You know that feeling. You turn your key or push the button… and nothing happens. Your car just sits there, silent, like it’s ignoring you. This moment can be so frustrating, especially if you’re late for work or stuck somewhere. The good news? There is a way out. Even if your starter is bad, there are real tricks and methods to get your engine running. In this article, you’ll learn exactly what to do, even if you’re not a car expert. Whether you’re in your driveway or stranded in a parking lot, you’ll find simple and clear steps that really work.
Check the Battery First
When your car won’t start, the first thing many people think is, ‘Oh no, it’s the starter!’ But wait — sometimes, the battery is actually the problem, not the starter. A weak or dead battery can act just like a bad starter. It won’t give enough power for the starter motor to turn over the engine. So, before blaming the starter, let’s take a closer look at the battery.
Start by turning on your headlights. If they’re dim or flickering, your battery is likely low. Try turning on the interior lights or radio. If they don’t work or sound weak, again, the battery might be the issue. Now, if you have a multimeter, use it to check the battery voltage. A healthy car battery should read around 12.6 volts or a little more when the car is off. If it’s much lower, that’s your first problem.
What can you do if the battery is low? You can try jump-starting the car. Use jumper cables and another car with a good battery. Make sure the red and black cables are placed properly. Red goes to the positive (+) terminal, black to the negative (–). Start the helper car, wait a few minutes, then try starting your car. Sometimes this works even when the starter is a little weak.
Another thing to check is the battery connections. Make sure the cables are tight and clean. If there’s white or green stuff around the battery posts, that’s corrosion. Use a battery cleaning brush or an old toothbrush with baking soda and water to clean it off. Corrosion can block power flow and make it look like your starter is dead.
Also, look at the battery age. If it’s more than 3 to 5 years old, it might be time for a new one. Batteries don’t last forever.
- Check lights and radio for power signs
- Use a multimeter if possible
- Try jump-starting the car
- Clean corroded battery terminals
- Make sure battery cables are tight
- Replace old or weak battery
Try the Tap Method
You may not believe it, but sometimes, a simple tap can bring your car back to life. Yes, really! When a starter motor is beginning to fail, it might have parts inside that are stuck or not connecting well. A small tap can jolt these parts into working — at least for now. It’s not a fix, but it can get you going in an emergency.
Here’s how to do it. First, you need to locate the starter. It’s usually found near the bottom of the engine, often where the engine and transmission meet. If you’re not sure what it looks like, search pictures of your car model’s starter online or check your car manual. In many cars, it looks like a small metal cylinder with wires attached to it.
Now, grab something like a long metal rod, a tire iron, or even the end of a broomstick. If you have a hammer or heavy wrench, use that to gently tap the rod against the starter. Don’t go banging hard — this isn’t about breaking anything. Just a firm tap. Sometimes, you’ll need a helper to turn the key while you tap the starter. If you’re alone, tap and then rush to try starting the car yourself.
This method works because sometimes the brushes inside the starter aren’t making full contact. A tap can help line things up just enough to start the engine. Again, it’s a temporary fix, but many people have driven for days using this trick — just tapping each time before starting.
Also, be safe while doing this. Make sure the car is in Park (or Neutral if it’s manual), and the parking brake is on. Avoid touching any live wires or hot engine parts.
- Locate the starter under the car
- Use a metal rod or stick to reach it
- Tap the starter gently with a wrench or hammer
- Have someone try starting the car during the tap
- Always make sure safety first (car in Park, brake on)
- This is a temporary fix but often works
Try Push Starting (Manual Cars Only)
If you drive a manual transmission (stick shift), you’re lucky. You can often start your car even if the starter is bad. This trick is called push starting or bump starting. It’s been around for a long time and still works today.
Here’s how it works: Instead of using the starter to crank the engine, you use the wheels to do the job by getting the car rolling. First, make sure you’re in a safe, open area with a little downhill slope if possible. You’ll also need one or two people to help push — unless you’re on a hill.
Start by turning the ignition key to the ‘on’ position. Press the clutch pedal down and shift the gear into second gear. You can use first gear, but second gear gives a smoother start. Now, get the car moving. If you have people helping, they’ll push. If you’re on a hill, release the brake and let the car roll.
