Bump Start my C5?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 369
Likes: 11
From: NV
Bump Start my C5?
Gents....
My 2001 decided to "click" but not crank or start. Over the last few days I have noticed intermittent slow cranks and then some rather normal ones. I got under it and found that when I went to jiggle the wires the entire post on the solenoid had separated from the solenoid itself. The wires remain attached to the broken off post. Battery is 12+v and all of the electronics function normally. My question....given this situation would I be able to bump start the car? It is a manual.
My 2001 decided to "click" but not crank or start. Over the last few days I have noticed intermittent slow cranks and then some rather normal ones. I got under it and found that when I went to jiggle the wires the entire post on the solenoid had separated from the solenoid itself. The wires remain attached to the broken off post. Battery is 12+v and all of the electronics function normally. My question....given this situation would I be able to bump start the car? It is a manual.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
Likes: 1,743
From: Knoxville Tn
the purpose of the starter is to "spin" the engine.
By pushing the car, with the clutch in, and in gear, popping the clutch will spin the motor. Put car in gear (probably 2nd gear) turn on ignition, push car down a hill, and when car is rolling at about 5 MPH let the clutch out and it should start.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 369
Likes: 11
From: NV
Thank you all! I figured i could (and have on previous occasions) but was not sure if this broken post had any other impact on getting and keeping the motor running. And as a side comment.....these broken solenoids seem to be fairly common....i wonder if they began after being hit a few times by broom handles in an effort to fix a "stuck" starter?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,182
Likes: 4,178
From: Kannapolis NC
Since that's the point that ties your alternator to your battery 12v, you may see some unusual charging voltages, or charge faults depending on how hot or corroded the loose connection has made your lugs.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 369
Likes: 11
From: NV
At least I know I can get it to the shop without a tow truck.
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Racer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 458
Likes: 2
From: The Great Northwest
St. Jude Donor '13
I remember a car I had in the 70s that was my only way of starting it for a while! Hard to save money back then to buy the starter I needed. Oh, the good old days. I always looked for a hill to park on, made life easier.
