One day, your starter decides it’s had enough. It’s been grinding and groaning for weeks, and today it finally gives out. One minute you’re happily clicking along in your browser; the next, you’re staring at a blank white screen. Don’t worry – all is not lost! With a little help from your trusty hammer, you can fix that starter and get back to work in no time. Here’s how:
(Note: be sure to read through the whole blog post before getting started; this is just a quick overview!)
Table of Contents
What Is a Starter?
A starter on a vehicle is a device that helps the engine to start. It typically includes a battery, solenoid, and starter motor. The starter motor engages the engine’s flywheel to start the engine. If your vehicle has a manual transmission, the starter may also include a clutch that engages the flywheel.
Starters are an essential part of any vehicle, and without one, your car wouldn’t be able to start. If you’re having trouble starting your car, it could be due to a problem with the starter. Be sure to have it checked out by a mechanic to avoid any further issues.
Signs and Symptoms of a Bad Starter
Engine Won’t Turn Over
One of the most common starter problems is a burned-out relay or motor. This can happen if the engine is cranked for too long, or if there’s an electrical problem. If you turn the key and nothing happens, this is one of the first things you should check.
Noise
If your car’s starter is making any kind of noise other than a quiet hum, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Clicking, grinding, or whirring noises are all indicative of a problem with the starter.
In many cases, a noisy starter is simply due to a loose connection between the battery and the starter. Check your battery terminals to make sure they’re clean and tight. If they appear to be corroded, you may need to clean them or replace them entirely.
If the connections are good and the noise is still there, it’s likely that the starter itself is going bad. This usually happens because the armature inside the starter has worn out. When this happens, it’s time to replace the starter.
Intermittent Issues
One of the most common signs that your starter may be going bad is intermittent issues starting the vehicle. If your car starts fine most of the time but occasionally has trouble getting going, it could be a sign that the starter motor is struggling to do its job. If you’re experiencing this problem, it’s important to have the system checked by a professional as soon as possible because you might reach your office just fine, but the car will give up on you on your way back.
Smoke
Is your car’s starter releasing smoke? This could be a sign of a blown starter fuse or a worn-out fusible link. Excessive current in the starter circuit can damage both the fuse and the link, causing smoke to be released.
Starter Engages, But Motor Won’t Start
Another sign is when your starter engages, but the motor doesn’t start. A gear that is connected to the flywheel may have stripped or become dislodged against the flywheel, causing the issue. If this is the case, you’ll need to replace the starter. You may also need to replace the flywheel.
Battery
If your engine won’t turn over, but you have power to your lights and other accessories, the problem may be with your battery. A weak or dead battery will prevent the starter from turning over the engine.
Oil Leak
An oil-soaked starter is a sign of a bad starter. The problem is typically a slow oil leak in the engine’s rear main seal. This can cause the starter to fail and will require replacement. In some cases, an oil-soaked starter may be caused by a faulty oil pressure sensor or switch. If this is the case, replacement of the sensor or switch may be required.
How to Start a Car With a Bad Starter
Have you ever been in a situation where your car wouldn’t start because the starter was bad? It’s not a fun experience, but there are some ways that you can try to start your car anyway. Now that we’ve talked about what a starter is and the symptoms of a bad starter, we’ll go over four different methods that you can use to start a car with a bad starter. Hopefully, one of these methods will work for you, and you’ll be on your way!
Check the Connections
If you’re having trouble starting your car, it may be due to a bad starter. Before you call a tow truck or mechanic, try checking the battery terminals to make sure they’re secure. If they’re loose, tighten them with a wrench.
Next, check the positive cable connecting the battery to the starter. This cable is usually divided into chords, one that goes to the alternator and one that goes to the starter.
If the connection appears to be weak, try to locate where it’s coming undone and reattach it.
If you can’t find the problem, you can try bypassing the starter. To do this, connect the positive cable directly to the battery terminal. The ignition should be switched on now.
Look at Engine & Body Grounds
The ground connection supplies power to the starter through the transmission. If this connection is damaged, loose, or rusty, it can create an open circuit within the starter, preventing the engine from starting.
