The frustration of turning the key in the ignition only to be met with silence is a situation many drivers have faced. It can pain especially when you are in a hurry to go somewhere important.
Imagine parking in an isolated place to ease yourself, only for your car not to start afterward. You may have to resort to any alternative way to get the car started such as tapping the starter.
So, the question is, can you tap the starter to start the car, and how long will tapping the starter work?
Yes, you can tap the starter to make it work. However, you can tap the starter about 4 to 5 times with a tool such as a hammer or a wrench to start the engine. Tapping it 4 – 5 times will make the starter work.
Can You Tap the Starter to Start the Engine?
Yes, you can tap the starter to start the engine. However, tapping the starter may temporarily work in some situations, but it’s not a reliable or recommended solution to starter problems.
It’s better to fix the issue that prevented the car from starting rather than relying on tapping the starter. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of tapping the starter varies depending on the issue causing the starting problem.
In cases where the problem is related to a stuck solenoid or mechanical obstruction, tapping the starter may provide a momentary solution. However, if the issue is electrical or more complex, tapping the starter is unlikely to yield positive results.
How Long Will Tapping the Starter Work?
You will have to tap the starter 4 – 5 times with a tool such as a hammer or a wrench before the engine can start.
Tapping the starter involves physically striking it, aiming to jolt the internal components and encourage engagement.
In some instances, this method may provide a temporary solution, especially if the issue lies with a stuck solenoid or other mechanical components.
However, it’s important to recognize that tapping is not a sustainable fix, and it comes with its own set of risks.
Tapping the starter is akin to putting a Band-Aid on an underlying problem. While it might get the engine running temporarily, it doesn’t fix the root cause of the starting issue.
It would be best if you found out why the starter is failing to start the engine and fix it as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can employ the tapping method as a temporary fix to get your car started until it is fixed.
Also, repeatedly tapping the starter can cause additional damage. The starter motor is a delicate and precise component, and excessive force may result in damage to the internal gears, solenoids, or other critical parts.
What starts as a simple tap could lead to a more complicated and expensive repair if not addressed promptly.
Pros of Tapping the Starter to Start the Engine
While tapping the starter to start the engine is generally not a recommended practice and comes with various risks, there are few advantages or perceived pros in certain situations. They are:
- It Provides a Temporary Solution to the Problem: Tapping the starter might provide a quick and temporary solution in situations where the starting problem is related to a stuck solenoid or mechanical obstruction. In such cases, a gentle tap could free up the components and allow the starter to engage, getting the engine running for the moment.
- It Helps in Emergency Situations: Tapping the starter could be seen as a last-ditch effort in emergency situations, especially if you find yourself stranded and unable to get professional help immediately. While not a reliable fix, it might take you some time to reach a safe location or a nearby service center.
- It Serves as a Diagnostic Tool: Some argue that tapping the starter could serve as a diagnostic tool. If tapping temporarily resolves the issue, it might indicate a mechanical problem with the starter itself, helping you narrow down the possible causes of the starting problem.
Cons of Tapping the Starter to Start the Engine
Here are the disadvantages of tapping the starter to start the engine:
1. It’s Not a Permanent Procedure
While tapping the starter might get the engine running temporarily, it is not a reliable or permanent solution. The issue causing the starting problem remains unfixed, and the problem is likely to recur.
2. Risk of Further Damage
Tapping the starter involves physical force on delicate internal components. This can lead to additional damage, especially if the starter is already experiencing issues.
Excessive tapping may damage the gears, solenoid, or other critical parts, making the starter less effective or causing it to fail.
3. It May Give Unpredictable Results
The effectiveness of tapping the starter can vary depending on the specific issue causing the starting problem. It may work in some cases where the problem is mechanical, but if the issue is electrical or more complex, tapping is unlikely to provide a solution.
4. Delay in Proper Diagnosis
Relying on tapping the starter may lead to a delay in addressing the actual problem. Ignoring the need for a professional diagnosis and repair can result in prolonged vehicle downtime and may lead to more extensive and costly repairs in the long run.
5. Safety Concerns
Tapping the starter while the key is turned can pose safety risks. If the engine suddenly engages while you are tapping the starter, it can lead to unexpected vehicle movement, especially if the car is in gear. This can be dangerous, especially if you are not prepared for it.
7. Not Suitable for Electrical Issues
Tapping is primarily effective for addressing mechanical issues with the starter. If the starting problem is related to the battery, ignition switch, or other electrical components, tapping the starter will not address these problems.
8. No Guarantee of Success
Tapping the starter is not a guaranteed method for starting the engine. It might work in some cases, but there is no assurance that it will resolve the issue every time. Relying on a method with inconsistent results can be frustrating and unreliable.
Conclusion
Tapping the starter 4 – 5 times to start the engine can be a tempting quick fix for a non-starting engine, but it’s not a reliable or recommended solution.
The temporary nature of this method, coupled with the chances for further damage, underscores the importance of fixing the root cause of the problem.
Ignoring the real cause of the problem can lead to more problems, leaving you stranded at the most inconvenient times. Therefore, instead of relying on tapping the starter to make it work, you can fix the issue and save yourself the stress of causing more problems for yourself.
