You turn the key, but your car won’t start. No sound, no engine turning. It feels like a nightmare, especially when you’re in a hurry. But here’s the good news — even if your starter motor is dead, you can still start your car. Yes, really! In this article, you will learn how to start a car without a starter motor, using simple steps that anyone can follow.
Know What You’re Dealing With First
Before you try to start a car without a starter motor, you need to understand the real problem. A bad starter motor can make you think your whole car is broken, but that’s not true. The starter motor is just one part. It helps turn the engine over when you turn the key or press the button. When it fails, the engine won’t even try to start. But don’t panic — there are ways around it.
First, try to listen. Do you hear a clicking noise when you turn the key? Or is there no sound at all? A clicking sound usually means the starter motor is getting power but not working. No sound might mean no power is getting to it. Either way, your car won’t start unless you do something different.
Now check the battery. Many people think the starter is bad when really the battery is the problem. Try turning on the headlights. If they are dim or don’t work, your battery might be dead, not the starter. If they are bright, the problem is likely the starter motor.
Next, check the connections. Look at the wires going to the starter. Are they loose or dirty? Sometimes, tightening or cleaning the wires can solve the problem. Use a wrench and a clean rag to do this safely. Be sure the car is off and the key is out before you touch anything.
Also, look under the car and try to find the starter motor. It’s usually near the engine, often shaped like a small cylinder with wires going into it. If it’s hard to reach, you may need a mechanic later, but for now, just knowing where it is will help.
In some cases, a simple tap with a metal object on the starter motor can help. Use a tire iron or long tool to gently tap it. Do not hit it too hard. Sometimes, this can free up stuck parts inside just long enough to start the car one more time.
- Listen for clicking or silence
- Check the battery and lights
- Inspect starter wires
- Tap the starter motor gently
- Make sure car is off before touching parts
Push Start the Car (Manual Only)
If your car has a manual transmission, this can be your best option. It’s called a push start or bump start. You don’t need the starter motor if you can roll the car and get the engine to turn over another way. It’s like using gravity or force from a friend to do what the starter normally does.
First, find a safe, flat space or a slight hill. Do not try this on a busy road. You need room to roll the car safely. If you have a helper, that’s even better.
Next, get in the car and turn the key to the ‘on’ position. This lets the fuel and electronics work. Now press the clutch fully and put the car in second gear. Second gear works better than first for this method.
Tell your helper to start pushing the car or let it roll downhill. Once the car gets a little speed — maybe 5 to 10 miles per hour — quickly release the clutch. At the same time, give the car a little gas by pressing the pedal.
If done right, the engine will catch and start running. Once it starts, press the clutch again so you don’t stall. Let the car run for a few minutes to charge the battery and warm up.
If it doesn’t work the first time, try again. Sometimes it takes a couple tries. Make sure you are not releasing the clutch too early or too late.
Remember, this only works on manual cars. If your car is automatic, skip this step and try another method.
- Use flat ground or hill
- Turn key to ‘on’ position
- Put car in second gear
- Press clutch and roll the car
- Release clutch and press gas to start engine
Try Jump Starting with a Screwdriver
This trick is only for people who are comfortable touching car parts. If you can find your starter motor, and it’s easy to reach, you can try jump-starting it with a screwdriver. This is called bypassing the ignition.
Make sure the car is in park or neutral with the handbrake on. Turn the key to the ‘on’ position so power is running. Open the hood and find the starter motor. You will see two metal terminals. One comes from the battery, and the other goes to the ignition.
Now, take a screwdriver with a rubber handle and touch both terminals at the same time. This may create a small spark, which is normal. What you’re doing is sending power straight to the starter, bypassing the key.
If the starter is still working a little, the engine might turn over and start. Be careful not to hold the screwdriver there too long. Just a quick connection is enough to start it.
This method is helpful when the ignition switch or starter solenoid is bad, but the starter motor still works. It’s not a long-term fix but can help in a tight situation.
Always wear gloves and eye protection if you can. Be careful not to let the metal part of the screwdriver touch other metal parts nearby.
- Car in neutral or park
- Turn key to ‘on’ position
- Use screwdriver to bridge starter terminals
- Quick spark should start engine
- Only for easy-to-reach starters
Use a Remote Starter Switch
If you have time to plan or fix your car temporarily, you can buy a remote starter switch from an auto store. It’s a small tool with wires and a button. It connects to the starter motor and lets you start the car without using the key.
First, make sure the car is in park or neutral with the parking brake on. Open the hood and find the starter motor. Connect one wire from the remote switch to the battery terminal on the starter. Connect the other wire to the ignition terminal.
Now, turn the key to the ‘on’ position and press the button on the remote switch. If the starter motor is still working a little, this will send power to it and start the car.
This method works well if your ignition switch is bad, but your starter motor still has life. It’s safer than using a screwdriver and can be used more than once.
You can also keep the remote switch in your glove box for emergencies. But remember, this is still a short-term fix. You will need to fix the starter or replace it for long-term driving.
- Buy a remote starter switch
- Connect it to starter terminals
- Turn key to ‘on’ before pressing button
- Safe way to bypass ignition
- Use for emergency starts
Check and Bypass the Starter Relay
Sometimes, the problem is not the starter motor but the relay. The relay is like a small switch that lets power go to the starter when you turn the key. If the relay is bad, your starter will not get power, even if it’s still good.