To check for a problem with the ground connection, first, inspect the ground wire between the battery and the car’s body. If this connection is loose or corroded, it may need to be cleaned or replaced. You can also check the ground between the transmission and the engine block. If this connection is damaged or loose, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
Check the Solenoid Cable Carefully on The Starter
If you find that your car’s starter is having difficulty engaging, it may be due to grime and rust built up on the solenoid cable. This can happen over time as the solenoid constantly engages and disengages. To clean the solenoid cable, first, disconnect it from the battery. Next, use a wire brush to remove any rust and grime from the cable. Finally, reconnect the cable to the battery and test the starter again. If it still does not work properly, you may need to replace the starter.
Examine For Corrosion
Over time, drops of acid can build up on the engine’s electrical connectors and terminals, causing corrosion that can affect the conductivity of electricity.
To clean the terminals and connectors, mix water and sodium bicarbonate in a bowl and use it to wash the terminal head. Clean for a brief period of time, then rinse with pure hot water. If there is significant corrosion, you may need to repeat this process more than once.
Softly Thump The Starter With A Hammer
One of the most common methods for getting a starter to work again is to thump it softly with a hammer. This is usually done while simultaneously cranking the car. The reason this works is that starters can develop inactive spots in between the field coils and armature. Tapping gives life to the armature and allows it to rotate and start functioning.
Although this method has worked over the years, new cars often have a transverse engine rather than the regular longitudinal engine. This means that the thumping trick won’t work because the starter is positioned differently. If you have a car with a transverse engine, you’ll need to take it to a mechanic to have the starter replaced.
Jump Start the Vehicle
If your car has a bad starter, it can be difficult to get it running. However, there are a few ways you can jump start the car to get it going.
One way to jump start the car is to use another car’s battery and jumper cables. First, you’ll need to find another car with a working battery. Then, you’ll need to connect the negative terminal of the good battery to the negative terminal of the bad battery. Next, connect the positive terminal of the good battery to the positive terminal of the bad battery. Finally, start the engine of the good car and let it run for a few minutes. After a few minutes, try starting the engine of the car with the bad starter.
Another way to jump start the car is to use a portable jump starter. This is a battery-powered device that you can use to jump start the car. To use it, you’ll need to connect the positive and negative terminals of the jump starter to the positive and negative terminals of the bad battery. Once you’ve done that, you can turn on the jump starter and try to start the engine of the car.
Ask Someone to Push Your Car
If you have a car with a bad starter, there is a way to start the car without replacing the starter. You will need to push the car to start it.
- Park the car on a level surface and set the parking brake.
- Put the car in neutral gear.
- Have someone else push the car while you turn the key to start the engine. The car should start within a few seconds. If it doesn’t, check the battery and connections to make sure they are all working properly.
- Once the car is started, let it idle for a few minutes to charge the battery before driving off.
Examine the Flywheel
If you’re having trouble starting your car, one potential issue could be the flywheel of the engine. The flywheel is a large wheel that’s attached to the crankshaft and helps keep the engine in sync. If it’s damaged or missing teeth, it may not be able to engage with the starter gear properly, preventing the engine from starting.
To check for damage to the flywheel, remove the electric motor and set the car transmission at neutral. Ask someone to rotate the center bolt of the crankshaft pulley while you observe the flywheel. Look for any damaged or missing teeth that could be causing starting issues. If you find damage, it’s likely you’ll need to replace the flywheel before your car starts again.
How Can You Start a Car With a Bad Starter by Softly Thumping the Starter With A Hammer?
One of the most common methods for getting a starter to work again is to thump it softly with a hammer. This is usually done while simultaneously cranking the car. The reason this works is that starters can develop inactive spots in between the field coils and armature. Tapping gives life to the armature and allows it to rotate and start functioning.
Although this method has worked over the years, new cars often have a transverse engine rather than the regular longitudinal engine. This means that the thumping trick won’t work because the starter is positioned differently. If you have a car with a transverse engine, you’ll need to take it to a mechanic to have the starter replaced.
Bad Starter Replacement Cost
If your starter is going bad, you may be wondering how much it will cost to replace it. The truth is, the cost can vary quite a bit depending on the extent of the damage and whether you decide to do the work yourself or hire a professional.
Generally speaking, you can expect to spend between $200 and $1,500 to replace a bad starter. The new starter itself will likely cost between $50 and $400, while labor costs can run anywhere from $150 to $1,100.
Final Words
Now you know how to fix a starter with a hammer. However, it’s important to be careful when using a hammer on your starter, as you don’t want to damage it. In some cases, other methods may be more effective, such as jump-starting your car. If you’re not sure how to proceed, it’s always best to consult a professional mechanic.
