttoning things up. Fat fingers dropped the last one and of course it went under manifold so I had to take it off again 😂. Easy with needle nose pliers.
Thank you very much for posting this video you gave me the ability to change my starter in my 2015 QX80, Thank you very much
You think starter relay has to do with anything?
Followed your video to a "T". New starter installed and everything put together perfectly. When I push the start button I just get a large "click", like the starter is not engaging the flywheel. Did I do something wrong? Are there shims for the starter that need to be placed? Any help would be appreciated.
How long did it actual took you to do it?
Great video!!!!!!!! Do you have anymore QX56 videos….. my friend just spent $1500 at the dealership for this repair! I wish he would’ve found your channel first! How’s the starter holding up!!!???
Can you make a differantial fluid and a trans
Excellent video, works perfect for 2016.
Dealership (toyota) said they could not do this because they do not have the software to update after the install. Does the software have to be updated just to install a new starter?
I’m totally not handy but you video is so concise I have confidence talking to my mechanic about the work I’ll pay him to do for me so thank you
Thank you so much. This was so helpful. I believe I can do this now.
Hi, excellent helpful videos. Any video or tips on how to fix air leak in rear struts. The rear of the body sags due to this.
Great video...I HV a question I HV a 2012 QX56..I can't locate the "map sensor" any help...thanks
Is there anyway you can let me know what size wrenches are needed. I'm assuming a 10, 12 and 14mm, but I'll have to do this job off site (not my house) so I want to make sure I have every thing I'll need
I'm dealing with, what i think is the same issue. 2016 QX80. When I go to start everything comes on, I hear a click then nothing. But everything stays on, I have to disconnect the battery to shut it off, is that what you were dealing with as well?
Thanks a bunch for the vid. I’ve got a 2015 qx80 I’m going to do the job on this weekend. Any specialized tools needed? What torque value on manifold bolts?
Is this the same procedure on the M56?
Thank you, Vlad. There are some key points skipped in the video.
1. Don't really need to remove the air filter box. Just the air intake hose
2. Be prepared for the 2 bolts in the rear of the intake to be challenge to remove. One on the left side is more or less ok. One on the right, pass side, is a bitch, as it is covered by thick wiring harness, solid connected to several brackets AND 2 heater core hoses. So if you look carefully, you'll notice that you can remove 2 10mm head bolts, holding harness and hoses brackets in place, so that you can ease hoses out of the way and push harness towards the firewall, clearing more access to the bolt.
3. even worse is getting that one bolt back in, as you can't get either hand at the right angle to safely drop the bolt into its hole, without dropping it into the depths of the engine somewhere.
I used 4 prong grabbing tool, to hold bolt vertical and slide it into position, while having right hand going from the top to slide 3/8 extension with 10mm socket on it onto the bolt head, to secure it in place. Then, release the grabber tool. Getting that bolt back in was the worst part of the job. Tool is one of those: www.amazon.com/OEMTOOLS-25291-Four-Claw-Pick/dp/B000CMFK0Q
4. undoing 2 14mm head starter bolts was very hard. There are greatly torqued AND cowl overhangs them, so you can NOT get a long wrench or extension on them, as cowl prevents this. Plus, you are very limited in movement side to side by engine components. I ended - and I do have swivel head socket wrench, won't fit, neither would 2ft 1/2 inch swivel head extension - using a box wrench with another box wrench locked on its open end, angled out. That gave me leverage and I could pop it. Once popped, bolts go easy. PUT ANTISEIZE ON THEM, before retightening.
Overall, job took almost 3 hrs slow pace, with 40 min trip to the parts store included, as I found that my PCV valve was broken in a half. Slow pace, no rush. 2nd time I'd have it done in an hour plus, now that I know the shortcuts.
Sorry if this is a weird question, but do you have a brand of socket wrench you prefer for the infiniti
Thank you for posting! Great video, had the same issue and your video helped me out, thank you again!
Just wondering how long it lasted / is it still fine after 3 years ?
Everyone that used the starter recommended in video is it still holding up? About to change our 2016 Starter out.
One more thing i having issues with my qx 80 shuttering at low speeds no check engine light. i changed spark plugs and all the fluids . i am lost not sure what is to check other then the coils. any suggestions will help me.
What year is your truck? Thanks u for the tutorial
I have a '17 Nissan Armada doing the exact same thing. The same starter on Amazon is now only $101. Any complaints after nearly 4 years about the part? I don't want to go cheap on something that is such a pain to replace but why spend $500+ on OEM if I don't have to :) . Awesome video btw. The vids specific to Nissan are terrible but seeing yours gives me confidence to do it myself. Everything explained well. Thanks
Have you had an more issues since you changed your starter . I have a 2011 M56X that has had a random starting problem every once in awhile.
You got a new subscriber man.
