Life Hack That Will Make a Dead Car Start Every Time

Life Hack That Will Make a Dead Car Start Every Time. How to start car. Jump start a car without jumper cables or another car (life hack) DIY with Scotty Kilmer. How to get a bad starter to work one more time and start your car again. It's as easy as giving the starter a little hit with the jack handle. DIY car repair with Scotty Kilmer, an auto mechanic for the last 48 years.
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[@scottykilmer]

⬇️Scotty’s Top DIY Tools: 1. Bluetooth Scan Tool: amzn.to/2nfvmaD 2. Cheap Scan Tool: amzn.to/2D8Tvae 3. Professional Socket Set: amzn.to/2Bzmccg 4. Wrench Set: amzn.to/2kmBaOU 5. No Charging Required Car Jump Starter: amzn.to/2CthnUU 6. Battery Pack Car Jump Starter: amzn.to/2nrc6qR Things I used in this video: 1. Common Sense 2. 4k Camera: amzn.to/2hZ4AxX 3. Mini Microphone: amzn.to/2newgV9 4. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/2i2sKYz 5. Video editing software: amzn.to/2jv5Fhf 6. Thumbnail software: amzn.to/2k7tz6C 🛠Check out my Garage to see what I use every day and highly recommend: www.amazon.com/shop/scottykilmer ❗️Check out the Scotty store: goo.gl/RwhRGU 👉Follow me on Instagram for the latest news, funnies, and exclusive info / pics: goo.gl/ohy2cA

[@WebsOfIce]

Scotty Kilmer I have an lt1 Camaro with a starter not cranking. I've ruled everything out all the way down to the starter. I think it's either the solenoid or starter itself. not sure

[@patoreilly4316]

where is wiper relay on nissan micra

[@codiekennedy8046]

Scotty Kilmer I have a 2002 silverado I'm trying to sell. Transmission blew and after removing the battery 2 years ago and now hooking up jumper cables it womt do anything but theres a security light flashing on dash. Will jumping straight to the starter bypass the security lockout just so I can show it runs to a perspective buyer

[@Ra_Star]

Lol man I love your channel. It's very helpful, entertaining and humorous at the same time 😂😎

[@jeremyf9124]

If you do this trick, you should use light force at first, and increase it a little each time you hit it. If you hit the motor section too hard, the permanent magnets inside a modern starter can become dislodged, because they are glued in place. The magnets can even break. Broken magnets have too many North/South poles, causing the starter not to work.

[@ncrdisabled]

My dad who was a mechanic for over 56 years showed me that back in 1963 . It saved me but several times. Thanks for showing it to everybody else

[@JACOBHIMSELF]

My dad showed me too so helpful

[@ItalianaBellaXo222]

How do I do it, do I have to take the battery out for this first? My battery is right behind the airflow vent I have a 2007 honda accord?

[@Muzic2myears700]

Wireless charger meaning a portable one this one I need to plug in

[@Johnnewb]

I was stuck in a parking lot, waiting for a tow. I saw this and tried it (Altima 2002), she fired right up. Did a Happy Dance right there.

[@cedricmiller4370]

Did it continue to repeat starting up a 2nd and 3rd time once you tapped starter?

[@thatguyuseeme24]

Same thing happened to me !!

[@Adrian2140]

I just pushed it on a slope in second gear and released the clutch lol. Fired right up

[@favoritemustard3542]

@@Adrian2140 don't clutch your pearls! Just pop your clutch!

[@mozelas]

My car didn't start while I was in the middle of the desert in Saudi Arabia. I remembered this video and did this trick and got it to start. It would've costed me a furtune to get the car back to civilization. Thank you Scotty Kilmer !! Keep up the good work :)

[@Primitive_Code]

You could have got a lift from a nice young man riding a camel.

[@keg5i29rlndklklfngsncdsa]

I tried this after watching the video and it totally worked. I'm no car expert. I just saw the video on a whim... I had been having trouble with my car and one day it died. I called AAA but then remembered the video and tapped the starter with a hoof pick. Car started right up! Was able to get home and watch more of your videos to diagnose the problem and get it fixed. THANKS SCOTTY!!!

[@user-kh2dg7it2nn]

"One last time my a**". I know a guy I used to work with who used to carry a ball peen hammer in his car specifically for this reason and did this about 50% of the time. Did it for about a year. Everyone thought it was nuts that he just didn't replace the starter and not have to deal with it or worry about it. He finally replaced it after the motor and solenoid was so dinged and dented and beat up from the hammer that you could literally see inside from holes that appeared in the metal.

