how can i get my starter to crank?

Question

i try to start the car and it just clicks. someone told if you hit it with a hammer or screwdriver or something like that. the dash lights up so i know its not the alternater or battery. please help me i dont have money for a tow and they will tow it. thanx in advance kitttykatklaws xoxo

Answer 1

If you wanna get it home from where it is and its an auto,If you can see the starter motor there is 2 wires a black and a red one.Get a screw driver and put it across the two conections on the starter motor.Make sure the ignition is switched to on though before doin it.This should get it started to get you home.

Answer 2

Your problem sounds like a bad connection or a bad starter. There is a posibility of a battery problem too. Just because your dash lights up and lights come on, does not mean that your battery is good. Your battery can be weak and still provide the low number of amps required to run the accesories. Depending on your vehicle, the starter can draw up to 200 amps, sometimes more.

But, before looking at stuff to replace, start off by inspecting. You cannot figure out whats wrong till you have a good look at everything. check the power cable comming from the battery to the starter. Make sure it has a good connection at both ends, and has not sections where the wire has rubed bare or is broken or twisted real bad. Check the connection at the starter, and also the cable comming off the battery that should ground on the engine block.

After this has all been inspected and cleaned and tightened to ensure it has a good solid connection, try to start your vehicle again. If you still get the click and no turning, then move on to checking parts. Start with the battery, if you have a vehicle that can give you a jump, try that. Allow it to charge once connected for atleast 3 or 4 minutes, then try to start. If it starts, tries to start, or turn real slow, you either have a dead battery or a starter going out. If it just clicks, time to look at your solenoid. The solenoid is simply a switch that is activated by your ignition system, when you turn youe key to the "start" position, the switch allows the current to flow to the starter and the starter will engage the flywheel / flex-plate causing the engine to turn over. When this switch goes bad, it will click and not allow the current to travel through. Now, since you do not seem real familiar with the starting system, I cannot suggest you try to jump the solenoid, this can cause you to get hurt.

If you reach the point you feel it is the solenoid, you need to determine if it is starter mounted or not. Some starters have the solenoid mounted on them, others do not. If it is not on the starter, you should find it on the side of the engine compartment near the battery. I wouols suggest, if you have not solved it by this piont, you remove the starter and take it to have it tested, most auto parts stores will test starters for free. To remove the starter, simple remove the connections from it and then remove the mounting bolts that hold it to the engine block., it should just pull right off. Hopefully, by this point, you will have solved your problem or figured out what it is, come back and ask some more when you have gotten more info and we would be glad to explain whatever else you need to know.

Answer 3

I've had a similar problem like this. Check your battery terminals, and see if they are making a good connection. They could be broke. My 2002 explorer had same issue, we thought the battery was dead, but the terminal connector was broken in half. Good news is, if they are broke, they are cheap to replace and you can do it yourself.

Answer 4

Loose main power wire on the starter........