When a starter motor is getting close to the end of its useful life, sporadic cranking problems may occur. If your car won’t start, you may generally start the engine by lightly tapping or hitting the starter with a hammer. This is due to the starter solenoid occasionally becoming jammed, which prevents your engine from starting. But the question is, where should you strike the starter with a hammer?
Well, in this article, we’ll educate you on where to hit the starter with a hammer and also be discussing the answers to its related questions:
- What are the signs that my starter needs to be hit with a hammer?
- Can hit the starter with a hammer damage it?
- How many times should I hit the starter with a hammer?
- Is hitting the starter with a hammer a permanent solution?
So, let’s dive in!
Contents
Where to it the starter with a hammer?
To start the starter, gently tap the starter motor or starter solenoid body. The stalled solenoid moves, makes contact with the starter motor and permits current to flow through it when you strike a starter solenoid body. If a starter motor’s armature has a dead spot on it, striking it with a hammer will shift the armature slightly, putting it in a position where it can make contact and start the engine.
Have someone turn the ignition key on and off continuously while tapping a starter solenoid. Electromagnetic coils, permanent magnets, and carbon brushes will all be harmed if you hit the starter too hard. The hammer trick for starting a car only functions when the starter solenoid is stuck.
What are the signs that my starter needs to be hit with a hammer?
When a specific issue arises, hammering a starter motor is a temporary fix that is occasionally utilized, but it is not a long-term fix and can harm the starter and other parts. In general, it is advised against using such an approach and instead focusing on the root of the problem. However, there are a few symptoms you should look out for if you think your starter motor is having issues:
- No response while turning the key: If you turn the key and there is absolutely no response from the starter—no clicking or other sound—this may point to a problem with the starter motor or its electrical connections.
- Clicking sound: If you try to start your car and hear a clicking noise but the engine won’t turn over, your starter may be bad. Internal parts that have worn out can cause this.
- Grinding sound: Worn-out starter motor gears may make a grinding sound when you try to start the car. This usually happens when the starter gear doesn’t properly engage with the flywheel.
- Slow cranking or sporadic starting: If the engine cranks slowly or starts and stops, it may be a sign that the starter motor isn’t working properly due to worn-out brushes or a weak solenoid.
- Frequent jump-starting: If you frequently need to jump-start your car, it could be an indication that the starter motor is failing. Before assuming that the starter is to blame, it’s crucial to rule out alternative possibilities like a weak battery or a malfunctioning alternator.
Have your car inspected and diagnosed by a trained mechanic if you observe any of these symptoms. They will be able to pinpoint the precise source of the issue and suggest the best course of action, which can entail fixing or changing the starter motor. Keep in mind that hammering the starter motor is not a long-term fix that is trustworthy or advised.
Can hitting the starter with a hammer damage it?
Using a hammer to strike a car’s starter motor could potentially damage it. The starter motor is an electrical device that turns the engine’s flywheel to start the engine. Brushes, commutators, armatures, and solenoids are some of its various parts. Even though lightly tapping the starter motor with a hammer or other similar device might occasionally assist in temporarily resolving specific problems, such as a jammed solenoid or a worn-out contact, it should be done with caution and only as a temporary solution.
In rare cases, a moderate tap will unstick a jammed part, allowing the starter motor to function as intended. However, using too much effort or hammering repeatedly can have the opposite effect. Strong impacts have the potential to harm or misalign the starter motor’s sensitive and precise internal components.
Additionally, it may cause the starter motor to permanently fail, necessitating its replacement. The best course of action, if you’re having issues with the starting motor in your car, is to get in touch with a qualified mechanic who can properly diagnose and fix the problem. They possess the know-how and skills necessary to operate the starter motor effectively and guarantee its proper operation without resulting in additional harm.
How many times should I hit the starter with a hammer?
You are not using your hammer to fix a damaged starter. You are merely making several more attempts to shake it back into functioning. To activate the electromagnet, it is better to tap directly on the solenoid part. Make 3 or 4 taps, and then have someone turn the key to the “start” position to check if it works. You might also try tapping on the starter itself if it still doesn’t function. Have someone try holding the key in the start position as you tap it if it doesn’t solve the problem.
After you start your car in this manner, you should take it to a shop for a thorough repair. The starter requires a mechanic to replace it because it has worn-out brushes or a failed solenoid. This is a useful tip to know, though, so keep it in your back pocket for emergencies or while attempting to avoid a tow cost. You may install a new starter for your vehicle at any auto shop.
Is hitting the starter with a hammer a permanent solution?
As I kept repeating in this article, hitting a starter motor with a hammer is not a permanent solution to fix it. In actuality, it is not a suggested or trustworthy way to fix starter motor problems. Although a few gentle taps on the starter may occasionally momentarily repair a problem brought on by a stuck or jammed gear, it is not a sure fix and can lead to severe harm to the starter or other parts.
