How to Start a Car with a Bad starter & broken starter with a screwdriver-Automatic Transmission

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Last updated on September 20th, 2023 at 04:31 pm

“How to start a car with a bad starter automatic transmission” is a commonly asked question. If you also like to learn How to start a car with a broken starter even with just a screwdriver this is or you. We even answered the query “Can you jump start a car with a bad starter?”

So when looking starting a vehicle with bad starter one thing comes to mind always.

That is, lightly beating or hit the starter with a light hammer or store. You should only do this on grounds that you are extremely certain it is a starter problem.

In most cases, the starter may be functioning properly but there is still another fault. read this Article also: Do Nissan Pathfinders Have Transmission Problems

So, what alternative are on ground to allow you to start your car? Normally a starter requires a ground, a positive current from battery, and a positive current emanating from the starter solenoid cropping up from the starter relay.

But before we get all deep into this topic below are other subtopics that will also discuss here, in this article:

  • How to start a car with a bad starter automatic transmission
  • Can you jump start a car with a bad starter and How to start a car with a bad starter with a screwdriver
  • How to start a automatic car without a starter and How to start a car with a broken starter

So get started lets even first look the most come question here which is “Can you jump start a car with a bad starter?” what do you think?

Related articles you also might love to read:

Can you jump start a car with a bad starter?

Well, it all depends on whether your car battery has a little charge or not. If it does, yes is my response to this and if it doesn’t then no. And that is because to jump-start in most cases is done when the battery is having issues so in the case is batteries is totally not weak then you might be able to jump-start the car.

Jump starting a car is generally done when the battery has a problem. It doesn’t generally help with any other problems.

However,  you know bear in mind that though you may be able to start jumpstart the car, you might not be able to keep the car running for long; the vehicle will sure run out quickly.  I will recommend you take your car to an expert mechanic if your car starter is bad for it to be fixed.

So know you know if  Can you jump start a car with a bad starter, let look at how to start a car with a bad starter for automatic transmission vehicles.

How to start a car with a bad starter automatic transmission

One thing you can do start a car with a bad car starter is to hit the start head gently with a store or a hammer.

This is always is the first resort for managing or dealing with a starter issues. And this works very well for a start because must starters might have some of the spots between the field coils and armature die-off over time.

So by hitting the starter with a store or hammer, the car armature will start to spin as properly again thereby helping start the vehicle.

Here are other ways to look into still the subject “How to start a car with a bad starter automatic transmission”

How to start a car with a bad starter automatic transmission

For an automatic transmission, all these three can be evaded as you ignite the engine and drive carefully to a repair shop. Be sure to also watch the video above to learn more on starting a car that won’t start.

  • Ensure proper connections

The first and most important way on how to start a car with a bad starter automatic transmission is to verify all the joining to ensure there are no loose ends. There should be no loose connections from the battery to the starter as this is commonly the cause of starter problems. A loose connection indicates the starter isn’t getting sufficient power to run properly.

You can remedy this issue by using a ratchet to make tighter the battery terminal connectors. If all appears to be fine, then follow the positive wire that emanates from the battery. This wire splits on average into two; one goes to the alternator while the second goes to the starter. Track the wire and try inspecting to verify if it is unfastened.

  • Check the Engine Grounds

There’s a ground cable that leads to the starter, it doesn’t come from the battery, but from the transmission through the external frame. Conversely, the transmission gets its ground from the ground wires that connect the transmission to the body of the automobile. If any of these wires are injured or rusted, this could be the reason why your car is unable to start.

The engine and transmission ground wires can affect the general ground getting to the starter. Both ground wires would have to be flawless for the starter to work optimally.

Try bypassing this error by connecting the batteries’ negative post to the taster frame by use of a jumper wire. If the fault was the ground on the automobile, then your car should be able to start effortlessly with this connection.

  • Check the Solenoid wire of the Starter

The solenoid is responsible for ensuring the starter engages with the transmission’s ring mechanism, via the ground and the positive can put on starter. If the starter turns loose when cranking, then the hitch is most likely as a result of the solenoid. If this is the issue, check for the smallest wire that links to the starter to confirm if it has dirt or rust.

To rectify this issue, you can pot to avoid the starter solenoid wire. Use a small wire to provide 12v current from the battery to where the solenoid attaches to the starter. You will hear a snap when linking this wire. Lastly, crank the engine to start your vehicle.

  • Jump-Start the Car

In some cases, jump-starting your car may not generate the desired results. Your battery should supply sufficient current to the starter intended for it to work accurately. However, there’s no harm in trying. So, go ahead and jump-start the vehicle with a large battery or a jump-starter. It will aid the framework to trounce any dead spot and give enough power to spin.

How to Bypass the Starter Relay

You can use a screwdriver to bypass the starter relay. The screwdriver is used to bypass a defective starter relay.

Use the screwdriver to join both the solenoid terminal and the positive starter point. This connection should dodge the relay and supply 12v current to the solenoid which will start the vehicle.

