Nissan Repair: NIssan Pathfinder 97 starter- starter relay, starter solenoid, starter relay

Question
I bought the car used in 2004 and it is a 97 pathfinder model.  Havent had any parts changed but had to jump it a few times to start it throughout the year.  Recently replaced battery with new one and also gave the engine a washing with a car wash sprayer and now the car wont start sometimes.  I can start it if I get under it and put a little pressure on a wire covered with black rubber on top of the starter leading directly into the starter. Also tried banging the starter with a screwdriver and sometimes that works.  Have heard that it may be a starter relay.  Does this model have one?  And where and how do i change it?  Do I need to replace the starter? Solenoid?


Answer
This is not the starter relay and will be the starter.  Since you diagnosed it with pushing on the lead and banging on it with a hammer you have pretty much found the problem.  You might have gotten water in it and you could take it apart to see if there was corrosion.  If it were me I would either rebuild the starter with new brushes and bearings or just get another starter and that should do the trick.