12V Starter Motor 23300-EN20D for NISSAN Qashqai 2.0 [MR20DE] 01.2011- NISSAN Qashqai 2.0

Overview of the 23300-EN20D Starter Motor

NISSAN Qashqai 2.0 [MR20DE] 01.2011- NISSAN Qashqai 2.0 owners replacing a tired starter will find the 23300-EN20D a direct fit: a 12V, 1.0 kW reduction-gear unit with a pre-engaged solenoid, produced to the original flange and terminal layout.

Every unit is bench tested at the factory for current draw, solenoid pull-in and pinion throw, because those three values decide whether a starter works in a cold engine bay as well as it does on a test bench.

Specifications at a Glance

• Rated voltage: 12V
• Rated output: 1.0 kW
• Pinion: 10 teeth
• Type: reduction gear starter with pre-engaged solenoid
• Application: NISSAN Qashqai 2.0 [MR20DE] 01.2011- NISSAN Qashqai 2.0
• Net weight: approximately 2.95 kg
• Condition: new, direct replacement for the original unit

A 12V 1.0 kW rating is the output the motor can hold while cranking, not a peak figure. It is sized so the engine reaches starting speed on the first or second revolution, which is what makes a healthy start feel immediate.

The reduction gearset lets the motor run at high speed while the pinion turns slowly with high torque, which is why the unit stays compact enough for a crowded engine bay.

Reference Numbers and Cross References

The following OEM and aftermarket references are listed for this unit:

• 23300-EN20D
• S114-902
• MR20DE
• 23300-CK800
• S114-901
• S114-926
• 23300-1V0C
• 23300-4AJ0A
• 23300-4AJ0ARE
• 23300-EN200
• 23300-EN20B
• 23300-EN20A
• 23300-EN21A
• 23300-4BB0B
• STH1418
• STH4955

Starter suppliers revised this design more than once during production. Confirm the number on the old unit, or send a photograph of the drive end, before committing to an order. This starter is listed with 16 references in total.

Fitment and Application

NISSAN Qashqai 2.0 [MR20DE] 01.2011- NISSAN Qashqai 2.0 applications in this range share the same mounting pattern and terminal layout, which is why one reference can serve several model years. Fitment is still decided by the starter number rather than by the badge on the vehicle. Where a 23300-EN20D has been replaced before, check that the fitted unit still matches the reference list.

A mismatched pinion is the most common cause of a starter that engages noisily or refuses to mesh. Compare the tooth count before fitting, not after.

What Wears Out First

Oil or coolant mist from a leaking seal finds its way into the drive end housing, mixes with carbon dust and forms a conductive paste. The starter then arcs internally and fails early, whatever its mileage.

The brush plate is the second common failure point. Brushes shorten gradually, spring pressure falls, and contact becomes intermittent. Cranking speed drops a little every week until the engine refuses to start on a cold morning. Because the 23300-EN20D reuses the original bolts and connectors, no adapters are needed on NISSAN Qashqai 2.0 [MR20DE] 01.2011- NISSAN Qashqai 2.0.

Fault Symptoms

• Click from the solenoid with no rotation, sometimes clearing on a second attempt
• Cranking that has become slower over several weeks
• Grinding as the pinion meets the ring gear
• Starter that keeps running after the key is released
• Intermittent no-crank that appears when the engine bay is hot

A cranking voltage test separates the starter from the rest of the circuit. If battery voltage stays healthy at the terminals but drops sharply at the starter stud, the cable or the connection is at fault rather than the motor. The 23300-EN20D ships with its solenoid fitted, so no parts have to be transferred from the old unit.

Before You Fit the Replacement

• Condition of the old pinion and ring gear before the new unit goes in
• Main cable continuity and the condition of the lug at the starter stud
• Battery voltage while cranking, measured at the battery posts
• Mounting face cleanliness and bolt condition
• That the replacement terminal layout matches the original harness

Most comebacks after a starter replacement trace back to something that was not checked before the unit went on: a tired battery, a corroded earth or a chipped ring gear. Ten minutes with a multimeter and a torch prevents the second repair.

Installation Notes

Disconnect the battery negative terminal, remove the intake parts that restrict access, then disconnect the main cable and the solenoid signal connector. Support the starter before removing the mounting bolts.

After fitting, confirm the pinion returns freely and the cables are clear of the exhaust. Crank once before the first drive, then re-check the main terminal for tightness after the first heat cycle. Because the 23300-EN20D reuses the original bolts and connectors, no adapters are needed on NISSAN Qashqai 2.0 [MR20DE] 01.2011- NISSAN Qashqai 2.0.