It is best to have your starter motor correctly checked and fixed by a licensed mechanic if you are having issues. Starter motor troubles can be brought on by a number of things, including electrical faults, a broken solenoid, worn-out brushes, or an armature that needs to be repaired for a long-term fix.
The starter motor can sustain more significant damage if you try to repair it yourself or employ band-aid fixes like hitting it with a hammer, which may not solve the problem’s underlying cause. To maintain safety and dependable operation, it is always advised to obtain professional assistance for car repairs.
Related Article
- Symptoms Of A Bad Starter
- Starter not engaging: Causes and How to Diagnose the issue
- How to Start a Car with a Bad Starter
- How to Start a Car with a Bad Starter
- Lists of the best portable jump starter for car
- Understanding Engine Starter Motor
- Causes and Symptoms of a bad flywheel
- Is NOS Legal in Cars
Watch the video below to learn more
FAQs
Why do I have to hit my starter with a hammer?
Hitting a starter with a hammer is not a recommended or standard practice. However, some people resort to this method as a temporary fix for a faulty starter. The idea behind it is to jolt the internal components of the starter, particularly the solenoid and the starter motor, in the hope of realigning or freeing any stuck parts that may be preventing the starter from functioning properly.
Where do you hit a starter with a hammer?
Again, hitting a starter with a hammer is not a recommended solution and should be avoided if possible. If you choose to try this method, you would typically strike the metal casing of the starter gently, but with enough force to potentially dislodge any stuck components. However, it is important to note that this is a temporary solution and may not always work. It is best to address the root cause of the starter problem and have it repaired or replaced by a professional.
How do you know if your starter is weak?
There are several signs that may indicate a weak starter:
- Slow cranking: The engine turns over slowly when starting as if the battery is weak.
- Clicking sound: You hear a clicking noise when turning the key in the ignition, but the engine doesn’t crank.
- No response: When you turn the key, there is no noise or response from the starter at all.
- Intermittent starting: The starter works occasionally but fails to engage consistently.
How do you test a starter with a hammer?
Testing a starter with a hammer is not a standard diagnostic procedure. If you suspect a problem with your starter, it is recommended to use appropriate diagnostic tools and techniques. This may involve testing the battery voltage, checking the starter relay, inspecting the wiring connections, or using a starter test bench. If you are not familiar with these procedures, it is advisable to seek assistance from a qualified mechanic.
Does hitting the starter with a hammer work?
Hitting a starter with a hammer is not a guaranteed or long-term solution. While it may temporarily free up stuck components and allow the starter to engage, it does not address the underlying issue causing the starter malfunction. The recommended course of action is to have the starter professionally inspected, repaired, or replaced, depending on the extent of the problem.
What causes a starter not to engage?
Several factors can prevent a starter from engaging:
- Weak battery: A low or discharged battery may not provide enough power to engage the starter motor.
- Faulty starter solenoid: The solenoid is responsible for transmitting the current from the battery to the starter motor. If it fails, the starter won’t engage.
- Wiring issues: Loose or corroded connections, damaged cables, or faulty ignition switches can prevent the starter from receiving power.
- Mechanical problems: Worn-out gears, a faulty Bendix drive (engages the starter motor with the flywheel), or a damaged starter motor can also cause engagement issues.
What causes a starter to spin but not engage?
When the starter motor spins without engaging the flywheel, it is often due to a faulty Bendix drive or a worn-out gear mechanism. The Bendix drive is responsible for extending the starter motor’s gear into the flywheel’s teeth, allowing them to mesh and turn the engine. If the Bendix drive is damaged or worn, it may not extend properly, preventing engagement with the flywheel.
What are two symptoms that would indicate a faulty starter solenoid?
A faulty starter solenoid can manifest in various ways. Two common symptoms include:
- Clicking sound: When you turn the key to start the engine, you may hear a rapid clicking sound from the starter area. This indicates that the solenoid is receiving the electrical signal but failing to engage the starter motor.
- No response: When you turn the key, there is no noise or any sign of the starter motor attempting to engage. This lack of response could indicate a faulty solenoid that is not transmitting the electrical current to the starter motor.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other issues, such as a weak battery or faulty wiring, so a proper diagnosis is recommended.
Why does my starter engage but not turn the flywheel?
If the starter engages but fails to turn the flywheel, it typically indicates a problem with the starter motor itself. Possible causes include:
- Worn-out or damaged starter motor brushes: Over time, the brushes in the starter motor can wear out, leading to poor contact and insufficient power to turn the flywheel.
- Faulty armature: The armature, which is responsible for rotating the starter motor, may be damaged or worn, preventing it from turning the flywheel.
- Mechanical obstruction: There could be a physical obstruction, such as a stuck gear or debris, that is preventing the starter motor from engaging the flywheel properly.
So, that is all for this article, in which we looked at where to hit the starter with a hammer. Even so, the answers to the following questions will be discussed!
