Where Do You Hit the Starter with a Hammer?

Technical Discussions
1

Seeking Help with a Starter Issue

I’m having some trouble with my car not starting, and I’ve heard that hitting the starter with a hammer can sometimes do the trick. It sounds a bit unconventional, but I’m curious to know:

  • Where exactly do you hit the starter? Is there a specific part of the starter that works best?
  • How hard do I need to hit it? Just a gentle tap or a solid whack?
  • Is this a temporary fix, or can it cause more damage? I’m a bit worried about what could happen if I do this wrong.

I’d appreciate anyone sharing their personal experiences with this method.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

2

Hello everyone! I’m having issues with my starter motor. Sometimes it doesn’t engage at all. Any quick fixes before I resort to hammering it?

3

If you haven’t already, check your battery connections. A loose terminal can cause similar issues, sometimes making the starter act up.

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4

Additionally, listen for a clicking sound when you turn the key. That often indicates the starter solenoid is malfunctioning. It’s a common issue that can be tested without a hammer!

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5

Great point, opeterson! I once had a clicking sound, and it was just dirt around the starter. A quick clean and it was back to normal. Who needs a hammer? :slight_smile:

6

Sometimes, starters can get stuck due to wear and tear. A gentle tap can help, but it’s best to identify the root cause first. Exploring other solutions is always smarter.

7

I’ve had mixed experiences with tapping the starter. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t! I’d recommend checking the fuses too—another common culprit.

8

True, but I’ve encountered starters that just need a good bang. It’s a temporary fix, but hey, it works sometimes!

9

True, but let’s not make hammering a habit! A good mechanic can offer a more reliable solution than just a bang or two. It’s definitely worth a visit if issues persist.

10

Exactly, but let’s be real; sometimes we need that instant fix when we’re in a pinch! What do others think?

11

I’m with you, ydavis! Life is too busy for a trip to the mechanic every time something goes haywire. However, safety first! Always be careful around moving parts.

12

What if the problem is in the ignition switch? Has anyone experienced that? I feel like it gets overlooked too often!

13

Good point! A bad ignition switch can prevent the starter from receiving the signal it needs. Definitely worth checking.

14

But… can we talk about how satisfying it is to give the starter a little love tap? It’s like a mechanical massage! :slight_smile:

15

Haha, omoore! It’s definitely a mix of frustration and fun. Still, don’t forget—long-term issues should be handled properly, not just with a hammer.

16

In my old car, just a few taps did the trick when the starter would stick. It can be a fun way to troubleshoot, but remember to check everything else first.

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17

Absolutely! But let’s also reflect on the fact that a thorough inspection may prevent future hammering sessions altogether!

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18

When hitting a starter, aim for the body of the motor, not the solenoid. A firm strike can sometimes reset the brushes inside. Just make sure to use a rubber mallet if you can to avoid damaging it further!

19

That’s great advice! I’ve also read that hitting it near the solenoid can help, but you have to be careful not to crack anything.

20

Safety first! Make sure the vehicle is off and the keys are out of the ignition. You don’t want to accidentally crank the engine while you’re tapping away!