Parts for your 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander-Starter motor

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander starter motor: what’s fitted and what to service

Based on technical references including the Mitsubishi Motors 2016 Outlander Workshop Manual (Engine Electrical – Starter), the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Workshop Manual (Hybrid System – Engine Start Control), and the Mitsubishi ASA/EPC parts catalogue, the 2016 Outlander range splits into two cases: conventional petrol/diesel models do use a separate 12‑volt starter motor, while the 2016 Outlander PHEV does not. On the PHEV, the engine is spun by the generator/motor under hybrid control, so a standalone starter motor isn’t fitted or required. If the vehicle is a 2.0L/2.4L petrol or 2.2L diesel, a normal starter motor applies, if it’s the PHEV, a starter motor isn’t relevant.

For 2016 Outlander petrol and diesel owners, the starter motor is a hard‑working bit of kit, taking 12‑volt power from the battery and turning the engine over via a small pinion that meshes with the flywheel. A built‑in solenoid shoves the pinion out to engage, then pulls it back once the engine fires. It’s a simple job, but it cops big current loads, heat and road grime over time.

Signs it’s not happy include a single loud click and no crank, slow cranking on a good battery, a rapid clicking from the relay area, or a brief grinding sound. Before blaming the starter, it pays to rule out a weak battery, dirty terminals, or a crook engine earth strap.

There’s no set service interval for a starter motor, but it’s smart during routine servicing to: keep battery posts clean and tight, check the main starter feed and engine earth for corrosion, listen for any harsh engagement noises, and scan for fault codes if the vehicle has intermittent no‑crank. On high‑kilometre cars, preventative replacement of a tired original isn’t unusual.

• Location: on 2.0/2.4 petrol, it’s typically up near the bellhousing under the intake side, on the 2.2 diesel, access is usually easier from underneath near the transmission.
• Replacement tips: disconnect the negative battery terminal first, note any wiring clips and heat shields, refit and tighten mounting bolts to factory spec, and don’t forget to check the ring gear condition if you heard grinding.
• Parts choice: quality new or reputable remanufactured starters both work well. Make sure the part number matches your specific engine and transmission combo.

If the Outlander is a PHEV, skip shopping for a starter motor altogether—the hybrid generator handles engine starts as confirmed in Mitsubishi’s PHEV service documentation.

FAQs

Does the 2016 Outlander PHEV have a starter motor?

No. The PHEV uses its generator/motor to spin the engine, controlled by the hybrid ECU. There’s no separate 12‑volt starter motor to replace or service on that model.

Where is the starter motor on a 2016 Outlander petrol or diesel?

On the 2.0/2.4 petrol engines it’s mounted near the bellhousing, generally accessed from the top/side under the intake area. On the 2.2 diesel it’s usually best reached from underneath near the transmission. Expect tight spaces and heat shields.

How much does a starter motor replacement cost and how long does it take?

In Australia and New Zealand, parts typically run from a few hundred dollars for a quality unit, with about 1–2 hours labour depending on engine and access. Diesel variants can take a touch longer. Always confirm with a local workshop for accurate pricing.