Starters

An engine cannot crank without a powerful, reliable starter to drive it.

How to install
How they work
Features and benefits
Types and characteristics
Catalogues and leaflets
Installation and fault finding
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Starters

How they work

DENSO has been working to develop commercial automotive starters since the early 1960s. Developing innovations that have set new standards in the market, our starters offer optimum power output in smaller, lighter units, meaning car manufacturers can benefit from superior engine efficiency without compromising vehicle performance.

To start an engine, an external force is required. The starter works by driving a built-in motor using the vehicle battery. This creates power and starts the engine by providing rotational speed at or above a set value. Despite its large output, the starter is very small as it is only needed for this short and essential operation.


DSN967 3 D

Features and benefits

  • Manufactured to premium specifications.
  • Small, lightweight design with optimal power output.
  • Developed with unique, market-leading technologies.
OE quality
With premium quality and an advanced design, DENSO starters always meet or exceed OE quality, which means they are the product of choice for global car makers.
Innovative technologies
Our starters are engineered to provide optimal performance in a small, lightweight design. They are also suitable for installation in modern stop-start systems.
Optimized range of parts
With unrivalled Toyota coverage and a wide range in the European market, our starters are an ideal fit for many car model types.

Types and characteristics

DENSO starters are designed with unique technologies and made to premium specification standards to ensure maximum engine efficiency journey after journey.

Starters types

Planetary starter (PA)

This starter uses planetary gears between the overrunning clutch and armature as a deceleration mechanism. A shock absorber absorbs the force associated with the increased deceleration ratio. This type of starter is small, light, easily mountable and produces low cranking noise.

DSN967 3 D
Reduction starter (RA)

The size and weight of the motor is reduced by this high-speed design, an improved deceleration ratio and a heat resistant electric wire. It also has a cold-forged spline, which reduces the size of the magnetic switch

DENSO Starter example image

Characteristics

Our small, lightweight starters are designed to perform under extreme cold and harsh conditions, meet high electrical requirements and provide maximum cranking torque under all conditions.

Catalogues and leaflets

To find out more about Starters browse the Downloads Area section. Click here.

Installation and fault finding

Installing and fixing a starter is not a complex procedure, but it should not be overlooked. It is essential to maintain an engine’s starting performance. Find out more about the process below.

Replacement

Find out how to remove an old starter and install a new DENSO starter correctly.

  1. Identify each wire connection and note the location of each on the starter.

  2. Disconnect and remove the battery cable from the starter.

  3. Disconnect and remove all other wires from the starter.

  4. Loosen the starter mounting bolts. Do not remove the bolts yet.

  5. Support the starter and remove the bolts holding the starter in place. Set the bolts and starter aside. Be sure to note the fastener size and location before removing the starter.

  6. Inspect the flywheel or flexplate ring gear through the starter mounting port for tooth damage. Replace as necessary.

  1. Physically compare the replacement starter to the original starter. Compare the wire connector locations, front housing clocking, adjusting hole locations and drain hole position to the original starter.

  2. Support the starter and fasten it into position. Torque the mounting bolts to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended specifications.

  3. Reconnect the previously removed wires to their proper location on the starter. Be sure there is no interference between the wire harness and other components. Torque all threaded fasteners to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended specifications.

  4. Reconnect the battery cable to its proper location on the starter. Do not overtighten the battery cable retaining nut. See the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended specifications for correct torque value.

  5. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery. Do not overtighten the negative battery cable. See the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended specifications for correct torque value.

  6. Check the starter for proper operation.

Rotating starter garage

Fault finding

Find and fix starter faults quickly.

  1. Dead or discharged battery.

  2. Dirty or corroded connections, loose connections or poor contacts.

  3. High resistance in the starting system (positive, negative or control circuit).

  4. Mechanical problem in the engine.

  5. Starter problems.

A malfunctioning starter can display a range of different symptoms. It may rotate but not crank the engine, or rotate too slowly. It may be making an abnormal noise that needs investigation. It may not rotate at all and have a noisy or silent magnetic switch. Always refer to the appropriate vehicle manufacturer's service manual for specific information relating to starting system diagnostic procedures and safety precautions for that vehicle.

To prevent any failures in your starter, make sure the battery is always well charged and that the connections to the starter are well maintained. Checking for any excessive wear or damage is also recommended during a service to make sure the flywheel or flexplate ring gear and starter pinion gear are operating correctly.

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