[@rossmunn9770]

My Brother showed me that trick many years ago, he's a mechanic. It is a real good one. Thanks Scotty.

[@chasmcl42]

When my car doesn't start I tend to hit it all over.

[@scottykilmer]

ha ha ha, kicking is best

[@flightmaster178]

charles mclachlan my truck died on my wife. It wouldn't start and after she slammed the hood one of the FORD letters fell off and the truck started.

[@ITSTIMETOSTOP]

2 spooky

[@alan19messi]

Brenndon McGill you are a fraud mate you Americans have no respect for your own cars

[@blinkshadown]

alan19messi but fords are made in mexico (atleast half/a third of the parts)

[@kandkmotorsports]

Great tip! 100% accurate. I've been a mechanic for 24 years now and I like your vids. They are realistic and down to earth.

[@bobaautumn8011]

Thanks for this. This helped my mom and me when we were stranded an hour from home. 🙂

[@mrkemoymrbailey9741]

Haha, it happens to me all the time

[@Supahmusic_]

Tough. 🙏🏼

[@Greg-yu4ij]

Yep saved me too. Works on those crappy Chinese snowblower starters too!

[@DeaFBRED]

00:48 It Sounds, like He's saying 'Check the Head Lice' :>

[@nickc7494]

Scotty don’t change, old school simplicity is gold

[@rbarrientos1]

scotty, i asked you about my car a 2006 chrysler 300 that was having intermittent starting problems. sometimes it would start normal and others times i would have to try three or four times before it would start. you said replace the starter that they wear out, i replace the starter and my car has been starting like a champ. thank you, your a genius

[@Candoit2]

Thanks Scotty! Pecking on the starter really worked for me and saved me about $75.00 in tow truck charges! But it was a bad starter which I replaced on my 2002 Chrysler Town and Country. Thanks again!!! When Scotty talks people should listen!!

[@RangerDanger13]

I learn more from his videos than I did from 12 years of school.

[@Adam-bw4lw]

me 2 :)

[@lzamora470]

same

[@SONOFAZOMBIE2025]

Scotty should make a video on how to repair Common Core

[@ShawnJonesHellion]

Supra Saiyan I was one of the advanced students at school. I quit school early and went to the internet and to a job. I advise others as well. I didn't learn jack squat at school. My advanced knowledge came from the library and parents. The internet is an amazing library.

[@recoveringnewyorker2243]

Son of a Zombie IMPOSSIBLE! Ya caint fix stupid! Stupid is fa EvVA!

[@jamesrowe2055]

I want you to know I've been going on KZbin for years to fix things on my cars but anyhow as soon as I see your face out of all the videos I always say to myself oh it's Scotty the guy that really knows what he's talking about thanks👊

[@anilrehmatullah7906]

I been tapping my starter for 23 years, and the neighbors wife for 24.

[@scottykilmer]

Funniest comment I’ve read all year!👍

[@Davinjy]

Anil Rehmatullah 😂😂😂

[@oxyman9604]

Hell yeah me too

[@carvercapitalequitypartner122]

Good job on all fronts.

[@Eric3Frog]

Sharing is caring. ;)

[@onlybanger739sk]

I love Scotty channel, he's basically like my dad expect he makes youtube videos. He's always happy and teaching people knowledge, great knowledge. Keep it up SCOTTY!

[@_Greasyzoku_]

Kevin Manrrique you’re lucky to have a dad

[@CaliforniaCarpenter7]

Greasy Style, don't start getting emotional on us...

[@_Greasyzoku_]

CaliforniaCarpenter7 lmao

[@cranjismcbasketball2118]

Kevin Manrrique Well said!

[@toomuchtruth]

The only thing my dad cared about was drugs. Scotty's the dad I never had. I love you man!

[@6.6shadow]

Been sitting on the side of the road for 2 hours since I had to fix a different problem on my xj. None of the methods I tried worked so I came here. Tapping it and cranking at the same time worked amazing

[@konghy2]

Thank you Scotty! I am stuck in the parking lot and remembered something about tapping the starter. It's dark already. I looked up KZbin. Finished watching this video. Tapped my starter and I'm going home. Thanks!!

[@rubenbt7918]

Hey Scotty, you're the man!!! This trick got me home today when my car wouldn't start out of the blue when leaving work. Although I noticed this morning when starting it like it strained to get running, it was dead by afternoon. This trick worked like magic. Now I'll buy a new starter and follow your video on replacing it, I have a Camry 2004, 160xxx miles on it and your videos are the best recipe to keep it going. Thanks for sharing your valuable knowledge. :)

[@cmixer108]

Hey there, not sure if you'll see this because your post is six years old, but this just happened to me with the exact same car, 2004 Camry. Just wondering, how much did you pay to get your starter fixed? Thank you for any info!