Here's a dumb question but I have a 06 and the starter clicks once so I was messing with it and nothing anyway I jumped the starter relay pin 30 and 87a and it sparked but no crank now it will not click at all . Is there a fusible link on the ignition
this replacement Is a pain in the butt man I'm on loosen the bolts of the starter but like you say they so tight I m haven problem w that also my socket is 15 m hope somebody knows knows if is a close standard socket or something? thanks for the video
Could this be the same issue alot of m56 owners are experiencing?
Yes it is. My starter just died today after intermittent starts.
I have this problem currently in my 2004 qx56 getting worse,great video!
It’s been 5 months since the starter replacement. How is it holding up? Good video thanks for posting.
working great, no issues so far
Great detail. Good video. Going to do mine tomorrow.
Hey with the replacement starter do it comes with the automatic start as well?
❤ thanks I got to do this job tomorrow
Is starter performing good? Would you still recommend?
Works perfectly so far, no issues and starts every time.
Question.. I have a 2012 qx56 and have intermittent starting problems, and I am not sure it has to do with the starter.. once in a while after driving( doesn't matter for how long) when I turn the truck off and come back like 45 minutes later the truck will not start, it will try to turn over but it acts as if the battery is dying and will turn over slower and slower with every start button push but then I boost it and it works fine for weeks. I have brought the truck to Autozone as well as AAA and they both say that the battery(less than 2 years old)and alternator are fine. And now it is happening more frequently, Have you ever come across this problem?
I have seen this problem. I'm a Infiniti Technician for 3 years. In those years there is a wire in the IPDM that controls your alternator and when it decides to use power when it doesn't need it. You cut the wire and shouldn't have any more problems after that
@@Smarties3991 This is exactly the problem I am having. Could you direct me to some info on what wire to cut? Is there any other consideration with this that I should be aware of?
Did you ever get this fixed? This is the exact problem I am having....
@@jasonmorgan4448 So the IPDM box is behind the battery. Open the the top cover and you'll see a block with a bunch of wires. There is two tabs on each side, push them together and pull towards you and out comes the box with everything connected. I'll comment back tomorrow, going to work tomorrow and I'll look at the IPDM and tell you exactly what connecter to take out and exactly what wire to cut.
@@jasonmorgan4448 What I've been told is that wire somewhat controls the alternator. So the alternator thinks it need a bunch of power so it sucks out all the battery power. Once that wire is cut the alternator no longer thinks it needs all of the power and works as a regular alternator
awesome. you don't have to remove the throttle body tho. leave it on and remove it with the manifold
No, leave it plugged it. You can damage the throttle and throw it off its programming.
Thank you I wish life was explained like this lol the world be so much different
The gaskets should always be replaced, the intake and TB gasket. Good video.
I have the same problem with mine and eventually it stops starting luckily it was at my house luckily.I didn’t know that I damn near had to take the engine apart to put the starter on.
Thank you for your video it was very helpful, is the car starter something needs to be changed every once in a while?
On these models usually around 90-120K the starter go out.
Big thank you!!! Your video helped me a lot
What’ are the size bolts for the starter that hold it in?
Thank you Very much for this videos it was a great help.
Has any one changed the transmission fluid and had any problems
DUDE!! THANKS FOR THE VIDEO! YOU MUST HAVE SOME GOOD MECHANICS BACKGROUND! MINE STARTS TO GIVE ME PROBLEMS, I WILL BE REPLACING SOON!
Pretty well explained! Right to the point
Thank you for great video 5 stars... this 5.6 engine is very stupid designed... tons of pulleys no space to work.. manifold cracks frequently.. starter located end of the world... I have qx56 and qx80 unfortunately wife choice and we suffer 😅
Vlad, thanks for the great video. It helped tremendously. 👍🏼
That’s a nice detailed video!
Very nice video. Thank you.
good job young man!
Any of you guys in houston??Houston???
I need help changing my starter I'm my qx56 I could use a hand,the mechanic prices are ridiculous lol
Thanks so much! You are awesome,
How much dealer will charge?
Depends. But the dealer I work at charges little over 1,000
Same starter as my 2010 Nissan Titan, also the Infiniti FX50. You can’t buy one of these new from Nissan or Infiniti. They only sell a remanufactured starter. Makes me wonder where the OEM gets their remans from and how the quality is compared to another reputable company.
EXCELLENT video man. Thank you
Well made video. Thanks for your time.
Great video thanks 🙏🏽
Is this the same for the q70 5.6 motor
yes
awesome, thank you Vlad... you're rad!
Your video has shown me that I have no excuse, and the extra ~$400 a shop would charge just isn't worth it. Thanks!
Thank you 🙏🏽 sooooo much
Great video. Anyone know who designed this setup? Some jackass that does not have to work on it.
Excellent video
Perfect. Thank's.
Very intelligent design for Nissan
Te amo gracias a tu video