Yes, you can sometimes temporarily "wake up" a failing car starter by hitting it with a hammer or wrench (gently!), a classic trick that can dislodge stuck internal components like brushes or the solenoid plunger, letting it make contact and crank the engine; it's a temporary fix to get you moving, not a permanent repair, as the starter needs replacement soon.
What you actually need to bang on is the solenoid which is usually connected directly to the starter motor itself. When this solenoid starts to fail it starts to stick. Whacking it dislodges whatever is causing it to stick allowing it to make contact and power the starter motor.
It definitely works, but be careful when doing it and avoid certain parts of the starter (such as the wiring, any seams, the mounting locations, etc.). Basically, use a bit of common sense, and remember that consistently required percussive maintenance is a sure sign that the motor/solenoid is slowly dying.
Mallet or hammer: These are useful when tapping the starter to start cars, as they can free up stuck components.
To clarify, you aren't going to fix a starter with your hammer, but as I've shared, I've sometimes gotten them going again. I start with some very light taps on the solenoid portion, and then I try to start the car. Just 3 or 4 taps is all it should take.
If you have a manual transmission, push-start your car to bypass the starter and get the engine started. If you have an automatic transmission, gently tap on the starter repeatedly with a hammer or piece of scrap wood. This should knock debris or corrosion loose so you can start the car.
Get breakdown cover with us and you'll be able to call us out for starter motor problems.
Common Signs of a Bad Starter Motor
When you turn the key, the engine should crank. If you hear a clicking sound but the engine doesn't turn over, it could indicate a bad starter motor. Grinding Noise: A grinding noise when starting the car may suggest a problem with the starter gear not engaging properly.
Jumper Cables for a Dead Battery. Nothing can jumpstart a car faster than a set of jumper cables. These cables are inexpensive (around $20), easy to use, and with a little help from another vehicle, they can get you back on the road quickly.
Using a medium weighted tap is more than enough, as it doesn't take an extraordinary amount of force to jar the brushes to contact the commutator. If you do not have a hammer handy, if you are away from home, use a heavy metal object like the tire iron in your car to give it a little tap.
If it doesn't start, your starter may be the problem, since no matter how charged the battery is, your car won't start without a working starter. If it does start, but dies when unhooking the jumper cables, your alternator likely isn't providing the current your vehicle needs to keep running.
When you tap on the starter housing, the vibration allows the starter to move internally to a point where that contact can happen, the starter beings to turn and all is well... until the next time the starter reaches that certain spot.
Bench testing a starter is a very simple procedure, especially if you already have the starter off the vehicle. This is an off-vehicle test so you need to remove the starter from the vehicle.
Battery corrosion: Can mimic starter symptoms if ignored. Damaged or worn-out parts in the starter system: If you have aged or worn parts in your starter system that fail, this can affect your vehicle's ability to start. Oil leaks: Leaky oil can soak and ruin the starter.
Yes, you can by using a portable jump starter or a battery charger. What safety precautions should I take when jump-starting my car alone? Wear safety gloves and goggles, and follow proper procedures to avoid sparks and potential battery acid exposure.
Dirty Motor
Grime, dust, and small metal fragments can cause damage to the electrical system between the battery and the starter. This restriction of power can lead to starter failure.
The most common reason for that rapid clicking noise is a dead battery. However, a single click could mean a malfunctioning starter motor or something even more ominous.
Grinding noises, like metal chewing on metal, often indicate that the starter's gears aren't engaging properly with the flywheel. A single, loud click usually indicates a faulty starter solenoid responsible for engaging the starter.
Parasitic Drain
While some drain is normal—for instance, your alarm system—it can escalate if faulty wiring or malfunctioning accessories constantly draw power. What kills your car battery faster is often unnoticed parasitic drains from electronics left on or faulty components.
If the starter motor fails while you are away from home, you can contact a mobile mechanic or roadside assistance service. They can help diagnose the issue and perform temporary repairs or arrange towing if necessary.