Quality Control and Supply from Hejian Nuojin Auto Parts Co., Ltd.

Hejian Nuojin Auto Parts Co., Ltd. manufactures starter and alternator components for the aftermarket. Every unit is bench tested for no-load current draw, solenoid pull-in and release voltage, pinion throw and running noise before packing.

Standard references are held as spot goods, volume orders are delivered in around 30 days, and every unit carries a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I confirm the starter matches my vehicle?

Read the number on the starter body or on the old unit and compare it with the reference list above. Where the label is missing, match the pinion teeth and the terminal bracket against the photographs.

Can the solenoid be replaced on its own?

It is possible, provided the motor draws normal current and the pinion is sound. Where the brushes are already short, replacing the complete starter avoids a second repair within a year.

Why does the starter click but not turn?

A click with no rotation usually means the solenoid pulls in but the contact does not pass current. Check the earth strap and the main cable before condemning the starter.

Does the starter need any maintenance?

No routine maintenance is required. Keeping the battery, terminals and earth connections clean is what extends starter life in practice.

Product Overview

The 23300-EN20D is a Nissan and Renault OE part number for a 12-volt 1.0-kilowatt starter motor built for the alliance petrol range, the MR20DE and MR18DE engines in Nissan and the M4 1.6 to 2.0-litre 16-valve petrol engines in Renault. The unit is a Hitachi design carrying the 23300-EN20D and 23300-CK800 references, with the Hitachi numbers S114-902 and S114-922 and a long aftermarket cross list. It serves the Nissan Qashqai, X-Trail, and Tiida, and the Renault Clio, Megane, Laguna, and Scenic. It is a gear-reduction starter with a 10-tooth pinion and a 70mm flange.

The reason this starter looks so small next to a diesel unit is the fuel it turns over. A 2.0-litre petrol lights on a spark and needs far less cranking torque than a diesel, so the starter can be light and compact. At 1.0KW and 2.8kg, this is the right size for the MR20DE, and the same Hitachi number covers Nissan and Renault C-segment cars built on the alliance platform. The unit ships brand new with a one-year warranty, in current stock with a 10-day lead time.

Net weight is 2.8kg; gross weight is 2.95kg. Dimensions are 240 by 120 by 160mm. Packaging is neutral kraft box, suitable for distributors and workshop stock without brand disclosure.

Why a 2.0-Litre Petrol Needs Half the Starter a Diesel Does

A diesel has to be turned over fast and held there against high compression until the fuel lights, and that takes real torque at the pinion. A petrol engine is the opposite: the spark does the lighting, so once the engine is spinning it fires, and the starter only has to get it spinning. That is why a 2.0-litre petrol like the MR20DE runs a 1.0KW starter while a 2.4-litre diesel in the same showroom needs 2.0KW or more. The petrol starter is smaller, lighter, and draws less current, and the difference shows up as soon as you pick the two units up.

On the Qashqai and its Renault cousins, the 1.0KW rating is what the MR20DE was designed around. The engine is an all-alloy 2.0 with a modest compression ratio, and it cranks easily in normal conditions. The starter's job is a clean, quick engagement and a fast spin to firing speed, not the brute torque a diesel demands. The gear-reduction design helps here too: a compact motor spins fast and light, and reduction gears multiply the torque just enough to drive the 10-tooth pinion into the ring gear. The result is a unit that weighs 2.8kg and fits in one hand, against the 5kg-plus starters on the diesel range.

The solenoid is the standard 30-and-50 layout. The thick 30 (B+) cable carries the cranking current from the battery, and the 50 (ignition) terminal is the thin control wire that pulls the solenoid. When the key turns, the solenoid throws the pinion and closes the 30 contact at the same time. A starter that clicks but will not turn points to the 30 circuit, the battery, or the motor; a starter that spins but does not engage points to the pinion or the solenoid fork. On a modern petrol with a healthy battery, the usual fault is the starter, because the cranking demand is low and the cables are up to it.

For sourcing, the leverage is the cross-reference list, because the same Hitachi starter serves Nissan and Renault under different numbers. The 23300-EN20D, 23300-CK800, and S114-902 references all describe this unit, and the WAI, Bosch, Lucas, and HC-Cargo cross numbers help when a catalogue carries a different reference. Confirm the part number, the 10-tooth pinion, and the 70mm flange together.

Technical Specifications

Engine Compatibility

The 23300-EN20D starter fits Nissan and Renault petrol vehicles with the MR20DE, MR18DE, and M4 engines. Confirm fitment by model, year, and engine code.