[@hollylaureano2860]

⁠@@cmixer108Hi! Check out Michael the computer guy he show exactly how to replace ste by step. Be blessed🙏

[@pedroramirez667]

Scotty actually saved me with this one, I was stranded in Arizona in 115 deg weather. With 70 miles to go to Phoenix, luckily it got me to buckeye. Life saver.

[@Falco561]

What would we do without your channel, honestly. One of the most helpful youtubers out there.

[@joem.7621]

Same method works with my head sometimes.

[@zainalabidinimam]

Hahahaha.. Really.. I gonna try too

[@cranjismcbasketball2118]

Joe M. Haaaaaaa😂🤣😂

[@nicomortensen5342]

It's not just me, good

[@randywl8925]

At work for The Three stooges. Hey mo, I'm thinking but nothin's happnin' BONK! 😁

[@peterwelsh2080]

Scotty, thank you so much for this tip! My starter crapped out me and left me stranded at work, but I tried this and was able to get it to turn over and drive down to the mechanic to have it replaced. It saved me from a towing fee, at least.

[@looknleap]

Yep, I have a classic 75 Camaro with a starter issue. I remember doing this when working on my cars when I was a kid but never thought to try to pound on starter to get it to respond, but it worked indeed!! Thanks Scotty for refreshing my old mind on how to get her started 1 more time before replacement!

[@blu4758]

Yip it worked thought I was gonna be stuck in no man’s land & gave the starter motor a tap & boom it started ..cheers bro much appreciated 👍🏽

[@noseefood1943]

i learned this trick from a tow truck driver. tap the starter to loosen the frozen brush. this may also work with a bad alternator.

[@intestinalworm1202]

Could possibly be starter motor carbon brushes, but much more likely an issue with the solenoid. Have several vehicles with original starter motors ranging from 10 -17 years old: carbon brushes all good.

[@001Andrew100]

Another trick I learnt with a manual car (instead of clutch starting) is that you can put the car in 1st gear and rock the car back and forth. This also frees up the starter motor if its stuck. I did this on my car for a couple of weeks when I was waiting for my new starter

[@kbongos]

Enjoy your show Scotty! These starter solenoids have 2 windings, somewhat in parallel. One is a higher current winding, that is tied to the end that goes thru the starter, with brushes, to ground. Once the solenoid engages the contacts to the starter, the second coil to ground takes over with a smaller holding current. So if the starter motor brushes get wore/dirty, knocking the starter will often reseat them, allowing this initial high current solenoid coil to work.

[@bigtimepimpin666]

I knew hitting the starter could "unstick it." But I could not get a good hammer swing ever... well, Scotty had an easy and obvious solution.

[@metalh3d872]

THANK YOU!! Currently having this problem and went to replace the battery.. Turns out it was the starter! You and your channel have once again saved me.

[@DilankaDias]

I was trying to get back after work and the car didn't start (Micra K11 2001). I did try Scotty's method of tapping the startor with an iron bar. It worked. :) Thanks for sharing such valuable information.

[@kurtostrom9525]

In my experience, the starter solenoid "fuses" up with gunk, and when you hit the solenoid (not the starter), the impulse often jars it enough to allow the solenoid to engage again. Every single "bad" starter I have ever come across in my life (only 6 but still), I have been able to take apart the solenoid, clean the whole thing out and re-lubricate, and it totally fixes the problem. Effectively it's like you have a brand new starter. Not a lot to go wrong with a brushed dc motor. Thanks for the video Scotty I do enjoy watching them :)

[@hellospam879879]

Makes sense that solinoid is the stuck part not motor

[@dougoverhoff7568]

Yep, it's the solenoid that goes bad, generally. I'd almost forgotten this tip that I learned years ago, but it sure can work, and it can be a lifesaver.

[@alexanderthegr888]

Do you just lubricate it with dielectric grease?

[@munzienio]

Yeah. Starter (or rather the solenoid) on my Renault Clio used to seize up in hot weather, or simply get warm from engine and if I went to start my car after only recently driving, it would on occasion fail to start, tap on the solenoid was enough to loosen it

[@shadowdog500]

That tip is older than all of us. It is good to know. Chris

[@chetpomeroy1399]

I had the same problem on my '78 VW Dasher. Tapped the solenoid with a wrench and it started right up!

