Valeo Applications Only
The listing specifies that this replacement is intended for Valeo-manufactured starter applications.
Before ordering, inspect the original starter for:
- Valeo manufacturer identification
- Kia or Hyundai OE number
- Mounting-flange design
- Solenoid position
- Electrical-terminal layout
- Pinion tooth count
- Starter nose length
Some vehicles may use different starter suppliers during the same model year. A matching year and engine do not guarantee that both versions interchange.
Replacement Part Numbers
This starter replaces or cross-references:
- Kia
36100-2G300 - Kia
36100-2G300RU - Hyundai
36100-2G300 - Valeo
1209422 16037N16037
The RU suffix may identify a remanufactured or replacement variation. Match the complete number whenever possible.
Starter Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 12 volts |
| Rated output | 1.2 kW |
| Rotation | Clockwise |
| Pinion teeth | 11 |
| Original manufacturer type | Valeo application |
| Condition | New replacement |
| Warranty | One year |
Rotation should be interpreted according to the starter supplier’s viewing convention. Confirm the physical configuration rather than relying solely on “CW.”
1.2-kW Starting Motor
The starter uses a 1.2-kW motor designed to provide consistent cranking power for the listed naturally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder engines.
Actual cranking performance depends on:
- Battery state of charge
- Battery cold-cranking capacity
- Cable condition
- Engine and chassis grounds
- Engine temperature
- Oil viscosity
- Internal engine condition
- Starter-circuit voltage drop
A new starter will not compensate for a weak battery or corroded ground cable.
Eleven-Tooth Pinion
The starter uses an 11-tooth drive gear. The pinion must match the engine’s ring-gear configuration and engage at the correct depth.
An incompatible starter may cause:
- Grinding during cranking
- Pinion failure to engage
- Starter motor spinning without turning the engine
- Damaged ring-gear teeth
- Starter run-on
- Intermittent engagement
Stop testing immediately if the starter grinds after installation.
Diagnosing a Failed Starter
Common starter-related symptoms include:
- A single click without cranking
- Intermittent no-crank condition
- Slow cranking with a known-good battery
- Starter spinning without engaging
- Grinding during startup
- Starting only after several attempts
- Smoke or burning odor near the starter
- Abnormal current draw
Similar symptoms can also result from:
- Discharged battery
- Corroded battery terminals
- Damaged positive cable
- Poor engine ground
- Faulty starter relay
- Ignition-switch failure
- Park/Neutral switch fault
- Clutch-interlock problem
- Immobilizer issue
- Damaged flywheel or flexplate teeth
- Seized engine
Test the battery and starting circuit before replacing the starter. Otherwise, the new starter may be blamed for faithfully reproducing the same electrical problem.
Battery and Voltage-Drop Tests
Before installation, inspect:
- Battery open-circuit voltage
- Battery load-test results
- Positive-cable voltage drop
- Negative-cable voltage drop
- Starter trigger voltage
- Engine-to-body ground
- Battery terminal condition
- Main fuse and starter relay
Excessive cable resistance can cause slow or intermittent cranking even when the starter itself is functional.
Installation Preparation
Before removing the original starter:
- Confirm the model year and engine.
- Check the eighth VIN character.
- Record the OE starter number.
- Verify that the original unit is a Valeo application.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Photograph the cable positions.
- Compare the replacement mounting flange and terminals.
- Obtain the correct torque specifications.
- Inspect whether new mounting hardware is needed.
Installation Overview
A typical replacement involves:
- Disconnecting the negative battery cable.
- Raising and safely supporting the vehicle when required.
- Removing shields or underbody panels.
- Labeling the starter electrical connections.
- Removing the main battery cable and trigger wire.
- Supporting the starter while removing its mounting bolts.
- Comparing the original and replacement units.
- Inspecting visible ring-gear teeth.
- Installing the new starter.
- Torquing the mounting bolts correctly.
- Reconnecting and protecting the electrical terminals.
- Reinstalling all shields and brackets.
- Reconnecting the battery.
- Testing starter engagement.
The main battery cable is continuously powered when the battery is connected. Disconnecting it first helps prevent the wrench from developing a brief welding career.
Quality-Control Claims
The seller states that every starter is tested for:
- Electrical performance
- Voltage stability
- Starting operation
- Compliance with original-equipment specifications
These should be presented as manufacturer claims unless independent test documentation is available.
Warranty Coverage
The listing includes a one-year manufacturer warranty covering manufacturing defects.
Before purchasing, confirm:
- Warranty start date
- Proof-of-purchase requirements
- Shipping responsibility
- Labor reimbursement
- Diagnostic documentation
- Commercial-use exclusions
- Whether the replacement restarts the warranty period
The seller directs customers to request support through the Amazon vendor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vehicles does this starter fit?
It fits select Kia Optima and Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Elantra N, Veloster N and Kona N models with the exact engines listed above.
Does it fit every 2016–2018 Kia Optima?
No. The supplied fitment specifies the 2.4L engine with VIN code 3.
Does it fit a Kia Optima Hybrid?
No confirmed Hybrid or Plug-In Hybrid compatibility is provided.
Does it fit every 2017–2022 Kia Sportage?
No. Engine and VIN-code verification are required.
Does it fit a standard Hyundai Elantra?
No. The supplied application identifies the 2.0L turbocharged Elantra N—not the standard Elantra or N Line.
Does it fit the Veloster Turbo?
The listing specifies the Veloster N. Standard Veloster and Veloster Turbo fitment should not be assumed.
Does it fit the Kona N Line?
No confirmed N Line compatibility is provided. The listing identifies the full Kona N with the 2.0L turbo engine and VIN code H.
What starter number should I match?
Look for 36100-2G300, 36100-2G300RU, 1209422, 16037N, or 16037.
What are the electrical specifications?
The starter operates at 12 volts and is rated at 1.2 kW.
How many teeth does it have?
It uses an 11-tooth pinion.
Final Verdict
This 1.2-kW replacement starter covers a useful group of Kia and Hyundai four-cylinder applications, including several high-performance Hyundai N models. Its 11-tooth pinion and Valeo interchange numbers provide the most useful fitment identifiers.
Confirm the engine, VIN code and original starter manufacturer before ordering. The performance-model names require particular care: Elantra N, Veloster N and Kona N fitment should never be extended automatically to standard or N Line versions.
Visit My Pro Street for additional starter diagnostics, battery testing and replacement-part guides.
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