Jumpstarting a car with a bad starter is a confusing and sometimes controversial topic.
In this guide, we will discuss the possibility of jumpstarting a car with a bad starter and the things to consider before attempting the process.
Can you jump start a car with a bad starter?
Technically, yes, you can jump start a car with a bad starter. However, it is not a permanent solution and it is not recommended as it can further damage the starter motor and other electrical components of the vehicle.
How Can I Jump Start A Car With A Bad Starter?
How to Jump Start a Car with a Bad Starter
1. Identify the Bad Starter Symptoms
First, make sure you have a bad starter by checking for common symptoms.
If you hear a clicking noise when turning the ignition key, see the dashboard lights dim when attempting to start the engine, or notice that the engine doesn’t crank at all, you might be dealing with a bad starter.
Once you’ve confirmed the issue, follow these steps to jump start your car.
2. Gather the Necessary Tools
To jump start a car with a bad starter, you will need a set of jumper cables, a functioning vehicle with a charged battery, and a hammer or similar blunt object.
Make sure you have these tools handy before proceeding to the next steps.
3. Connect the Jumper Cables
Position the working vehicle close to the car with the bad starter, ensuring that both engines are off.
Open the hoods and locate the batteries. Attach one end of the red jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery, and the other end to the positive terminal of the good battery.
Next, connect one end of the black jumper cable to the negative (-) terminal of the good battery, and the other end to an unpainted metal surface on the car with the bad starter, away from the battery. This serves as a grounding point.
4. Tap the Starter
Using the hammer or blunt object, gently tap the starter motor while applying moderate force.
This can help dislodge any dirt or corrosion that might be preventing the starter from functioning correctly.
Do not hit the starter too hard, as this can cause damage.
5. Start the Working Vehicle
Now, start the engine of the working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes.
This will allow the good battery to charge the dead one. Keep an eye on the voltage of the dead battery to ensure it’s charging.
6. Attempt to Start the Car with the Bad Starter
After a few minutes, try starting the car with the bad starter. If the engine turns over, let it run for a while to charge the battery further.
If it doesn’t start, you may need to tap the starter again or seek professional assistance.
7. Disconnect the Jumper Cables
Once the car with the bad starter is running, carefully disconnect the jumper cables in reverse order.
First, remove the black cable from the grounding point, then the black cable from the negative terminal of the good battery.
Next, remove the red cable from the positive terminal of the good battery and finally, the red cable from the positive terminal of the dead battery.
8. Drive or Get Professional Help
If the car starts successfully, drive it for at least 20 minutes to help recharge the battery.
Keep in mind that jump starting a car with a bad starter is a temporary fix. Consult a professional mechanic to have the starter repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Alternative Solutions To Jump Starting A Car With A Bad Starter
Jump starting a car with a bad starter can be a daunting task. A bad starter means that the car’s engine will not turn over when you try to start it.
However, there are alternative solutions to this problem that you can try. Here are some options:
1. Push Starting:
Push starting is a technique that involves starting the car by pushing it and releasing the clutch pedal.
This is a good alternative to jump starting if you have someone to help you push the car.
Push starting requires a manual transmission car because you need to shift gears as you gain speed.
2. Use a Battery Charger:
A battery charger is another option you can use to start your car. This is a good option if you have a bad starter and the battery is still in good condition.
You can use a battery charger to charge the battery, and then try starting the car again.
3. Replace the Starter Solenoid:
The starter solenoid is a small electrical component that plays a crucial role in starting the car.
If the starter solenoid is faulty, it can cause the car not to start. You can replace the starter solenoid yourself or take your car to a mechanic to do it for you.
4. Tap the Starter:
Sometimes, tapping the starter can get it to work. You can try tapping the starter with a hammer or other tool to see if it starts.
This technique is not a long-term solution, but it can get you out of a jam.
5. Check the Battery Cables:
The battery cables are another potential problem if you have a bad starter.