Open the fuse box in your car and find the starter relay. It’s usually labeled. You can check your car’s manual to find the right one. Once you find it, try swapping it with another relay of the same type, like the horn or lights relay.
If the car starts after switching the relay, you found the problem. You can keep using the working relay until you get a new one.
Another way is to bypass the relay by using a small wire to connect the two terminals that send power to the starter. This is a little tricky and should be done with care. Only do this if you understand where the wires go.
Bypassing the relay can send power directly to the starter. Just make sure the key is turned to the ‘on’ position before you try this.
- Find starter relay in fuse box
- Swap with another same-type relay
- Try bypassing relay with wire
- Key must be in ‘on’ position
- Replace relay if it’s bad
Ask for a Tow or Professional Help
Sometimes, no matter what you do, the car just won’t start without fixing the starter motor. At this point, it’s okay to ask for help. If you’re stuck somewhere, call a tow truck or roadside service.
Tell them the starter motor might be the problem. This helps them know what tools they might need. If you have insurance or a roadside plan, you might not need to pay much.
You can also ask a mechanic to come to you. Mobile mechanics can come with tools and replace the starter on the spot in many cases. If not, they can tow it to the shop for you.
Sometimes, trying too many tricks can make the problem worse. If you’re not sure or if the car is in a bad place, it’s better to let a pro handle it.
- Call roadside help if stuck
- Tell them it’s a starter issue
- Use mobile mechanic if available
- Don’t risk more damage
- Let pros fix or tow safely
Final Thoughts
When your car won’t start, and the starter motor is dead, it feels scary. But now you know you still have options. Whether it’s pushing the car, using a screwdriver, or bypassing parts, there are ways to get moving again. These tips are not just for experts — anyone can try them with a little care and patience. Just remember, these are short-term fixes. For long-term use, you’ll need to replace or fix the starter. Still, this guide gives you the power to take action in the moment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to start a car without a starter motor?
Yes, it can be safe if you follow the right steps and take safety measures. Make sure the car is in neutral or park, the handbrake is on, and you know what you’re doing. Using a screwdriver or remote switch can be risky if you’re not careful. Always wear gloves, avoid metal tools touching other parts, and never try anything if you’re unsure. Pushing a manual car is usually the safest way to start it without a starter motor, as long as you’re in a safe area and not near traffic.
Can I push start an automatic car without a starter motor?
No, push starting does not work with automatic cars. The gears inside an automatic transmission need the engine running to work properly. If your car is automatic, you must try other ways like bypassing the starter, using a remote starter switch, or calling for help. Trying to push start an automatic car can damage the transmission and is not safe. If your automatic car won’t start because of a bad starter motor, you’ll likely need help from a mechanic or a tow.
Do I need any tools to start a car without a starter motor?
Yes, some methods need tools. For example, using a screwdriver to jump the starter motor or a remote starter switch both need tools. You’ll need a screwdriver with a rubber handle, gloves, and maybe a wrench for checking wires. If you’re planning to use a remote starter switch, you’ll need to buy it from an auto store. But for manual cars, push starting does not need any tools, just help from another person or a slope to roll down safely.
Is it bad to tap the starter motor?
Tapping the starter motor is not always bad, but it should only be done gently and as a last try. Sometimes, the inside parts of the starter get stuck, and a small tap can help them move again. Use a long metal tool like a tire iron or wrench, and tap it softly. Do not hit too hard or too many times, because you can damage it more. This is only a temporary trick to get your car started once or twice until you fix or replace the motor.
Can I use jumper cables to start a car without a starter?
No, jumper cables only help if the battery is low or dead. They won’t help if the problem is the starter motor. Jumping the battery sends power, but if the starter isn’t working, that power can’t turn the engine. If you are unsure, you can try jump-starting, but if it doesn’t work and the lights are still strong, the starter is likely the real issue. Then, you will need to try other tricks or get help from a mechanic.
Do I risk damaging my car by trying to bypass the starter?
There is some risk, yes. If you use a metal screwdriver the wrong way or connect wires without knowing the right points, you can cause sparks, short circuits, or damage. That’s why it’s important to be careful, use tools with rubber handles, and never guess which wire goes where. Always turn the key to ‘on’ before trying, and don’t hold the tool in place too long. If you’re not sure, it’s better to ask someone who knows or call a professional.
Is it possible to replace the starter myself?
Yes, it’s possible if you are okay with tools and can find the starter motor. Many people change their starter at home. You’ll need a few wrenches, some time, and a guide or video to follow. First, disconnect the battery, then remove the bad starter and install the new one in the same place. But some cars have starters in hard-to-reach spots. In that case, it might be better to ask a mechanic. Still, it’s a job that many car owners do on their own with success.
Can a bad starter drain my battery?
Yes, it can. If your starter is stuck in the ‘on’ position or keeps trying to turn the engine, it will keep pulling power from the battery. Even if the car doesn’t start, the battery can go dead quickly because of this. You might notice your battery dies faster than usual, or you hear a clicking noise when turning the key. If your battery keeps draining for no clear reason, check the starter motor or ask a mechanic to test it for you.