Micra starter

Jacovs

My 03 Micra makes a noise sometimes when trying to start. It has a push start button, which could be the cause of it. The noise it makes when pushing the button is similar to the noise a car would make if its already started and you try to start it again. When the car is cold it usually starts first time. Other times it might take a few attempts for the car to start. Its more of an annoyance that anything else, because its a quite loud noise.

I took the car to a Nissan dealer to be looked at and got a call that they recommend replacing the starter and lockset, which would cost me 880 (:pac:), or else to replace the starter with a new starter would be around 500, or I could go with a recon starter which would be around 400. I politely declined, and was then still charged over 50e just for the diagnoses, which took them less than an hour.

Also, the airbag light came on on the dash a few weeks back by itself and ever since comes on every time. They are telling me if the light is on then the airbags are switched off and wont deploy when in an accident. True? Or another way to try and make more money?

Anyone know of a good mechanic/auto electrician that could have a look at it and not charge (what seems to me exorbitant) as much? Preferably northside.
Cheers.

biko

03 micra starters are cheap from a breakers.
But yeah, take it to a local indy mech and let them have a look.

Since you didn't clearly specify location I can't help you with mechanics, we're not all in Cork youknow

Jacovs

My bad, Dublin north side.
I will be having a look myself, but if anyone can recommend someone it would save me some effort and hopefully I can avoid a chancer.

Jacovs

Would it be that difficult to replace the starter myself?
From what I can tell its a matter of disconnecting the battery, undoing 2 bolts and 2 wires, to remove starter, and reverse to install new starter. Or is it not that simple?

From a quick scan online, for example a place like micksgarage, sells the starters for either 127e or 215e each, depending on which 03 micra I have. Is that a trusted supplier or is there someone else anyone would rather recommend?

Jacovs

Sorry to bump again.
Ive to book NCT for the car thats due in january. Would it fail on the basis that sometimes the car doesnt start first time and makes that noise from the starter? Logically id think it wont fail because its just the starter. How can the car be a danger to the road if it wont start.

Just looking for some input please.

Waterson

That shouldnt be an issue with the NCT. The issue could be with the starter itself, or it could potentially be a worn ring gear on the flywheel. Either way the starter would need to be removed to assess both ringear and to bench test the otor to check for starter pinion or solenoid issues. Reconditioning would be the wy forward in my opinion.