Parts for your 2020 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Starter motor

2020 Toyota Vitz / Yaris starter motor: what’s fitted and how to look after it

Based on Toyota service literature and parts data, a starter motor is fitted to 2020 Toyota Vitz/Yaris non‑hybrid petrol variants, while the 2020 Yaris Hybrid does not use a conventional starter. Technical sources referenced include Toyota Repair Manual sections for the M15A‑FKS/1KR‑FE engines (starter system diagnostics and removal/installation), Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue listings showing “Starter Assy” for petrol models, and Toyota New Car Features (Yaris Hybrid MXPH10/15) describing engine cranking by the hybrid motor‑generator (MG1) rather than a 12‑volt starter.

Petrol models (e.g., 1.5‑litre M15A‑FKS, some markets 1.0‑litre 1KR‑FE) use a 12‑volt starter to crank the engine, including during stop‑start operation where fitted. Hybrid models (1.5‑litre M15A‑FXE) rely on the hybrid system’s MG1 to spin the engine, so a separate starter motor isn’t used.

For owners of 2020 Vitz/Yaris petrol models, the starter motor’s job is simple but critical: it draws current from the 12‑volt battery to spin the engine quickly enough for fuel and spark to take over. In cars with stop‑start, the starter is engineered for more frequent cycles and quick engagement, but it still depends on a healthy battery and clean, low‑resistance connections.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to check the battery condition and terminals, and the main engine earth strap—high resistance here can make a good starter look crook. Listen for slow cranking, a single click with no crank, or a grinding noise after the engine fires, these are classic clues of a worn solenoid, tired brushes, a weak battery, or a mis‑engaging drive. If cranking speed varies with headlamps on, that’s a hint to test battery voltage drop and starter current draw.

There’s no fixed replacement interval for a starter, many go 150,000+ km. But if diagnostics point to the starter, replace it with a quality unit and new mounting hardware where specified. During replacement, disconnect the 12‑volt battery, confirm the flywheel ring gear is in good nick, and torque the starter bolts to spec. After refit, verify cold and hot restarts and, on stop‑start cars, confirm smooth and quiet re‑starts in traffic. Keeping the battery fresh and terminals clean is the single biggest win for long starter life in Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

Why the hybrid doesn’t use one: Toyota’s 2020 Yaris Hybrid uses its motor‑generator (MG1), powered by the hybrid battery via the inverter, to spin the petrol engine. Toyota’s New Car Features documentation details this design, which removes the need for a conventional 12‑volt starter and alternator on the hybrid.

Technical sources referenced: Toyota Repair Manual (starter system sections) for Yaris petrol variants, Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (starter assembly listings for M15A‑FKS/1KR‑FE), Toyota New Car Features for Yaris Hybrid (MXPH10/15), which explains MG1‑based engine starting.

• Does a 2020 Yaris Hybrid have a starter motor?

  No. The 2020 Yaris Hybrid cranks the engine using the hybrid motor‑generator (MG1), so there’s no separate 12‑volt starter or alternator to service. The 12‑volt battery still powers ECUs and relays.

• Where is the starter motor on a 2020 Yaris petrol?

  It’s mounted low on the engine/transmission bellhousing area. From above, it’s partly hidden by intake gear, from below, it’s accessible once the under‑tray is off. Always disconnect the battery before touching it.

• What are common signs the starter is failing on a 2020 Yaris?

  Slow or laboured cranking, a sharp click with no crank, or grinding after start. Rule out a weak battery and dodgy earths first, then check starter current draw and voltage drop before replacement.