How to start a car with a broken starter
Your car engine relies heavily on this starter motor to start. There are a few tricks you can use to restart your engine if your starter motor isn’t working properly.
Method 1 – Push
If your car has a manual transmission, this is a pretty reliable way to start the engine. You can also use the push-pull technique on another car if you don’t mind some scratches or dents on the back of your car. But if you have two or three brave people around, a hand push will do the trick. Here’s how it works:
1. Shift the transmission into 3rd or 4th gear.
2. Release the handbrake and fully depress the clutch pedal.
3. Turn the ignition on (or press the start button in start mode).
4. Take your foot off the brake pedal.
5. Now have a friend speed up the car to walking speed.
6. Quickly release the clutch. You should feel the engine start. It will start if there are no other issues.
7. Depress the clutch again to stop.
8. Shift into neutral.
9. Apply the handbrake. Start your engine.
10. Go outside and high-five your friends.
In winter, this method may not work on slippery roads; your tires will simply skid. The push team will also have little to no traction. Finally, a cold engine is hard to start. Your best bet here is to call a tow service.
If your car has an automatic transmission, pushing is not a good idea. Such a starting attempt can cause serious damage to the transmission.
Method 2 – Park your car on a hill (downhill)
You’ll need to do this no matter where you go. Again, your car must have a manual transmission. On a hill, your car will move the same way the pushing method does.
Method 3 – Impact Technique
My old dad had an old Caddy a long time ago. Sometimes he would turn the key and nothing would happen. Inside the trunk was a hardwood log about 4 inches in diameter that had been stripped and varnished (no joke). He took the log out, opened the hood, and started the starter. This jerk seemed to cause the anchor to move inward a little. He dove in again, turned the key. Vroom, and it started.
I remember my dad using this method for several years, even on long trips, until he finally installed a new starter. Maybe it will work for you. Here’s how:
1. Get a wooden dowel about 3 feet long and about 1-1/2 inches in diameter. No painting required.
2. Get a small hammer ready. Keep both safely stored in the trunk.
3. If the starter won’t work, open the hood. Place one end of the dowel into the starter, but not on any electrical connectors or plastic parts.
4. Firmly tap the other end of the dowel with a hammer.
5. Try again using the normal method.
You’ll be amazed at how well this backup method can provide temporary relief in an emergency.