When you try to start it, do you hear the starter's solenoid click under the hood?

 

No, no clicking now. Even back when it was just hard starting it would go from almost (but not) getting over the hill, to nothing a couple trys later... there would be no clicking.

 

No click usually means the starter solenoid is not energizing. The solenoid is what supplies power to the starter motor. So it's unlikely (not impossible) that the starter is the problem. Are you positive that the battery is ok? Is the start pushbutton OK?

 

Agree that the first thing to do is test the battery, and the connections (search Twist Test)

Back to your original question


If your hammer can't reach the starter directly a length of board, or broom handle, could be inserted onto the starter. THEN pound on that!


Good luck, don't get stuck!

 

having trouble cranking often in cold weather

(I agree with above)

'Classic' symptom of a weak battery. (although it could be lose connections)

Do you know how old your battery is? The average lifespan is 3-4 years. Although some in warmer climates can live 5 or more, and some in colder climates don't quiet make 3.

 

I experience it recently (cold weather as well). Get some wooden stick or rubber hammer. Someone has to start cranking it and you same time gently hit starter from the underneath. It should work I avoided towing this way. Your symptoms starter giving up...but make sure battery is good as people said above.. Maybe get some booster with you just in case. Changing starter 4-5 h and no manifold off requaired...I have done this from below..there is video on youtube quite easy but you have to be very patience..

 

There is no easy way to change a K24 starter, unless the engine is out of the vehicle.

 

Several things:

1.] Get both your OEM battery load checked, & also get your starter relay checked. This might give you some direction in your search.

2.]. Go to a DIY store & purchase a 1" dowel. Standard length is 3 feet. Should be able to place one end of the dowel on the starter. Pound other end with a hammer / mallet. Saves your broomsticks.

3.]. If you can find one & you have the time, get your starter removed & take it to an auto electric shop to see if they can rebuild it.

 

I'm pretty sure the starter is shot on my wife's 2015. The battery seems to be fine and I'm just getting zero crank out of it. It's been a month or two of it having trouble cranking often in cold weather so I just assumed it was the battery or something.

I've seen that you might be able to get it to start one off by thumping the starter with a hammer, which would enable me to get it to the mechanic without having to pay a couple hundred for a tow truck. Seems the starters are pretty well hidden away though and I would basically have to take apart a fair amount of the engine covers and manifold to get to it?

Attached starter troubleshooting.

Easy to get to starter, need to remove front splash shield and starter is accessible. Attached steps to remove splash shield, also easy to remove starter to test, and/or take it to a starter repair shop.

 

Before you spend money on a new starter, try one more thing. Check the battery connections at the battery and especially where the negative cable is connected to the frame. Corrosion there can cause the exact problem you describe.