[@dr.trichome6419]

Dad had a dump truck did this to the starter for 20 years so you can definitely do it more than once haha

[@gregsimpson621]

I have to admit I had forgotten this. I'm 64. Maybe getting a little senile.

[@JavaRivers]

This was the way I got my ol Land Cruiser started for about three years. Finally replaced the starter just so I wouldn't have to be poppin the hood all the time.

[@angelicabadger7247]

Hey just wanted to say thank you. Our family vehicle of a family of 6, left us at our sons middle school And we tried your life back after 3 days of sitting there, and it started so we took it home. Thank you again now on to buy a starter.

[@shadowfox2620]

I've known this little trick for awhile now but this vid came up in my feed and currently I've been having to do this to my 96 Camry, and I've been able to get away without having to replace this starter now for almost 5 months using this trick multiple times a week!!! Ive never had a bad starter hang on to life for this long, gotta say something about Toyota's durability..

[@DatBlueHusky]

my friend did this for a year before he had to change it out LOL

[@Y10Q]

your friend must have a lot of time on his hands to mess with that instead of getting a used $20 starter.

[@DatBlueHusky]

Y10Q its a toyota 1jz-gte engine swapped in a 1991 toyota cressida. the engine is only in japan so finding a starter isnt easy

[@tickyul]

Y10Q Some starters are BURIED, you have to go through an insane amount of work to get to them, much less remove and replace the dang thing.

[@turbojer1]

I did too. I carried a 1/2 inch rod about 3 feet long and made a spring device to hold the key in the start position while I thumped the starter. I finally figured out the problem after having the starter out several times. The coil in the solenoid has two windings. One is energized by the key switch and the other through the starter brushes. That was my problem, the brushes were bad and the solenoid would not pull in. This was on a 1975 Fiat X-19 and parts were very hard to find.

[@jeremyp5027]

omg, he needed a hobby, and a new hood pull cable.

[@nlesiak3]

another awesome tip. my dad actually told me this trick and i used in with my chevy blazer up in michigan a few times. also works with a fuel pump! turn on to run, hit the gas tank or wherever your fuel pump is with a deadblow malket or something, i used this for 6 months once lol

[@BenjaminEsposti]

Hope ya don't crack your fuel tank X'DDD

[@nlesiak3]

Benjamin Esposti it was aluminum on my blazer but you just use a rubber mallet or dead-blow hammer

[@BrandonSeattle]

I'll remember that in the future.

[@wcurtin1962]

Works on blower motors too!

[@barryhoneycutt3894]

TY Scotty Kilmer, your Grandpa, and Dad gave you an education that has helped 100's of Thousands of people for FREE... wow your dad, and Grandpa would be proud sir... love ya from Texas Scotty - Orange, 100 Miles East on IH-10 ty so much learned a lot from you, well Grandpa and Dad... although i think you picked up mostly from Grandpa my Hero and lots of other folks, not many these days are honest and have integrity... #1 auto man for me.. wish you were in Beaumont, Tx or closer, if i would have known what i know now, Houston i would have come to see ya many times..ty again carry on! From, Texas Bear

[@Corey-zg3bc]

hey, Scotty - have you ever done a show about how an old corroded negative battery cable will let unscrupulous mechanics rip you off by not changing it out, instead selling you a battery, generator/alternator, relay set, starter motor?? It’s saved me a lot of cash over the years

[@archygrey9093]

Another tip is for the starter is if it is clicking rapidly and noisily like a jackhammer but not turning the engine then it can mean the teeth are not engaging the flywheel. Usually you can put the vehicle in gear and then rock the car back and forth just enough to turn the teeth on the flywheel slightly and allow the starter to engage. Not sure if this works for automatics but works great for old 4x4s especially for worn out 45 series landcruisers.

[@electronicsNmore]

I've done this many times in the past, for inboard boat motors and vehicles.

[@robertflores9515]

Hello...have you ever done it multiple times on the same starter?

[@robertcarmosino6563]

@@robertflores9515 I have., about 4 or 5 times... your mileage may vary.

[@robertflores9515]

@@robertcarmosino6563 Thanks for reply.

[@MoneyCash-q1j]

He is a real mechanic hands down

[@bigkidbarone8507]

I just did that before I looked it up...on my 04 taurus....I was gunna put it on here if it wasnt....I used to do it all the time back in the day...best life hack...I was so thrilled it worked again after allllll these years.

[@northernwarrior6319]

Scotty would be a perfect auto shop teacher,the kid's would love him 4 sure,I would've.

