Question
How to jump-start a car with a bad starter?
First things first, you cannot jump-start a car with a bad starter. However, if the problem is not the starter but the weak battery, then you can start it by jump-starting or push-starting your car. But no matter what method you choose, know that this will only be an intermittent solution.
So, the only reliable solution to a bad starter is to replace it. However, a bad starter is not always the problem. Hence, it’s important to consider other problems that can cause your car not to start. Most of these problems have simple solutions. Here’s how you can resolve some of the issues:
| Problem | Solution |
| Loose starter battery pathway and Corrosive battery | Remove the battery and clean it with water and sodium bicarbonate in equal parts |
| Bad starter relay | Touch the tip of a screwdriver to the solenoid’s battery terminal and the “S” terminal of the solenoid. By doing this, you can bypass the malfunctioning relay and start the car. |
| Stuck starter motor | Use a hammer to tap the starter gently. While this may look silly, it can actually dislodge a stuck starter motor. |
| Low battery voltage | If the battery voltage is below 10 volts while cranking, then that means sufficient power is not reaching the starter motor, causing the car not to start. In this case, replacing the battery is the only solution. |
| Worn or damaged solenoid cable | If the fraying is minor, you can repair and insulate the cable. For more severe damage, splice in a new section or replace the entire solenoid |
| Low fuel | Sometimes the problem can be as simple as low fuel. Make sure to fill up the tank to at least a quarter to prevent damage to the fuel pump and fuel lines. |
Another popular method to start the car is to jump-start it. Here’s how you can jump-start a car:
First, acquire another vehicle for this.
- Find the car battery by opening the hood of your vehicle. If the battery looks bloated or leaks, you may have to replace it.
- If the battery appears to be in good condition, connect the positive terminal of your weak battery to the positive terminal of the spare battery in the other car using the positive wire (red jumper cable) or a jump starter.
- Utilizing the black jumper cable, attach the negative terminal of the charged battery to any exposed metal on the car.
- Your automobile should be able to start as a result, even with a damaged ignition system.
- Now, turn on the ignition and wait a few minutes to let the battery charge.
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