Parts for your 2020 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Starter motor

2020 Toyota Vitz/Yaris starter motor — is it used, and what to know

Quick verdict, backed by Toyota technical literature: a conventional 12‑volt starter motor is fitted to the 2020 Toyota Vitz/Yaris when it’s a non‑hybrid petrol model, but it’s not used on the Hybrid. Toyota’s New Car Features (NCF) manuals for the Vitz/Yaris Hybrid (1NZ‑FXE and later M15A‑FXE) and the Electrical Wiring Diagram show the engine is spun by Motor Generator 1 (MG1) inside the transaxle, so there’s no separate starter circuit. By contrast, Toyota repair manuals and parts catalogues for the petrol models (e.g., 1KR‑FE, 1NR‑FE, 2NR‑FKE, and M15A‑FKS) list a DENSO‑type starter assembly with a solenoid and pinion, including Stop & Start‑rated units on some trims. So: Hybrid, no conventional starter, petrol, yes.

For owners of petrol 2020 Vitz/Yaris models, the starter motor’s job is simple but crucial: it cranks the engine fast enough for the ECU to fire fuel and spark. Under the bonnet it’s typically mounted low on the bellhousing, engaging the flywheel or flex‑plate via a small pinion gear when the key or start button is pressed.

As part of normal servicing, the best way to keep a starter happy is to look after what feeds it. A healthy battery and clean, tight terminals matter more than anything. High resistance at the battery posts or the engine earth strap can make a good starter look crook. It’s worth asking the workshop to do a quick voltage‑drop test across the positive cable, the earth, and the starter during crank — it takes minutes and tells the full story.

On models with Stop & Start, the starter is built for more cycles, but it still relies on correct battery spec and state of health. If most driving is short hops, a smart charger every so often can help. Toyota recommends the correct AGM/EFB battery where specified, fitting a cheapie can cause slow cranks and fault lights.

• Common symptoms of starter trouble: single click with no crank, slow/laboured cranking, or a grinding noise as the pinion disengages.
• Before condemning the starter, rule out: weak battery, corroded terminals, poor engine earth, tired starter relay, or an out‑of‑adjustment brake/park interlock.

If replacement is needed, a quality OEM‑equivalent unit (often DENSO) is the go. A trained tech will disconnect the battery, remove the lower splash shield, unplug the connector and main cable, and swap the unit on the bellhousing. It’s typically a 1–2 hour job. After install, a quick current draw and crank speed check confirms it’s all sweet. Keep the service record updated, it helps with warranty and resale across Australia and New Zealand.

FAQs

Does the 2020 Yaris/Vitz Hybrid have a starter motor?

No. Toyota’s Hybrid System uses MG1 inside the transaxle to crank the engine, so there’s no separate 12‑volt starter. That’s why you won’t find a starter relay or motor in the Hybrid’s wiring diagram or parts list.

Where is the starter motor on a 2020 Vitz/Yaris petrol model?

It’s bolted to the transmission bellhousing, usually under the intake side. On right‑hand‑drive cars it’s easiest to see from underneath with the splash guard off. Look for a compact DENSO unit with a heavy cable from the battery and a small plug for the solenoid.

What causes an intermittent no‑crank on Stop & Start models?

Most often it’s battery state of health, corroded terminals, or a lazy earth strap. Less commonly it’s a tired starter relay, ignition switch signal issue, or the park/neutral switch not confirming position. Verify battery type and coding on Stop & Start cars before blaming the starter.