[@frankhoward7645]

My daughter called me a few winters back. Said her 5-speed Mazda Protege wouldn't start. I drove to her place and it didn't take long to figure out what the problem. Her floor mats were so bunched up under the clutch pedal, she couldn't push it in far enough to throw the switch that doesn't allow the starter to engage unless the clutch is depressed.

[@Quentyn73]

Only in the US cars have this switch. In Europe if you turn the key the engine would turn and if you left the car in gear it would move.

[@jamesclater8876]

I disabled that switch in my car..always fun when i have parked on a hill and put it in gear and i start walking the car with the starter because i forgot to take it out of gear lol

[@azacink]

Thats not true, European cars have this too.

[@Quentyn73]

***** Really? Which ones? Renault, dacia, skoda's being sold in Germany don't have that

[@azacink]

We had it in Skoda Octavia 2, maybe it depends on exact model or something..

[@patlowney2834]

Thank you for posting these videos Scotty. I've been wrenching on cars for over 50 years myself. And I still learn little things from watching your videos. Anytime we think we know everything we are in trouble God bless you and once again thank you for posting the videos have a nice day.

[@brendentimothy5669]

Thank you Scotty! The starter tap trick helped me get my girlfriends car going. She was so amazed and couldn’t keep her hands off me all night😂👌🏼

[@vumazwesiziba4103]

Lmao

[@elissalangdon5202]

Thank you very much Got our Mountaineer started this afternoon for my husband to get to work watching your video for 2 minutes🙂

[@gc8032]

Hi Scotty thanks for a great show. You truly deserve some good sponsorships for what you do. I had a old broom stick in my boot for whacking my starter when she need a bit of love. eventually changed the brushes. cheers again for your help ya mate from down under.

[@ronniewest87]

I just want to say how many times you’ve been a blessing. Thanks Scott!!!!

[@marinehm]

Scotty; I just wanted to say "Thank You!" for all your crazy videos. I'm hooked. I think your blog should be mandatory for ALL car owners that are going to do any repairs on their own.

[@hemang1112]

Just tried this in the cold morning it worked like nothing has happened to the car , it took one tap on my honda Odyssey and car started right away , thank you so much

[@KyleMusicFreak]

Tapped my starter and now I’m headed to the mechanic. You’re a lifesaver Scotty!!

[@AlainHubert]

You might have also explained why this would work in more detail, which is that by hitting the body of the starter motor, you might succeed in moving the worn down (shortened) spring loaded motor brushes to make contact with the rotor inside the motor one more time. You could have also mentioned that if all you hear when trying to start is a clicking noise (sometimes repetitive), the battery is probably too weak. BTW, the headlights on some newer cars will shut down automatically momentarily when activating the starter, so better watch the parking lights (or dome light inside the car with a door opened) to check the battery power level. Anyway, good tip nonetheless, for those who didn't know about it. Thanks.

[@radrixx001]

AlainHubert too much to read bye

[@jayasanka5978]

Thank u. Appreciate. Learnt something new.

[@todd77777772000]

Is a bad starter relay a possiblty ? I have a 91 pathfinder and dealing with this right now

[@jamesgibson5876]

​@@radrixx001 sometimes its the bushings in the end caps of the starter motor that are worn on just the bottpn side because itzs a bushing not a bearing this causes the armature...the spinny thing....to rub on the case of the starter..stoping it from turning..its called polling ..happens in lots of elec mptors.. the tapping sometimes vibrates it enpugh to let it spin ...

[@jamesgibson5876]

​@@todd77777772000a relay is just that.. it is a switch that allows you to activate a circut that requires a heavy wire so you dont have to run a heavy wire up to your ignition switch.. so the first thing you need to know to check .. is where is the clozest place to the starter motor that you can yest thae wire that activatez the starter.. if it dosent get the correct voltage there ..then you keep checking back to the igniition switch and eventually to the battery if you dont find where it isnt when its supposed to be when you turn the key.. if you find voltage at the starter when you turn the key but no cranking of the engine ....then its the starter...

[@medallionmotionpictures]

Thanks, Scotty Kilmer!! Your channel is great and extremely informative. I'm not a car kinda guy when it comes to replacing things under that hood. But you seem to be an expert at this and your pro advice is well received. Thanks for spreading your wealth of knowledge.

[@loading...3197]

Also check that your car is in Park. If you car is in reverse or drive it wont start either.

