audioal69

Ok most of the time it starts fine but the last few days I get in to start it and nothing. So I get out crawl under with a hammer a whack the starter. Get back in and fires right up. Opinions on if the starter is bad or solenoid? Or dirty contacts considering I have an oil leak that drips on the starter?

audioal69

Anyone? Please help!?!

Jakeshain

If hitting the starter with a hammer works then you're starter is going out. All a starter is a solenoid which when energized the magnet engages causing the gear to shoot out and catch the flywheel thus rotating it and your engine giving you the ability to start. Take the starter off, have it replaced, in doing so make sure that the connections on it were tight prior to taking it off. If the connector was loose hitting it with a hammer may allow for enough vibration that the contact is made. Very unlikely but I've seen this happen.

audioal69

Thanks. I figured that's what it was. I'm just new to xjs so I didn't know if I was missing something simple on it. I'll get it changed in the morning. It's been raining here today and it sucks having to get on the ground in the rain to start it. ?

Jakeshain

I know that feeling, I've been fixing cars and dealing with starters since I was 12, and we didn't have a garage. In the middle of december on the ice under the truck, you don't realize you busted your knuckle till the blood drips on your face lol