Where to Tap a Starter Motor to Get a Failing Engine to Crank

If you absolutely must “hit” a starter to get it going, lightly tap the metal motor housing (the larger cylindrical body) near its rear end cap—never the plastic cap, terminals, or gear—while someone holds the key in the Start position. This is a temporary, last-resort trick to jostle stuck brushes or a sticky solenoid; it’s not a repair and can damage modern starters.

Why “Hitting” a Starter Sometimes Works

Starter motors wear out, especially at the brushes that ride on the commutator. When brushes stick or the solenoid plunger hesitates, the motor may not spin even though the battery and wiring are fine. A few light taps can reseat the brushes or free the plunger long enough to get a crank. That said, many modern gear-reduction starters use permanent magnets that can crack if struck too hard, so caution is essential.

Identifying the Right Spot on the Starter

The starter assembly has two main visible parts: a larger cylindrical motor body and a smaller cylindrical solenoid typically mounted on top or alongside it. The correct target is the metal motor housing—ideally the rear (brush) end cap area—because that’s where a gentle jolt can help the brushes make contact.

What the Starter Looks Like Under the Hood

Most starters are mounted low on the engine near the bellhousing where the engine meets the transmission. You’ll usually see a thick battery cable leading to a small cylindrical solenoid attached to a bigger cylinder (the motor). Space is often tight; on some cars, you’ll access it from underneath.

The following list clarifies where to tap and what to avoid to minimize the risk of damage.

• Tap: The metal motor housing (the larger cylinder), especially near the rear end cap where brushes sit.
• Tap: The side of the motor body, using a rubber mallet, wooden handle, or the side of a small hammer—never a full-force blow.
• Avoid: The solenoid’s plastic cap, the electrical terminals, and any wiring or connectors.
• Avoid: The pinion/gear or the ring gear area on the transmission bellhousing.
• Avoid: Fuel lines, oil lines, or nearby sensors.

Hitting the correct area gently reduces the chance of breaking magnets or cracking housings while still giving the brushes a nudge.

Step-by-Step: An Emergency Tap-to-Start Procedure

Use this procedure only when you’re stranded, the battery is known good, and starter access is reasonable. It’s aimed at getting you moving to a safe location or repair shop.

1. Verify safety: Park or neutral, parking brake on, wheels chocked. Keep bystanders clear of the engine bay.
2. Check the basics: Battery terminals tight and clean; lights bright. If the battery is weak, jump-start first.
3. Locate the starter: Trace the thick positive cable from the battery to the solenoid and starter motor body.
4. Choose a gentle tool: Rubber mallet, wooden hammer handle, or a long extension/pry bar to transmit light taps from a safe angle.
5. Coordinate with a helper: Have them hold the key in Start (or press the start button) while you apply light taps.
6. Tap lightly on the motor body: Aim for the rear of the cylindrical housing. Use short, controlled taps—do not swing hard.
7. Stop as soon as it cranks: Once the engine starts, stop tapping immediately.
8. If it doesn’t work after a few tries: Don’t escalate force; repeated or heavy blows can cause costly damage.
9. Plan the fix: Drive directly to a shop or safe place; a starter that needed tapping is on borrowed time.

This approach can buy you one more start, but the underlying problem—worn brushes, a failing solenoid, or internal faults—needs a proper diagnosis and repair.

Safety Precautions and What Not to Do

Working near a running engine and high-current wiring introduces risks. The following points help you avoid injury and further damage.

• Keep fingers, hair, and clothing away from belts, fans, and the starter gear area.
• Do not short terminals on the solenoid; the circuit carries high current that can spark or arc.
• Avoid metal-on-metal hammer swings that could crack permanent magnets in modern starters.
• Never lie under a vehicle supported only by a jack—use stands if you must go underneath.
• Hybrid/stop-start or integrated starter-generator systems: Do not attempt tapping; many don’t use a conventional external starter, and high-voltage safety rules apply.
• If you smell fuel or see leaks, do not strike anything—seek professional help.

These precautions minimize hazards and reduce the odds of turning a roadside fix into a larger repair bill.

How to Tell If the Starter Is the Culprit

Before you tap, match the symptoms. Battery and cable issues are far more common than failed starters, and they can mimic starter failure.

• Likely starter issues: Single loud click with no crank; intermittent no-crank that responds to tapping; lights stay bright when trying to start.
• Likely battery/cable issues: Rapid clicking or dimming lights; slow crank; improved behavior with a jump-start or after cleaning terminals.
• Likely ignition switch/relay issues: No click at all, no change in lights, and no response from tapping the starter.

Correctly identifying the fault saves time and avoids unnecessary parts replacement.

What to Fix After You Get It Started

Once you’re rolling, schedule repairs. A starter that needs tapping is close to failure.

• Replace or rebuild the starter (brushes, bushings, solenoid) as appropriate for the vehicle and mileage.
• Perform a voltage-drop test on positive and ground cables; high resistance can mimic starter failure.
• Inspect and clean engine-to-chassis grounds; add a supplemental ground if corroded.
• Load-test the battery and check alternator output to ensure the charging system is healthy.
• Scan for fault codes on vehicles with start-stop systems; some log starter-related events.