[@carlor9088]

Also check if the car has a starter before you hit it

[@jay_alpha]

@@carlor9088 😂😂😂😂

[@thanhhoale3886]

Thanks Scott. My car was working fine until I stopped by the market, came out, started the car and it was dead. There was power but it didn't do anything. So, the tow guy came, he used the metal stick to tap on the starter, and it worked. The car started back on . I was able to drive it for about 2 hours to get home. It saved me money because there was no need to be towed.

[@KantSleep]

You are the man!!!! It worked today on my wife's car!!!! Thank you so much!

[@joel4212]

if you are driving a stick you can also do the ol pop the clutch trick too

[@DementedButtHole]

@Ricardo Lupian Sir, please...please stop whatever you're typing ^_^

[@jamiebales8394]

Manual*

[@99domini99]

Same thing.

[@jamiebales8394]

'Murica.

[@Travelinmatt1976]

You can push start an automatic, but you have to get it up to 20 to 30mph before it will start. Some newer automatics wont work but a lot of the older ones will.

[@kevinhiler2662]

This advice was right on!! Thank you for saving me a very expensive tow!!

[@ZolFox]

I used this trick to get my car started for almost 3 weeks until I was able to afford a new starter.

[@traumatrom837]

It'll keep working until you don't need it to anymore lol

[@ZolFox]

Kyle Trombley oh seriously? That’s pretty cool. I just assumed it would be less and less likely to over time cuz for me anyway, it seemed to get more difficult and take more and more attempts over time. Which is why after a week or so I moved “new starter” to the top of my priority list, cuz normally I’m the kind of person that would do that forever if I could but it was getting harder to start each time so I thought it was only temporary.

[@traumatrom837]

@@ZolFox my GF is going thru it now (she's a broke broad), so I had to order the starter for her. I got tired of doing the hammer thing lmao. She was doing it for a little over a month though. You could be right, it might stop... I just assumed it would keep starting

[@heidis.3699]

Same.

[@lickerpick]

So this just happened to my car a few months ago. First time we tapped the starter it fired up immediately. Each time after that though it grew increasingly difficult. I think we got a total of 2 more months out of it before I was at the gas station, turned it off to pump, and it wouldn't turn back on. We tried jumping , we tried tapping the starter, and we tried a push start for shits and giggles,.. Alas nothing worked after using these tricks for months. I got it towed home (I wasn't even a half mile from my house) and replaced the starter and it's been smooth sailing since. So the answer is no. It won't just work continuously on and on, it will stop working eventually as it's only a temporary fix until it dies completely. At which point you'll end up stuck like me lol

[@bg4406]

Very interesting. I just learned this today from my neighbor and had to verify if this is true. And oddly enough looked it up on KZbin and of course got Scotty my favorite KZbin mechanic to confirm it.

[@MrMcgale22]

Just used this to start my car in 2023. Thanks for the save!

[@allenballard2681]

THANX SCOTTY for a great old school reminder to help you avoid a towing bill! In my case the trick was indeed having a 2nd person working the key while I did the bangin' with a long socket extension. Actually had to tap on the solenoid which was likely stuck/sticky. Got the car started & home (where my tools are) in order to replace the starter. God Bless & thanx for a helpful & funny video.

[@tommylarsson2025]

Did that trick on an old Volvo long time ago and the sound of a hammer on steel 2 am did start the neighbours too :)

[@markangus948]

The same thing works for circuit breakers from your houses power panel. You just remove it without getting shocked from your house power and whack it flatwise on the ground a couple times (it's kind of fun) and that'll shake loose the switch corrosion from the inside and make the circuit breaker stronger like it's supposed to be again

[@donaldbarden6294]

My dad did transmissions for a living up until the late 60’s. He showed me this trick when I got my first car in 1979. It was a 302 Comet. Fun times.

[@ozzayyyy]

Seriously a great tip. I was stuck at a car wash and was just bout ready to call a tow truck and then some guy said hit the starter and wha laaa , car started again. Now I'm getting the starter replaced by a mechanic as I type this lol.

[@robertramirez3994]

Yes tapping on the starter can work sometimes if there is actually a starter issue. But before you start banging on the starter or replacing a good battery that is low, You may want to look at the battery terminals and posts to make certain they are tight and clean. After that, look for corrosion on the battery posts in terminals, also look at the cables themselves to see if there is corrosion, you may need to cut and split some of the plastic sheathing that protects the cables from rust. If you find rust you can clean it with vinegar and baking powder. Often this is overlooked and will cause a problem draining a battery, and not passing enough current to start your vehicle.

