Starting Handle (Crank Handle)
A starting handle is a crank inserted at the front of older engines to turn them over by hand when there is no starter or the battery is flat.
What is Starting Handle (Crank Handle)?
It was standard on many cars before the 1960s. It is also handy for turning the engine during adjustments. Some classics still carry one in the tool kit. Some engines have a hole in the front bumper for the starting handle.
How it works
The handle engages a dog on the crankshaft pulley so the driver can turn the engine.
Why it matters for your car
Keep the thumb on the same side as the fingers; kickback can injure the hand. Retard the ignition before hand cranking where possible.
Other terms
- Aluminium Body
- Coilover Suspension
- DPF Warning Light
- Fastback
- Forced DPF Regeneration (Service Regeneration)
- Historic Vehicle Registration (Classic Plates)
- Idle Speed Control
- Key Not Detected Warning
- LFP Battery (Lithium Iron Phosphate)
- OBD Port (Diagnostic Connector)
- Paint Oxidation (Faded Paint)
- Pre-ignition (LSPI)
- Rain Sensor
- Shock Absorber
- Side Impact Crash Test
- Split-folding Rear Seats
- Trailer Stability Control (Trailer Sway Control)
- Turbocharger
- Valet Mode
- Volumetric Efficiency