Nissan and Renault fitted different starter ratings across the MR and M4 range, including stop-start and turbo variants, so confirm the existing part number and the 10-tooth pinion before ordering. The 1.0KW gear-reduction unit is the specification for the MR20DE, MR18DE, and M4 1.6 to 2.0-litre petrol cars listed above.

What to Look for a Replacement

The first check is the pinion and the flange. This starter uses a 10-tooth pinion and a 70mm flange with two mounting bores. Confirm the old starter matches, because the alliance range saw several starter variants and a wrong pinion count fouls the ring gear. The 30 (B+) terminal is M8 and the 50 (ignition) terminal is the control wire, so check both cables and their condition before ordering.

The second check is the battery, because even a light-demand petrol starter needs a sound battery. A 1.0KW unit draws less current than a diesel, but a weak battery or a poor 30 connection will still leave it clicking instead of cranking. Clean the 30 terminal and the earth, and load-test the battery before fitting. A slow crank that improves with a jump lead points to the battery, not the starter.

Confirm the mounting matches the old unit and the harness plug seats correctly. The Qashqai and its Renault cousins use the same Hitachi pattern, but the brace and the plug vary by model year, so photo the old unit before removal. Inspect the ring gear teeth for wear while the starter is out, because a chipped ring gear will destroy a new pinion. Refit to the spec torque and reconnect the 50 plug before the 30 cable.

For the install, the standard procedure is sound: disconnect the negative battery terminal, remove the 30 cable first then the 50 plug, undo the mounting bolts, fit the new unit, and reconnect in reverse order. Torque the mounting bolts to spec, and photo the harness route before removal to avoid a crossed wire.

Application Scenarios

• Independent Nissan and Renault specialists working on the Qashqai, X-Trail, Tiida, Clio, Megane, Laguna, and Scenic petrol models, where the 1.0KW starter is a regular replacement at high mileage. The 23300-EN20D and 23300-CK800 references are the numbers to source, and the Hitachi, WAI, and HC-Cargo cross numbers help when the catalogue carries a different reference.

• The Qashqai as a high-volume family crossover, where the MR20DE is the bread-and-butter petrol and the starter is a steady replacement item. Europe's best-selling C-segment crossover puts a lot of these on the road, and a known-good Hitachi-design unit avoids a no-start on a car the family depends on.

• Alliance parts leverage, where one Hitachi starter serves both Nissan and Renault C-segment cars under different numbers. A counter that stocks 23300-EN20D or S114-902 covers the Qashqai, X-Trail, Tiida, Clio, Megane, Laguna, and Scenic from one box, which suits mixed-make workshops.

• Workshops diagnosing a no-crank or a click-without-turn, where the 30/50 solenoid layout separates the fault: a click without cranking points to the 30 circuit, the battery, or the motor; a spin without engagement points to the pinion or the solenoid fork.

• Parts counters that cross-reference by the Nissan, Renault, or Hitachi number when their catalogue does not carry the reference directly. 23300-EN20D, 23300-CK800, and S114-902 all map to this unit, and the 10-tooth pinion and 70mm flange are the features to confirm.

• DIY owners who have confirmed a starter fault and need the correct part number, pinion count, and flange before fitting the replacement themselves.

FAQ

Q: Will this starter fit my Nissan Qashqai 2.0?

A: Yes. The 23300-EN20D is the correct 1.0KW starter for the Qashqai with the 2.0-litre MR20DE petrol engine, and also the X-Trail 2.0 and the Tiida 1.8. It fits the Renault Clio, Megane, Laguna, and Scenic on the M4 1.6 to 2.0-litre petrol engines. Confirm the existing part number, the 10-tooth pinion, and the 70mm flange before ordering, because Nissan and Renault fitted different starter ratings across the range, including stop-start and turbo variants.

Q: Why is this starter only 1.0KW when a diesel needs 2.0KW?

A: A petrol engine lights on a spark, so once it is spinning it fires, and the starter only has to get it spinning. A diesel has to be held against high compression until the fuel lights, which takes far more torque at the pinion. That is why a 2.0-litre petrol like the MR20DE runs a 1.0KW starter while a similar-size diesel needs twice that. The petrol unit is also lighter and draws less current.

Q: What is the difference between 23300-EN20D, 23300-CK800, and S114-902?

A: These describe the same starter under different catalogue systems. 23300-EN20D and 23300-CK800 are Nissan references, 7701065384 and 8201268221 are Renault numbers, and S114-902 is the Hitachi original-equipment reference. All resolve to the 12V 1.0KW 10-tooth gear-reduction unit for the MR20DE, MR18DE, and M4 petrol range.