[@nikks34]

How can you take the plastic covering off that houses the terminal for a 2014 Kia soul plus it has 4 bolts and trying to find one that I use instead my battery has been having to be jumped for 2 days now but I also have a piece of an aux cord tip stuck in my aux port could that be draining my battery

[@evoevannismo8141]

3:06 too funny Hahaha🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 but also when I get my own car on my parent's insurance, this video sure does come in handy when needed thanks. I know this video is nearly 3 years old but the video quality is still great.

[@kirbylane9451]

Hey Scotty I had an old Ford escort back in the day. The starter went bad when I was visiting some family in the next state over. I found that the solenoid was bad, and by tapping on it with a wooden broom handle it started right up so I can attest to this trick.

[@norman7179]

Right, the problem is usually bad contacts in the solenoid. The solenoid acts as a switch or jumper to complete the starter circuit.

[@ecc6708]

kirby lane did you need someone else to turn the ignition while you tap the starter? or did you tap the starter yourself?

[@christophermarshall5765]

I repaired the starter in my car. It had worn brushes. The starter motor in most cars is not a permanent magnet unit like someone has stated. With my starter, I had a spare body complete with field windings. The brushes are about 1/4 worn. I simply removed the solenoid & front housing from the starter motor, along with armature, removed the black coating from the commutator, under cut the mica between commutator bars, then installed it to the body with the good brushes, reassembled, & put it back in the car. Yes, I lubricated the end bearing bushes too!! Works fine now. The reason starter motors do not have permanent magnets in them is due to the high current draw under load. This current can be somewhere around 400 amps!! Permanent magnet motors cannot carry this much current through the armature alone, because the heat build up will melt the windings on the armature.

[@howardlake6178]

In Australia, they used to have a spray product called…. ‘Start Ya Bastard’ 😂😂😂

[@sunshine3914]

When they had carburetors.

[@howardlake6178]

@@sunshine3914 yes, even in a hot climate like Australia, getting carbies going, can be a challenge 😂

[@punkinhed]

"Before it's too late". You threatening me Scotty? 😂

[@NewYorkCityBoxing]

Great video, but at 2:08 he sounded like my drunk Aunt Edna on bingo night.

[@hollyscott4385]

😂

[@dslynx]

Love the info Scotty! Back when I was a kid, I had a car that I started regularly that way. Then, being a stupid kid, my wife (girlfriend at the time) and I drove 700 miles to visit my brother. Needless to say, we ended up stranded at my brothers when tapping it stopped working and got to pay for the tow and repair then.

[@RyanAlexanderBloom]

Cool tip. I recently pulled my starter apart and cleaned all the copper contacts. It had taken several tries to start each time but after cleaning it starts on the first try now. Toyota/Lexus are apparently known to get corrosion on the inside of the starter.

[@heidis8713]

LOL Scotty knows damn well that you can punch that starter for 6 more months, so he kept stressing its only good for JUST ONE MORE TIME. (*wink wink*) We know Scotty. We wouldn't dare do it twice. :D

[@goldmegaman1000]

in a manual car can the starter issue be bypassed temporarily by pushing it? or does that only work with a dead battery?

[@Kraitze]

Goldmegaman1000 i have a toyota rav4 manual, that had a bad starter. luckily i was parking on a hill so i got rolling in neutral. then you just put in the 2. gear and release the clutch. i was able to get home that day.

[@hiyall15]

well, if you push start a car. you are basically the starter. as you push the car the wheels spin turning the drive shaft which goes to the transmission and then to the crankshaft which leads to the timing belt. all these will move the engine just like the starter and it will start right up

[@stinkycheese804]

Yes, if you put a manual in gear and push it, that turns the engine and the alternator so you have power for fuel and spark. You don't have to have a starter on the car at all to do that, nor could you ever hope to push it fast enough to generate enough current to get the starter to do anything, unless you were pulling it behind a tow vehicle for several miles and that might damage the transmission which would be a silly risk compared to the price of a new starter, battery, or even a tow too.

[@lilsammywasapunkrock]

An auto will start push start if it has a lock up torque converter. Most only lock up in od, so your talking 40-45mph. Also, on a generator equipped car, you can push start a completely dead (0 volts) battery. On a alternator, it needs some voltage in order to turn on the charging circuit. With a 0 volt reading, you are out of luck.

[@luisloks]

lol. my granpa told me about this trick. since i didnt have any tools long or thin enough. i had to use my own long and thin tool. was painful for a bit afterwards.

[@cormacredmond12345]

That is so so funny. So funny. Well done.