Make sure that the battery cables are clean and tight. If they are loose or corroded, they can prevent the car from starting.
6. Check the Ignition Switch:
The ignition switch is another potential culprit if you have a bad starter. Make sure that the ignition switch is functioning properly.
You can try turning the key to see if the dashboard lights come on. If they do not, it may be a problem with the ignition switch.
When jump starting a car with a bad starter may not work?
1. Severe damage to the starter:
If the starter has suffered severe damage, it may not be possible to jump start the car.
This could be due to wear and tear, corrosion, or a manufacturing defect. In this case, the starter needs to be replaced.
2. Dead battery:
Jump starting a car with a bad starter may not work if the battery is completely dead.
A dead battery means there is no electrical charge in the battery, which means there is nothing to jump start. In this case, the battery needs to be charged or replaced.
3. Electrical problem:
If the problem is not with the battery or starter, but instead an electrical issue, then jump starting the car may not work.
This could be due to a blown fuse, damaged wires, or other electrical problems that need to be addressed before attempting to jump start the car.
4. Other mechanical problems:
If the car has other mechanical problems besides the starter, jump starting it may not work.
For example, if the engine is damaged or has a broken timing belt, jump starting it will not solve the problem.
5. Incorrect procedure:
If the jump starting procedure is not followed correctly, it may not work.
It is important to connect the cables properly and in the right order, and to ensure that the clamps are securely attached to the battery terminals.
What Are The Advantage And Disadvantages Of Jump Starting A Car With A Bad Starter?
Jump starting a car with a bad starter can have both advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
Advantages:
- It can be a quick and easy way to start a car that has a dead battery or a bad starter.
By using another vehicle to jump start the car, you can get it up and running in no time. - It’s a cost-effective solution. Jump starting a car requires minimal equipment and doesn’t cost anything in terms of parts or labor. This is especially helpful if you’re on a tight budget.
- It can be a temporary fix. If your car has a bad starter, jump starting it can get it going temporarily until you’re able to replace the starter or take it to a mechanic.
Disadvantages:
- It can be dangerous. Jump starting a car can be hazardous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
There’s a risk of electrical shock, fire, or explosion if you don’t follow the proper precautions. - It can damage your car’s electrical system. If you don’t jump start the car correctly, it can damage the electrical system and cause even more problems.
It’s essential to follow the correct procedure to avoid causing damage. - It’s not a permanent solution. Jump starting a car with a bad starter is only a temporary fix.
It’s crucial to have the starter replaced as soon as possible to avoid further problems.
FAQs
What Are The Risks Of Jump Starting A Car With A Bad Starter?
Jump starting a car with a bad starter can be risky.
The extra strain on the battery and starter motor can cause further damage to these components, which could lead to more expensive repairs down the line.
Additionally, there is a risk of electrical damage to the vehicle’s electronics.
Can Jump Starting A Car With A Bad Starter Damage The Good Battery?
Jump starting a car with a bad starter can put extra strain on the good battery, which could lead to damage over time.
However, as long as you follow the proper procedures and disconnect the cables as soon as the car with the bad starter starts, the risk of damage to the good battery should be minimal.
How Long Will A Jump Start Last On A Car With A Bad Starter?
A jump start on a car with a bad starter will only last as long as the battery has enough power to turn over the engine.
Once the engine is running, the alternator takes over and provides power to the car’s electrical system.
However, if the starter is truly bad, the engine may not start at all, even with a jump start.
In that case, the car will need to be towed to a mechanic for repairs.
Conclusion
Jump starting a car with a bad starter is possible, but it’s not a guaranteed fix.
While jump starting can provide enough power to start the engine, it may not solve the underlying issue with the starter.
If your car has a bad starter, it’s best to get it repaired or replaced by a professional mechanic to avoid further damage to your vehicle.
However, in a pinch, jump starting can be a temporary solution to get you on the road again.
Just be sure to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible to address the root of the problem.
