2015-2016 Ford 6.7L Powerstroke Starters

Starting the 2015-2016 Ford 6.7L Powerstroke

The starter on these trucks draws from two 12-volt batteries rated 750 CCA and 78 amp-hours each. That is a deep reserve, which is why the first checks on a slow or dead crank are battery charge and cable connections, not the starter. Once the engine turns, a cold 6.7L Powerstroke relies on its glow plugs to fire: one per cylinder, and the 96 mm Motorcraft ZD-18 on every 2015-2016 engine. A healthy starter cannot make up for the wrong glow plug.

What fails and why

The sources we rely on do not document a recurring starter failure pattern for 2015-2016, and they show no starter part-number split inside these years. When a starter quits on one of these trucks, treat it as wear, not as a known defect. Separate the two complaints. If the engine will not turn over, work through the starter circuit: batteries, cables, connections, then the starter. If it cranks normally but is hard to fire when cold and sets glow-plug codes, look at the glow plugs. A shorter ZD-17 in an engine built after December 1, 2012 is a documented parts error. The broken glow-plug tips you may read about were an early-production 2011-2012 defect, mostly on chassis cabs.

Stock replacement vs. upgrade

The starters on this page are gear-reduction designs. They suit an owner who wants a built-up replacement on a truck that tows or works every day, and they are just as sensible on a truck whose original starter simply wore out. Since there is no documented weak point that one design fixes, choose on fitment range, finish and the specs listed on each product page.

What we carry

• XDP XD254 HD gear-reduction starter in wrinkle black, listed for 2011-2016 6.7L trucks.
• Mean Green 6696 gear-reduction starter, listed for 2011-2022 6.7L trucks.

Fitment notes

The XDP starter's range stops at 2016, the last year of the steel-body Super Duty, while the Mean Green unit carries through 2022. Each covers 2015-2016 pickups as listed. Chassis cab F-350, F-450 and F-550 models share the 6.7L but are equipped differently from the pickups, so confirm chassis cab coverage on the product page. With no documented starter part-number split for these years, a VIN check is the last step before you order.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a common starter failure on the 2015-2016 6.7L Powerstroke?

Not one the sources document. Our research found no recurring starter or alternator failure pattern for 2015-2016 trucks. If yours has quit, check the batteries, cables and connections before you condemn the starter.

My truck cranks fine but will not start cold. Is the starter bad?

Probably not. A normal crank with a hard cold start and glow-plug codes points at the glow plugs. Every 2015-2016 engine takes the 96 mm ZD-18; a shorter ZD-17 is a documented wrong part, and the plugs should be replaced as a set.

What is the difference between the XDP and Mean Green starters?

Each is a gear-reduction starter for the 6.7L. The XDP XD254 comes in wrinkle black and is listed for 2011-2016; the Mean Green 6696 is listed for 2011-2022. Compare the specs on each product page, or call us and we will help you pick.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.