[@michaelf7760]

what are you like 12

[@burstongreye7090]

wow checked all kinds of forums and finally found thought I go to Scotty's video and yep it worked saved me about a tow a lot of money on a tow

[@sandralaunstein6436]

OMG. .I'm officially addicted to watching your videos Scotty Kilmer! ! Great information and I can actually learn alot! !!!! Awesome! Thanks! !

[@JonnyDIY]

I love the few times you get to use a Hammer on a car! Sweet revenge :)

[@zxtenn]

Used a 1/2 breaker bar to do that 2 winters ago on my 1996 Jeep GC 5.2, middle of winter it die so I crawled underneath and smacked it, yes it started and I put I a new one from Autozone for 100.00

[@mikiro90]

You're awesome Scotty, love your videos. I've learned plenty of neat tips + tricks from them. Thank you!

[@skylark1848]

That is extremely helpful! Nobody talks about these little lifesavers anymore. Thanks for sharing Scotty

[@brittanyyount4256]

Your videos are the ones I send to friends that have car trouble

[@workingshlub8861]

same thing with an in tank electric fuel pump...give a few taps bottom of the tank and sometimes you get lucky.

[@Traderjoe]

Will it only work one last time? Or could it work a few times after that?

[@bg50foley]

Did it 5 or six times on a pos Ford Tempo before it stopped working.

[@shadesCAN]

OK some European and Japanese cars will have a expensive starter like brushless motor and gear driven starter. And this will never work on a high end brushless starter. His start hack will only work for older spring brush and armature starter motors. When these older style starters start to fail because the brushes are not getting close enough to the armature to make good contact. A good few taps can persuade the brush to wiggle out a bit extra to allow you to go. Use as you have to , but starters that need this kind of hack fix will kill your battery quick with high amp drain and a charging a dead battery on your alternator is a good way to kill your alternator.

[@craigt9415]

On my 1991 Jeep Cherokee it wouldn't start in a parking lot. Whacked the starter a few good times with the tire wrench and never had a problem again.

[@sjogosPT]

Iam doing that on my fiat punto. 1 hit and i can start my car multiple times. After some days i need to hit again.

[@JD-iu3vi]

Worked on my 05 Toyota Highlander 3 times before it finally stopped working. It is an old trick that works sometimes.

[@johnhammond3556]

WOW!...tapping the starter....my dad taught me this some 40 years ago. Never thought it would still work on these modern cars today.

[@G_Zero127]

I like things that work after a few hits, cant do that with modern fragile technology.

[@scottmcmichael4000]

ELFHUNTER50 my pawpaw used to have a welding machine you'd plug it in set your amps and stuff, and then kick it and then the machine would come on lol 😂😂😂😂

[@letsgonow5641]

Check for headlice...Learned the starter trick back in the day..Them toyotas had sucky starters..

[@douglasve3efc597]

This is a good trick! Also be sure transmission is in Park. Try wiggling the transmission lever in Park. Try Neutral instead of Park. For manuals be sure clutch is pushed down.

[@Alexzw92]

1:40 one last time? Its helped me get my car started atleast 5 times in the last 2 years

[@negativeindustrial]

Alex W You’re meant to change the starter 🤣 This is just to get you to the parts store one last time.

[@JW--dc8ri]

Jeremy Clarkson approves.

[@scottykilmer]

I'd love to meet those guys, they are a scream. Who knows, if you're out there listening, give me a shout Jerem

[@jhondoe2473]

Scoot did you forget about the battery charger in the back

[@stephenfresh1754]

John Pierce ha a Ford guy knows all about shit not working

[@KAMIKAZE-dk8xd]

jeremy: "what else is electric here?" James : "not the exhaust manifold!" hamster:"not the exhaust manifold!" XD😂😂

[@TheJudge531]

mr_kamikaze I was just about to say that you jerk 😂

[@croywedgewood2499]

I love this guy and he's right, this will usually work with an armature and brush starter. I remember this trick from years ago when I worked on whatever PoS I owned at the time. Of course, the easiest way to do this is to crawl under the car and get it from the bottom. A good whack with a ball-peen hammer is all it needs. Love your videos Scotty.

[@bigjohn2169]

Be careful not to hit it to hard the new ones have permanent magnets that can come loose from the case and cause serious damage.

[@tahahadada1936]

،i love it when Scotty says ''success!"

[@jongaston1254]

I have a 2018 Suburban 30,800 miles and had this happen... can’t believe this trick really worked!

[@adanlopez5251]

I learned that in top gear

[@adanlopez5251]

Asama Shazee season 14 episode 6 of 7

[@rigglestad8479]

respect a man who can cite top gear episodes

[@sugizotakuro]

i've done it in lower gear too :)