How to Start the Car When the Starter is Broken?
3 Answers
If the car starter is broken and the car won't start, you can use the push-start method. First, turn the ignition key to the position just before starting (the position where you can play the CD). Then, shift into first gear and depress the clutch pedal. When the driver is ready, start pushing the car vigorously to reach a certain speed. The driver should then release the clutch pedal and gently press the accelerator. About the car starter: 1. The starter converts the electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy, driving the engine flywheel to rotate and enabling the engine to start. Before the engine can run on its own power, it must be rotated by external force. The process of the engine transitioning from a stationary state to self-sustained operation with the help of external force is called engine starting. 2. Its working principle is based on the energy conversion process involving Ampere's law as learned in junior high school physics, which states that a current-carrying conductor experiences force in a magnetic field. The motor includes essential components such as the armature, commutator, magnetic poles, brushes, bearings, and housing. 3. Before the engine can run on its own power, it must be rotated by external force. The process of the engine transitioning from a stationary state to self-sustained operation with the help of external force is called engine starting. Common engine starting methods include manual starting, auxiliary gasoline engine starting, and electric starting. Manual starting involves pulling a rope or hand-cranking, which is simple but inconvenient and labor-intensive, suitable only for some small-power engines and retained as a backup method in some cars. Auxiliary gasoline engine starting is mainly used for high-power diesel engines. Electric starting is easy to operate, quick to start, capable of repeated starts, and can be controlled remotely, making it widely adopted in modern cars.
That time when my starter failed was really frustrating. Simply put, a manual transmission car can be push-started. The key is to find a slight slope or get someone to help push. Get in the car, press the clutch, turn the key to the ignition-on position without starting the engine, and shift into second or third gear. When the car reaches a certain speed, suddenly release the clutch—the engine will be turned by the wheels. Feel the car jerk, then quickly press the clutch again and give it some throttle. Usually, the car will start at this point. This method requires quite a bit of effort, and the tires need good traction. If it doesn’t work after several tries, the battery might be severely drained, or the starter could be jammed. Lastly, a reminder: never try this with an automatic transmission car—it could damage the gearbox.
If pushing the car isn't convenient, try directly powering the starter. You can usually find the starter motor's control wire in the engine bay – it's quite thick. Have someone assist you by temporarily shorting this wire to the battery's positive terminal using a metal wrench or similar tool. The sparks might be startling, but this usually activates the starter instantly. This method temporarily bypasses the control circuit to directly power the motor. Be sure to wear insulated gloves during the operation, and it's best for other passengers to exit the vehicle. If the wire terminals are corroded, clean them first. Keep the shorting duration extremely brief – remove the connection as soon as you hear the engine attempt to start. However, this is only an emergency solution; you must visit a repair shop afterward to inspect the wiring. Sudden starter failure is often caused by internal brush wear or electromagnetic switch issues triggering chain reactions.
