How to Replace the Starter on an Infiniti QX4
by Russell WoodThe starter motor on a vehicle is designed to turn over the engine with just the power from the battery, which gets the motor rotating and the engine running correctly. If the starter on your Infiniti QX4 SUV has gone bad, then you must replace it. Otherwise the vehicle won't run, and you'll be stuck wherever it is parked. Replacing the starter motor should take about an hour to do.
Step 1
Pop the hood of the Infiniti QX4, and disconnect the negative terminal from the battery using an open-end wrench. Then disconnect the positive terminal in the same manner.
Step 2
Lift up the vehicle using the jack, and place the vehicle on jack stands. Make sure everything is secure before you crawl underneath the vehicle.
Step 3
Unbolt the shield that protects the underside of the SUV, using a 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Place the shield to the side.
Step 4
Disconnect the wiring harness that leads to the starter motor, using your hands, and unbolt the power wire using an open-end wrench. Then hold the starter with one hand and unbolt the starter from the engine using the 3/8-inch ratchet, extension and sockets.
Step 5
Hold up the replacement starter motor in the stock location, and bolt it in place using the factory hardware and the 3/8-inch ratchet, extension and socket. Reconnect the wiring harness and power wire.
Step 6
Reconnect the under-engine shield, using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, then lower the vehicle off the jack stands. Reconnect the positive terminal to the battery, then the negative, using the open-end wrench.
Things You'll Need
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Open-end wrench set
- 3/8-inch ratchet, extension and socket set
- Replacement starter
Writer Bio
Russell Wood is a writer and photographer who attended Arizona State University. He has been building custom cars and trucks since 1994, including several cover vehicles. In 2000 Wood started a career as a writer, and since then he has dedicated his business to writing and photographing cars and trucks, as well as helping people learn more about how vehicles work.
