1. Open the hood of your 1998 Nissan Altima and secure it with the hood prop.
2. Locate the air filter housing, which is a black plastic box usually situated on the passenger side of the engine compartment.
3. Disconnect the air intake tube by loosening the hose clamps and gently pulling it off the housing.
4. Remove the air filter housing by unbolting it from the engine. Be careful not to spill any dirt or debris into the engine compartment.
5. Behind the air filter housing, you will see the starter. It is a cylindrical-shaped component with wires attached to it.
6. The starter is held in place by a few bolts and is connected to the flywheel by a small wire known as the starter solenoid.
7. Take note of the location and arrangement of the wires and bolts connected to the starter as you will need to disconnect and remove them during starter replacement or maintenance.
8. You can now access and work on the starter once you have identified and reached it.
It is recommended to consult your vehicle's service manual or a trusted automotive professional for specific instructions and safety guidelines when performing any repairs or maintenance tasks involving the starter.