There’s MacGyver. There’s duct tape engineering. And then there’s whatever level of improvisational chaos a New York UPS driver named @silverwithak has unlocked on TikTok. The man started his car (a real, actual car with an engine and everything) using an iPhone charger. No jumper cables. No screwdriver. Just the same Lightning cable you’ve been fishing out from between your couch cushions for three years.
In his now-viral video, he opens with a line that belongs in a motivational speech for the mechanically desperate: “You wanna know how deep in the trenches I am?” Spoiler: very deep. He then pops the hood, reaches into the engine bay, presses the metal tip of the charger against the starter solenoid terminals — and the engine cranks right up. The man had packages to deliver. The car had no say in the matter.
He capped it all off with a text overlay that reads: “Just throw the whole car out big bro.” Which, to be fair, is a perfectly reasonable emotional response.
So… Does That Actually Work? (Yes, and Here’s Why)
@silverwithak BRINGING BACK THIS GEM TOOOO HAHAHAHA #UPS #CARS#FYP #SMART #engineer ♬ original sound – silverwithak
Before every car enthusiast in the comments section has an aneurysm, here’s the thing: this isn’t magic. It’s actually pretty basic electrical theory, just executed with the audacity of someone who is already 45 minutes behind on deliveries.
The starter solenoid is the component that sends power from your battery to the starter motor, normally triggered when you turn the key or press the start button. When @silverwithak pressed the metal tip of his charger against the solenoid terminals, he manually bridged that electrical connection, essentially telling the car “yes, we’re doing this.” The engine agreed.
It’s the same fundamental idea as using a screwdriver to jump a starter — a trick mechanics have known for decades — just done with considerably more chaotic energy and a cable that normally charges a phone to 4% in 45 minutes.
Before You Panic: A Bad Starter Isn’t a Death Sentence for Your Car
The starter motor is a small but mighty component, and when it starts going bad, it tends to make it very clear. According to Firestone Complete Auto Care, warning signs include clicking, grinding, or whirring noises on startup; dashboard lights coming on while the engine sits there doing nothing; or the engine refusing to crank even after a jump. Smoke coming from under the hood is also a sign… And honestly, if you’re seeing smoke, put the iPhone charger down and call someone.
Common culprits behind a failing starter include loose wiring, corroded connections, oil leaks, and the unstoppable passage of time wearing everything down.
The good news? AutoZone puts the cost of a replacement starter between $80 and $350 for the part itself. Factor in a mechanic’s labor and you’re looking at $150 to $1,100 depending on your vehicle — not exactly pocket change, but also not “throw the whole car out” territory. Unless your car is already giving you six other reasons to. In that case, perhaps listen to the universe.
As for the Kia Boys someone mentioned in the comments: they reportedly had no response and could not be reached for comment.