Addressing these items helps prevent repeat no-starts and protects the new starter.

Access Tips by Vehicle Type

Physical access is often the biggest challenge. Here’s where starters usually hide and how technicians reach them.

• Front-wheel-drive transverse engines: Starter sits low, near the transmission; access often from underneath with splash shields removed.
• Rear-wheel-drive trucks/SUVs: Typically accessible from below on the passenger side of the bellhousing.
• Some European cars (BMW/Mercedes): Starters can be buried under intake manifolds; tapping is impractical—opt for a tow.
• Hybrids and vehicles with integrated starter-generators: No conventional external starter; do not attempt tapping.
• Start-stop systems: Starters are heavier-duty but still conventional on many models; exercise extra care to avoid damage.

If access is tight, it’s safer to avoid the tap trick and arrange professional assistance.

Expert Note

Technicians emphasize that tapping is an emergency measure only. On modern, magnet-based gear-reduction starters, even moderate impacts can fracture internal magnets, instantly converting a borderline unit into a dead one. When in doubt, test battery health, confirm clean/secure connections, and schedule proper diagnostics.

Summary

To coax a failing starter, gently tap the metal motor housing—near the rear end cap—while a helper holds the key in Start, avoiding the solenoid, terminals, and gear. Use light taps, prioritize safety, and treat the maneuver as a one-time bridge to a proper repair involving the starter, cables, and charging system checks.

How to properly hook up a starter?

Two cables usually connect the battery to the starter: a red wire and a black or greenish-yellow one. The red wire connects the battery’s positive terminal to the solenoid, while the other cable connects the battery’s negative terminal to the motor. The colors vary depending on the vehicle’s year, make, and model.

Where do I tap my starter to get it to start?

So you’re not going to start hitting your transmission. Or just hitting the starter anywhere. All right so you can see this starter was they broke it because they hit in the wrong. Place.

How to start a car if the starter is not working?

To start a car with a failed starter, you can push-start a manual transmission vehicle by releasing the clutch at a rolling speed. If you have an automatic, you can try gently tapping the starter motor with a hammer or wood block to dislodge any stuck components, which may allow for a temporary start. If these methods don’t work, you’ll need a tow truck to take the car to a mechanic for a proper diagnosis and repair. 
For Manual Transmission Vehicles:

1. Safety first: Park in a safe location and engage the emergency brake. 
2. Get a push: Have one or more people push the car to get it rolling. 
3. Engage and release: Once the car is moving at about 5-10 mph, turn the key to the “start” position (holding it there), put the car in second gear, and then quickly release the clutch. 
4. Roll away: The motion should turn the engine over and start it. 

This video demonstrates how to push-start a manual transmission car: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · May 8, 2020
For Automatic Transmission Vehicles (Temporary Fix):

1. Locate the starter: Find the starter motor, which is usually bolted to the transmission. 
2. Tap the starter: Lightly tap the metal housing of the starter with a hammer or a piece of wood. 
3. Attempt to start: After tapping, immediately try to turn the key and start the car. 
4. Repeat if needed: This might loosen debris or corrosion, allowing the starter to function temporarily. 

What to do if these methods don’t work:

• A tow truck is needed: Opens in new tabIf these emergency steps don’t work, you will need to call a tow truck to get your car to a repair shop. 
• Check the battery first: Opens in new tabBefore assuming the starter is bad, ensure your car’s battery isn’t just dead, as that’s a much more common issue. 

This video explains what to do if tapping the starter doesn’t work: 1mBudget MechanicYouTube · Jan 10, 2025
Important Safety Note: Driving with a bad starter is dangerous. These methods are for temporary solutions to get your car to a repair shop safely.

Why does banging on a starter make it work?

Banging on a starter can temporarily work because the physical shock can dislodge stuck brushes or the armature, restoring electrical contact needed to start the engine. This is a temporary fix for worn-out components and may also free a sticky starter solenoid. However, it is not a permanent solution, and excessive force can damage the starter’s permanent magnets, so gentle taps are recommended. 
Why it works

• Dislodges brushes: Opens in new tabStarter motors have brushes that wipe against the commutator (a rotating part of the armature) to create an electrical circuit. Brushes can wear down, get corroded, or become stuck, preventing proper contact. Tapping can provide the movement needed to get the brushes to make contact again. 
• Frees a stuck armature: Opens in new tabThe armature (the rotating part of the motor) can become stuck in a position where it doesn’t turn freely. A shock from banging can jolt it, giving it enough momentum to start spinning. 
• Moves a sticky solenoid: Opens in new tabSome starter problems involve a sticky starter solenoid, which is the component that engages the starter motor. A light tap can sometimes dislodge the stuck part of the solenoid, allowing it to make the electrical connection to power the starter. 

What to keep in mind

• It’s a temporary fix: This is not a repair; it only helps a faulty starter get one more start, so it can get you to a garage. 
• Don’t hit too hard: Be gentle; excessive force can break the permanent magnets inside the starter, especially on permanent magnet starters, which could cause more damage. 
• When to stop: If tapping the starter doesn’t work, it means the problem isn’t with stuck components and there’s a deeper issue, notes www.tooltally.com.