Once you’re moving — aim for at least 5 to 10 mph — quickly release the clutch pedal while pressing down lightly on the gas pedal. This action forces the engine to turn, which can start the car. If done right, the engine should roar to life. If it doesn’t work the first time, try again. Sometimes it takes a couple of tries.
After the engine starts, keep it running and drive straight to a mechanic or home. Don’t shut it off until you’re sure you’re safe.
Remember: this only works for manual cars. It won’t work on automatic cars at all.
- Only works for manual transmission
- Turn ignition to ‘on’ and press clutch
- Shift into second gear
- Get the car moving (push or roll down hill)
- Release clutch while pressing gas
- Engine should start from motion
Check and Wiggle the Connections
Sometimes it’s not your starter or battery that’s the problem. It’s the wiring. Your car needs strong, clean electrical connections to work. If wires are loose or corroded, your starter won’t get enough power — even if everything else is fine.
Start by opening the hood and looking at the battery terminals again. Make sure the cables are tightly connected. Try wiggling them a bit — if they move easily, they need tightening. Use a wrench to make them snug but not overly tight.
Now, follow the wire from the positive terminal (the red one). This wire often leads straight to the starter motor. Check along this wire for any signs of damage, burning, or corrosion. Sometimes, squirrels or mice can even chew through wires!
Look at the ground wire too. This is the black wire that runs from the battery to a metal part of the car frame. If this wire is loose or rusted, the starter can’t get a good connection. Remove it and clean the metal with sandpaper or a wire brush. Then tighten it back down.
Under the car, if you can safely reach the starter motor, check the smaller wire that plugs into it. This is the signal wire that tells the starter to work when you turn the key. If this wire is loose or dirty, the starter won’t move.
Wiggling these wires while someone turns the key can sometimes help make the connection work — like jiggling an old power cord into place. But again, this is a short-term fix. If it works, you should still visit a mechanic soon.
- Make sure battery cables are tight
- Follow wires to check for damage or corrosion
- Clean any rusted or dirty connections
- Check ground wire and clean contact point
- Wiggle wires while trying to start
- A loose wire can stop everything
Use a Remote Starter Switch
A remote starter switch is a tool you can buy for cheap online or at an auto parts store. It’s made to help you start your car directly, bypassing the ignition switch. If your ignition switch is faulty or the starter needs direct power, this tool might save your day.
To use one, you’ll need to find the starter motor and the terminals on it. Most starter motors have two posts. One is for the battery power, and one is for the signal. A remote starter switch has two alligator clips. One clip goes on the battery terminal of the starter, and the other goes on the signal post.
Once clipped, you press the button on the remote switch, and it sends power straight to the starter — just like turning the key. If the starter is still working, this can fire up your engine even if your key won’t.
This tool is handy not just for emergencies but for testing too. If your car doesn’t start with the key but does with the switch, the problem might be your ignition switch or wiring. If it still doesn’t start, the starter is likely completely dead.
Always be careful. Only try this when the car is in Park or Neutral, and make sure you’re not touching any moving engine parts.
- Buy a remote starter switch
- Find the starter motor terminals
- Connect clips to power and signal posts
- Press the button to try starting the car
- Great for testing starter vs ignition switch
- Use with care and safety
Call for Help or Replace the Starter
If none of the above tricks work, it’s probably time for the big step: either call for help or get the starter replaced. A bad starter can fail slowly, but once it goes completely, no trick will work. That’s when you have to decide — fix it yourself or get a tow.
Calling a tow truck or roadside service might be your best option if you’re stuck. Many auto insurance plans cover towing. Once at a shop, a mechanic can test your starter and replace it quickly. Most starter replacements take about 1-2 hours.
If you want to replace it yourself, you’ll need some tools and time. First, disconnect the battery. Then locate the starter, usually under the car. Remove the wires connected to it, unbolt the old starter, and bolt in the new one. Make sure everything is tight and connected before trying to start.