  • Check the Engine flywheel

The flywheel is a vast wheel that lies between the transmission and the engine. The starter mechanism employs this wheel when cranking the engine. After taking away the starter motor, set your transmission at neutral.

Ask someone to help you to spin the crankshaft by making use of a breaker bar or a ratchet to turn the center bolt that is situated on the crankshaft pulley. This pulley lies in the front-bottom fraction of the engine. The pulley alternates the drive to run the steering pump, alternator, and other relevant mechanisms. Based on your car model, you may have to remove the wheel to get to the pulley center bolt.

As the flywheel rotates check for missing or damaged teeth. You should replace the flywheel if you discover missing or damaged teeth since it‘s impossible to crank the engine in such a condition.

  • Check Voltage of Battery

By means of a voltmeter, you can measure the voltage obtainable from your battery. This will determine if your battery has enough current to run the starter. To check the battery voltage, set the voltmeter on a voltage greater than the battery voltage and link the terminals on the voltmeter to battery. Then turn on the headlight of the car and record the readings.

A battery that reads 12.4V or below means it requires a hydrometer examine if the battery is older than three years. The voltage may signify one or more cells are dead.

  • Check the Starter Motor

The position of the starter motor on your automobile will depend on the model. It may require you to remove the manifold or raise the car front or any other parts to get rid of the starter motor. To heave your car, use jacks and parking brakes to support it. Don’t forget to chunk the wheels to evade rolling the vehicle. Tauten the starter mounting bolts as loose bolts will avert the starter drive from fittingly engaging the flywheel.

If this occurs, you will hear a crashing noise as you try to start the engine. This is as a result of a clash between the starter’s pinion gear and the flywheel’s ring gear.

When you discover that the mounting bolts are tight, consider removing the motor to check the pinion gear. This is the small gear on the front side of the starter that helps to crank the engine by engaging the flywheel. Inspect the pinion gear to determine if the teeth are damaged or worn out. If the teeth are damaged or worn out, it is impossible to crank the engine.

You can establish the condition of the starter by using a screwdriver to rotate the pinion gear. A functional gear should turn in a single direction. However, it may be faulty if it is immovable, or spin in both ways.

How to start a car with a bad starter with a screwdriver

Screwdrivers, particularly the flathead screwdrivers has multiple uses, including starting a car with a bad starter. So, how to start a car with a bad starter with a screw driver can be in two ways. This method may be unsuccessful in newer vehicles due to the fact that the gears are set in diverse way.

  • Locate the Coil Wire

Open the hood and locate the red coil wire. It will be in different places, depending on the size or model of your vehicle. It is located on the right center of the engine in four-cylinder vehicles. It is on the left of center of the engine in six-cylinder engines.

  • Give Power to the Dashboard

Connect a wire from the positive terminal on the battery; it should signify a red wire running off the coil that you can attach it to. Alternatively, you can attach the wire directly to the coil, on the positive side. This will give power to your dashboard.

  • Locating the Solenoid

For vehicles that are a stick shift, put it in neutral and make sure that the parking brake is on. Then, to reach the solenoid, place your screwdriver on the center top of the steering column, where you see the space that separates the steering column from the steering wheel. Apply pressure onto the screwdriver downward to force the catch pin away and give you access to the solenoid.

  • Jump-Starting the Car

Ensure your screwdriver has an insulated handle, and you grip it by the handle to avoid shock. You’ll notice a small wire at the top of the solenoid and you’ll see the positive cable for the battery. Place your flathead screwdriver across this, the engine should come alive.

How to Start an Automatic Car without a Starter

Can you start an automatic car without a starter? Yes. It is possible provided you can release the steering wheel and the ignition system is on engaged. You can jumpstart using with a screwdriver and the two terminals on the starter selenoid.

Locate the connection of the large battery wire and also the wire after the starter lodging on the selenoid. If it spins the starter without making it start, then it will require you to come off the small terminal to the large one. This will throw the starter gear up against the flywheel ring gear. The method on how to start an automatic car without a starter is strictly for professionals. Avoid doing this yourself as you can severely harm yourself and damage sine electrical components of your car.

How to Start a Car with a Broken Starter

It is risky to jump start a vehicle with automatic transmission as doing this can destroy the transmission. In some cases, when starters get old they refuse to function if they are in a certain position.

It may require you to spin, tap, or sometimes nudge it to get a response. If the starter is at fault, then get it replaced and bolt it in. Ensure you disconnect both battery leads before you commence.

Conclusion

It is important to understand that car starter problems can occur randomly owing to a range of causes. Some common reasons for car starter problems include; 

  • Corroded terminals
  • Loose terminals
  • Damaged or worn-out system gears.

If one of the reasons above is responsible, then starting your car possibly will be an issue. Unfortunately, it may take forever to detect the real cause why your car is unable to start. However, most car problems are traceable to a fault. Try some approaches to help you establish the precise cause why your car is having starter issues.

Irrespective of the car starter problems, the useful tips above should assist you in rectifying the problem.

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How to start a car with a broken starter

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