Q: My starter clicks but will not turn. Is it the starter?

A: On this 30-and-50 solenoid starter, a click without cranking usually points to the 30 (B+) circuit, the battery, or the motor, because the solenoid is pulling but the current is not getting through. Check the battery, the 30 cable and its connections, and the chassis earth first. A starter that spins but does not engage points to the pinion or the solenoid fork instead. Because the cranking demand is low, a healthy battery usually rules the cables in or out quickly.

Q: Can I fit this myself?

A: The replacement is a manageable job with basic tools. Disconnect the negative battery terminal, remove the 30 cable first then the 50 plug, undo the mounting bolts, fit the new unit, and reconnect in reverse order. Allow one to two hours. Clean the 30 terminal and earth, and inspect the ring gear for damaged teeth while the starter is out, because a bad ring gear will destroy a new pinion.

Q: Does this fit both Nissan and Renault?

A: It does, because Nissan and Renault share the starter across the alliance platform. The same Hitachi-design unit serves the Qashqai, X-Trail, and Tiida on the Nissan side and the Clio, Megane, Laguna, and Scenic on the Renault side. The part numbers differ by brand, but 23300-EN20D, 23300-CK800, and S114-902 all resolve to the same 1.0KW starter.

Q: What is the lead time and warranty?

A: Units are in current stock with a 10-day lead time for dispatch. All units carry a one-year warranty from the date of installation. Warranty claims require documentation of the vehicle and part number. Check specific terms for commercial or fleet use.

In Practice

The independent Nissan or Renault specialist will see the Qashqai or Megane at high mileage with a no-crank that the owner blames on the battery. The diagnostic that earns the job is the 30/50 split: a click without turning points to the 30 circuit, the battery, or the motor, while a spin without engagement points to the pinion or the solenoid fork. Because the MR20DE is a low-demand petrol, the battery and the cables are the quick check, and confirming them first settles it. Fitting a correct 1.0KW 10-tooth unit restores the clean engagement the engine needs.

For the mixed-make workshop, this starter is a stocking win. The same Hitachi-design unit serves Nissan and Renault C-segment cars under different numbers, so one box covers the Qashqai, X-Trail, Tiida, Clio, Megane, Laguna, and Scenic. The neutral kraft packaging also suits independent workshop and parts-counter environments, and the light 2.8kg unit is easy to handle on a busy bench.

For the technician, the checks that prevent a come-back are the 30 terminal, the ring gear, and the plug. Clean the 30 (B+) terminal and the chassis earth, because a poor connection there produces a hot solenoid and a no-crank that looks like a bad starter. Inspect the ring gear teeth while the old unit is out, and replace a chipped ring gear rather than fitting a new pinion against it. Confirm the harness plug seats correctly, because the brace and plug vary by model year, and a crossed wire is an easy mistake. Photo the old unit before removal, and document the part number to confirm the replacement is correct the first time.

About the Author

Luc Moreau is an automotive aftersales engineer based in Lyon, France, with a professional focus on Renault and Nissan alliance passenger cars in the European aftermarket. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering from INSA Lyon, where his studies covered automotive electrical systems and the starting requirements of modern all-alloy petrol engines.

After graduation, Luc worked for a French parts distributor specialising in Renault and Nissan, with the Clio, Megane, Laguna, Scenic, Qashqai, and X-Trail among his core responsibilities. Over thirteen years he advised independent workshops across the region on correct parts identification and electrical diagnosis for the MR20DE, MR18DE, and M4 petrol engines. His workshop experience taught him that the alliance's shared Hitachi starter changes how these jobs present, and that the 30/50 solenoid split is the fastest way to separate a bad starter from a bad battery or a tired cable. He learned to confirm the pinion count and flange before ordering, because a wrong pinion fouls the ring gear and comes straight back.

In his current work Luc supports independent Renault and Nissan specialists and parts distributors on coverage and cross-referencing for the 23300-EN20D starting system, with a focus on the Qashqai, X-Trail, Tiida, Clio, Megane, Laguna, and Scenic petrol models. He maintains a cross-reference set covering Nissan, Renault, Hitachi, WAI, and HC-Cargo numbers for the 1.0KW gear-reduction starter, and contributes technical notes to regional trade publications on alliance passenger-car starting faults and preventive maintenance for high-mileage MR and M4 engines. He has a personal interest in the engineering decisions that let a 2.0-litre petrol run on a 1.0KW starter, and in the practical difference that makes against the heavier units on the diesel and commercial range.