Starters usually cost $50 to $200 depending on the car, and labor at a shop can add $100 to $300. Doing it yourself saves money, but only if you’re confident and safe.
- If nothing works, starter might be fully dead
- Call for a tow if you’re stuck
- A shop can replace it quickly
- DIY replacement saves money
- Always disconnect battery before trying
- Starters are not too expensive
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a bad starter can feel like a nightmare, especially when you’re in a hurry or far from home. But now you know — there are ways to get your car going again. Whether you’re tapping the starter, jumping the battery, or rolling down a hill in a stick shift, you’ve got real options. These are not just random tips. They’re time-tested methods real drivers use every day. Still, remember that all these are short-term fixes. When your car is back home or safe, make sure to get the starter checked or replaced so you don’t get stuck again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to keep starting a car with a bad starter?
Starting a car with a bad starter repeatedly is not ideal. While methods like tapping or push starting can help in emergencies, they are only short-term fixes. Each time you use these methods, especially tapping, you risk doing more damage to the internal parts of the starter. Over time, it can lead to complete starter failure. Also, using these tricks too often can cause damage to your car’s battery, ignition system, or even electrical connections. It’s always best to use these methods only to get the car to a safe location or repair shop. Once you’re there, get the starter replaced or repaired as soon as possible to avoid future issues.
Can I jump-start a car with a bad starter?
You can try, but jump-starting usually only helps if the battery is the real problem. If the starter itself is failing or broken, adding more battery power won’t help much. However, in some cases, if your starter is just weak, jump-starting can provide the extra power it needs to crank the engine one more time. So, it’s worth trying — especially if you’re not sure whether the battery or starter is the issue. Just make sure the jumper cables are connected correctly and you’re using a good battery from another car. If it works, drive the car to a repair shop right away.
Do I need to replace the starter right away?
If the starter still works sometimes, you might feel like putting it off. But waiting too long can leave you stuck in a parking lot or worse. A starter that fails once will usually fail again — and often at the worst possible time. Replacing the starter as soon as you notice signs like slow cranking, clicking sounds, or no sound at all when turning the key is smart. Fixing it early can save you from being stranded, needing a tow, or damaging other parts of the car.
Is it expensive to fix a bad starter?
It depends on your car and whether you do it yourself. A new starter can cost anywhere from $50 to $200. If you go to a shop, labor can add $100 to $300. So total repair costs might be between $150 and $500. Some luxury or foreign cars may cost more. Doing it yourself can save money, but it requires tools and some knowledge. For most people, the cost is worth it to avoid the stress of a car that won’t start.
Can I use a hammer every time to start my car?
Using a hammer or tapping tool is a trick that sometimes works, but it’s not a long-term solution. You might be able to get your car started once or twice using this method, but each time you do it, you’re risking more damage to the starter or surrounding parts. This trick works because the internal parts inside the starter shift just enough to make contact. But eventually, they’ll wear out completely. If you find yourself using this trick more than once, it’s time to plan for a proper fix.
Do I need a mechanic to replace a starter?
Not always. If you’re comfortable working with tools and you know where your starter is located, you can try replacing it yourself. It’s a job that usually takes 1 to 2 hours. But keep in mind that some starters are hard to reach, especially on certain models. If you don’t have ramps, jacks, or the right tools, or if you’re unsure, it’s best to have a mechanic do it. It ensures everything is installed correctly and safely.
Can I keep driving with a bad starter?
You might be able to drive for a short time if your car still starts, but it’s risky. A starter can fail without warning. One day it starts after a few tries, and the next day it won’t start at all. If you’re out of town or in a remote area, that can become a big problem. It’s best to drive directly to a repair shop or home and avoid turning off the engine until you’re somewhere safe.
Is it the starter or the battery causing the issue?
This is one of the most confusing parts. Both battery and starter problems can make the car not start. If you hear clicking or nothing at all when you turn the key, it could be either. If your lights are dim, radio won’t turn on, or battery is old, it’s likely the battery. But if your lights work fine and you still hear clicking or silence, it’s probably the starter. Jump-starting can help tell the difference. If jump-starting works, the battery was weak. If not, the starter is likely bad.